From Ijeoma John, Nnewi
The Nnewi Reconciliation Committee has officially merged the Nnewi Youth League and Nnewi Improvement Union both in Nigeria and diaspora into one body called Nnewi United Development Association (NUDA).
The merging ceremony held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Anaedo Hall, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, had in attendance illustrious sons and daughters of Nnewi home and in diaspora.
Among the dignitaries present were: the Igwe of Nnewi,His Royal Highness Igwe K.O.N Orizu lll, fully represented by the Crown Prince, Dr 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, Nnewi United Development Association, Prince Eke Obi, the Secretary of the 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.
Some of the Trustees present who played significant part in both Nnewi Youth League and Nnewi Improvement Union were incorporated as members of the Trustees of Nnewi United Development Association (NUDA) Chief Emma LN Okonkwo and Chief Onyejiana (Nnatubeugo Nnewi). Some of the heroes who worked very hard to see the realization of today’s event were Chief Nnamdi Ejiefobiri (Urukanachukwu), Dr OJ Mbonu (Ozuome Nnewi) and many others.
Prince Obianaefo Orizu in his address said they did not gather to witness a merger but to mark a historic reaffirmation of purpose between two of Nnewi’s developmental organizations, who after almost forty years, have chosen peace over fragmentation, responsibility over rivalry and vision over vanity.
Nnewi Youth League formed in August 10,1948, according to Nnewi Crown Prince, achieved a lot. He mentioned some of the achievements of Nnewi Youth League as; gifted Nnewi with a functional post Office in 1953, built enduring Nnewi League Hall in 1954, gave Nnewi first community educational institution, Nnewi High School, contributed to the development of College of Health Sciences Nnewi, and erected the mortuary at the then Nnewi General Hospital, now (Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi).
According to Dr Obianaefo Orizu, the Nnewi Improvement Union was formed in 1986. It championed vital projects to the wellbeing of the people of Nnewi. It acquired a large parcel of land and built a befitting national headquarters in Nnewi located on Oba Nnewi Okigwe expressway. The Improvement Union also built some operating theaters at now NAUTH Nnewi.
“Today, the two organizations have chosen the higher path to unite under one banner; Nnewi United Development Association” he said.
He appreciated Nnewi Reconciliation Committee and all that made it possible after nearly four decades, atressing that no developmental organization is, nor should be an administrative authority over Nnewi affair.
Obianaefo categorically stated that the sacred mandate of administering Town Union matters rest exclusively on Nzuko-ora Nnewi, warning that the new Assembly should not repeat error of the past which according to him put the community into confusion and crisis.
He charged the new body to uphold its name not as a fusion of former bodies but as a platform for practical service, sacrifice and sustained development.
Prince Obianaefo encouraged them to stay together and work together to achieve massive results.
Stay tuned for part two