The Egbu Umuenem had a successful appeal fund outing to complete their hall multi-level hall. The event succeeded beyond the wildest imagination of the planners as the economic situation had worsened.
Several months ago, the dynamic President General (PG), Arch Paul Ebuka Ileka of Egbu Umuenem determined that the abandoned project which had succeeded his two predecessors must be concluded, or least raise the money that will enable his successor to complete the project.
The President had informed members of the community that they not have a source of generating revenues apart from freewill donations or occasional levies the community imposes on itself.
Few months ago, Arch Ileka and the community appointed Hon Ezeakukwu Emmanuel Nsoedo to lead the fundraising effort with well-selected team of proven gentelmen. They were Arch Jude Okoli, Kenechukeu Okeke, Nonso Agbasielo, Onyeka Maduabuchkwu, and Chidi Nsoedo (Omepuluchukwu Foundation). The members hunkered down to work towards realizing a successful launching in a very close consultation with Arch Paul Ileka.
The community had adopted the recommendation generated between the PG and the Fundraising Committee for any of the member of the community to complete the hall within a six-month period, and shall have the privilege to give it a name he or she desires.
The Fundraising Committee also presented a recommendation to the community that as soon as the two-floor cum event enter had been completed, that five percent of all monies generated from the facility must go to the Egbu Education Trust Fund in perpetuity. The Fund was conceptualized by Dr. OJ Mbonu, and unanimously adopted by the community.
The fundraising event was chaired by the charismatic Dr. OJ Mbonu. He piloted the occasion with ease and pleasure. The Obi Umuenem and Egbu, Chief Afam Obiekosi, the Obi Uluoku, represented by Goddy Olisanumba, and Chief Ifeanyi Nsofor were in their element as they pour enduring blessings on the community.
Chief Ben Okoye (Onwadiebube Nnewi) and Chief Dozie Mbanefo (Omekaenyi Nnewi) kicked off the event with the sum of five million Naira each. Though, both of them were unable to be here as they planned. Cletus Okwuduba (Osa) donated three million Naira, Chief Chiedozie Akamelu, two million Naira, Francis Abado Onyeka, two million Naira, Dr. OJ Mbonu, One million Naira; Benji Akamelu, one million; Innoson Chukwuma, one million; Vin Onyeka, one million Naira; Austin Chidolue Onyeka, one million naira, Osita Onumonu, one million Naira, Valentine Onyeje (Akuabata) #700,000.00; etc.
The entrance of Professor Joseph Ugboaja (Ochinata) set the hall on fire. The community had responded well to the numerous development going on at the NAUTH permanent site at Akamili. He and his entourage in the capacity of the hospital. Egbu Umuenmen is his natural constituency because several members of the community work there. He donated generously on behalf of the hospital.
Equally, Ambassador Oddy Nwosu graced the event and donated graciously to the project.
The climax of the event came with the entrance of the Distinguished Senator representing the South Senatorial zone, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah. He spoke of his commitment to the Egbu Umuenem community, especially, the Obi of Umuenem, Chief Afam Obiekosi.
Senator Ubah introduced the legislators that rode on the wing of his party, and they generously donated to the hall project, but importantly, they expressed their appreciation of Senator Ubah who stood with them. Senator Ubah donated the sum of twenty million Naira, and begged that he would not want any story concerning any mismanagement of funds being raised for the project.
The clincher of Senator Ubah’s visit came not with the massive donation, but his avowed commitment to Obi Umuenem that he must visit him with a major project within three months at his residential domain. People were of the opinion that the Senator had committed to working on the road to Obi Umuenem.
The PG, Arch Ileka including Dr. OJ Mbonu were grateful for the Senator’s magnanimity. The Community at large were happy with the support of the Distinguished Senator.