By Brown Chimezie
Umuoji Civic Centre, Apapa, Lagos was agog on Sunday, November 26. On that day, members of Umuoji Improvement Union (UIU), who are indigenes of Umuoji, a community in Anambra State, were at the venue in their numbers to witness the patron investiture and merit award ceremony in honour of their kinsmen and women.
Among the awardees was Chief Tony Onyima, former MD/Editor-in-Chief, The Sun Publishing Limited who became patron of the association.
There were several dignitaries at the event, including Igwe of Umuoji, Dr. CN Enweze, Dr. Victor Anyaegbunam, President-General Umuoji Improvement Union (UIU), Nigeria, Nonso Ekpunobi, President, UIU, Lagos branch, and Ukatuegwu Boniface Oderaa, chairman of the event.
The ceremony showcased the rich Umuoji culture, just as a live band led by a popular Igbo high life maestro entertained the guests.
The event began with the traditional breaking of kola nut by the Igwe of Umuoji who prayed for blessings on the sons and daughters of the community at home and abroad. As he prayed, there were thunderous responses of ise, ise, as the people chorused their endorsement of the royal father’s prayers.
In his address UIU president, Lagos, Hon Ekpunobi paid tributes to the traditional ruler of Umuoji, Igwe Enweze for being present at this year’s award.
While giving insight into the evolution of the association, Ekpunobi said UIU Lagos is the umbrella body that unites and accommodates all indigenes of Umuoji resident in Lagos and its environs, irrespective of gender and social statues.
He said the group was committed to actively raising the quality and standard of life for every indigene of Umuoji in Lagos and elsewhere. “It is our goal that all indigenes, regardless of social status, reach their desired potential by providing step by step assistance and moral support to help them grow,” he said.
While commending members of the association for their unflinching support, Ekpunobi noted that for the past six years of his administration as president of the association, UIU members have laboured to ensure that they achieved their goals as a group. At the national level, he said the association had played its role by also supporting the parent body of the association, especially in promoting security at home.
He said it was in this regard that the association decided to honour distinguished indigenes of Umuoji for their roles in uplifting the town.
In his own remarks, the Igwe of Umuoji commended the leadership of the association in Lagos for its ability to unite members towards a common goal. He said over the years, UIU had served as the platform where welfare matters affecting members are adequately addressed.
While charging members of the association to be steadfast and to continue to support UIU, the royal father said with millions of Umuoji indigenes in the Diaspora, the association remains the only umbrella to shield them from the harsh socio-economic condition of the day and to also help connect them to developments at home.
When it was time for the award, glowing tributes were showered on the awardees as the citation of each was read.
When Chief Onyima and his wife stepped forward to receive the certificate and plaque inducting him as one of the patrons of the association, the hall was electrified, as friends and well wishers applauded his contributions to the association.
While acknowledging cheers from his people, Chief Onyima said the award would further encourage him to do more in the service to humanity.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Eric Osagie, MD/Editor–in-Chief, The Sun Publishing Limited said: “Truly, this is one award well-deserved and a testimonial to your exemplary leadership qualities.”
In another message, Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity who succeeded Onyima as MD of The Sun Publishing Limited, described Chief Onyima as a diligent worker. In his words, “after serving the Umuoji Improvement Union, Lagos Branch, meritoriously for 12 years as publicity secretary and president, this has paved way for him to become a patron of the association.”