By Eche Nwaobasi
Nnewi
It was encomiums and praises galore for a Lagos-based business tycoon high chief, Ernest Anyaeche, aka Orimili Ochendo and the likes of chief Arinze S. B. Anyaora, MD and C.E.O of Benzona Nig Ltd, for their exemplary contribution to community developments in Aguluzoigbo, Aniocha L.G.A. Anambra State.
It was at the new edifice that the Lagos-based business mogul and philanthropist handed over the key of completed multi million Naira ultra modern village hall, of which he was a chief donor to the executives of Uffa village Association (U.V.A) led by Hon. Ezuluike Uchenna last Thursday 3rd January 2025.
According to the history of the village hall, the idea of building a village hall started in the year 1974 about 51 years ago with a donation of a parcel of land by one late Mr. Julian Ogbuedebe a.k.a. (Uchechukwumee) during the Chairmanship tenor of one late Sir Stephen Ofomailo Anyaorah (Ide 1 of Ozuluzoigbo).
Then, in the year 2000, the old building was renovated by one Chief KJ Adogu (Okuagbamili).
While in September 2021, the Uffa village association administration led by one Chief Eddy Nwagbo (Ezediorama Anaocha) pulled down the entire building with an ambition of erecting a bigger building but could not finish it as it got stalled at window level.
It was gathered that it was from there that the philanthropist took over the project on May 23rd, 2023, and singlehandedly completed the building as a way of helping to develop his village “Uffa Village”.
Newsmen gathered that the philanthropist apart from this project had earlier sponsored the building of a General Hospital Road, construction of Pa Paul Anyaeche Road, Ihulu/Uffa Village boundary gate way, Ifite/Uffa Village boundary gate way etc.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chief Elochukwu Nwokedike, President General of Aguluzoigbo Development Union (A.D.U) while commending the philanthropist on what he described as his wonderful development gestures to the community, urged other wealthy individuals and well meaning citizens of the community to emulate the philanthropist to develop their surroundings even as he called for unity and practice of love among the people stressing that the town will develop further in an atmosphere of tranquility, peace and love of each other.
Earlier in a welcome address, Hon. Ezulike Uchenna, Chairman Uffa Village Association (U.V.A) had thanked God for using one of their siblings, High Chief Ernest Anyaeche to realize their dream of having a decent and magnificent Ultra Modern hall as their village hall for their meetings. He also expressed happiness on the activities of past leaders of the village both living and departed ones, Patrons among them are Chief K.J Adogu, the grand Patron, Chief Arinze SB Anyaora, Sir Walter Adogu, Chief Jonas Nwagbo etc for their support and commitment to the community and village development.
Adding his voice, Chief Arinze SB Anyaora a former President of Onitsha Federal Housing Estate 3-3 Onitsha and one of the community leaders in Aguluzoigbo thanked God for using prominent indigenes of their town to bless their community and appealled to other well meaning Nigerians to emulate the community.
