From Ijeoma John, Nnewi
The people of Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State were delighted Saturday, 26th of July, 2025, when 40 years of confusion and crisis over which group was superior was settled by merging Nnewi Youth League, and Nnewi Improvement Union both here and in diaspora into one body called Nnewi United Development Association, (NUDA).
Interestingly, the merging ceremony held at Anaedo Hall, Nnewi, was well attended by illustrious sons and daughters of Nnewi.
Among the dignitaries present were: the Igwe of Nnewi,His Royal Highness Igwe K.O.N Orizu (lll)), fully represented by the Crown Prince,Prince Obianefo Orizu, Obi of Uruagu, Obi Afamefuna Obi (Ogidi IV), Obi of Umudim, Obi Benneth Okafor(Amaukwu), Obi of Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba, (Obidiugwu), the CEO Chicason group, Chief Dr Chika Okafor, the Executive Chairman of Nnewi North, Mayor Echezona Anazodo, Member Representing Nnewi North constituency, Hon. Ike-Edoji,the President General Nzuko-ora Nnewi, Prince Jude Osumuoh, Bar. Lotanna Okoli(SAN)), the Chairman of the occasion, Hon.Dr Ezeakukwu Emma Nsoedo, the Chairman of Reconciliation Committee, Prince Eke Obi, the Secretary of the Reconciliation Committee, Chief Michael Azuka, Chairman Event planning committee of the Association, Prince Chukwudi Ubah, Sir Emmanuel Orji, the four quarters PGs and the host of other dignitaries.
Addressing hundreds of indigenes at Merging Ceremony,which started with a kola nut ritual by the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Dr Ezeakukwu Emma Nsoedo. Hon Nsoedo in his opening remarks, said that our coming today was ordained by destiny. “The merging of Youth League and Improvement Union is akin to Nnewi development renaissance,” Hon Nsoedo said.
Reconciliation Chairman, Prince Eke Obi( KSC) in his remarks said the journey they started today was made possible by God Almighty, adding that about 20 years ago, some people tried it but it didn’t work out.
He said Nnewi community made huge development achievements before the division between the Nnewi Youth League and Nnewi Improvement Union stalled the development strides in Nnewi.
Prince Eke pointed out some of achievements of the organizations before the merger which included: establishment of Nnewi functional Post of Office in 1953, built enduring Nnewi League Hall in 1954, gave Nnewi educational institution, built Classroom blocks, contributed to the development of College Health Sciences, built mortuary at the then Nnewi General Hospital (Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi) and championed vital projects to the wellbeing of the people of Nnewi.
He said God blessed their community, Nnewi immensely with men of timber and calibre and a lot of resources.
“When we started this journey, we consulted a lot of people including our Igwe,who gave us his blessing and we also visited all the three Obis of Nnewi, they also prayed for us to succeed.”
“All the people we consulted supported us including the Mayor Echezona Anazodo, the Executive Chairman of Nnewi North, the Nzuko-ora President General, Prince Jude Osumuoh, because they saw our vision which is to bring development to our community, Nnewi” he disclosed.
Prince Eke further revealed that they taxed themselves in bringing development to their community, Nnewi, especially in building University, and skill Acquisition Center.
The CEO Chicason Group, Chief Dr Chika Okafor speaking during the event said the journey remained a welcome development.
He promised to build a befitting technical school for his community and also University of Technology to promote standard of education in Nnewi town.
Others who spoke during the merging ceremony were: Mayor Echezona Anazodo, Hon. Jude Osumuoh, Sir Emma Orji, among others. They commended the efforts of the Nnewi Reconciliation Committee and promised to work tirelessly to ensure enormous development in their community, Nnewi.
The Chairman of the occasion Dr. Nsoedo, extended a special aporeciation to Chief Nnamdi Ejiefobiri for being present throughout the occasion besides his huge material support.