…We are interested in lifting the lives of our people – Ikemba U.S.A Igwesi
…In Enugu, it’s ‘one day, one project’ under Gov. Mbah – Nnoli Nnaji
It was all pomp and pageantry in Enugu on Sunday, December 1, 2024, as a socio-political group, Ikemba Friends Association, held her 2nd end of year party.
The colorful event which was a gathering of political bigwigs in the state was a platform for the members of the association to thank God for His mercies and the preservation of the lives of her members and that of the Convener/Patron, Rt. Hon. Chief U.S.A Ikemba Igwesi.
Speaking to a PACESETTER correspondent, the Convener/Patron Rt. Hon. Chief U.S.A Ikemba Igwesi explained that the socio-political association “is interested in lifting the lives of our people”.
Rt. Hon. U.S.A Igwesi
The former National Assembly member noted that the annual event had become “a ritual that at the end of every year, we must come together and thank God for protecting our lives and that of our members…”
In his words: “Ikemba Friends Association is a philanthropic and socio-political organization. We are interested in lifting the lives of our people. Our mantra is “Together we shall prosper”.
“We intend to venture into Agriculture, Commerce and Industry for charitable purposes by having a cooperative society. We are members, we believe in ourselves, and from there we move on and see how we can alleviate the lives of people.
“What you’re witnessing is a ritual that at the end of every year, we must come together and thank God for protecting our lives and our members because I had health challenges and our members said they must thank God for their leader and their convener, so, we should be grateful to God almighty for doing this”.
The Chairman, Ikemba Friends Association, Chief Sunny Eze who emotionally recalled how the convener nearly lost his life, reiterated that thanking God for His goodness was the sole reason of the celebration.
“We are thanking God because we are alive to see the first day of December. The devil struck this year. They wanted to take our principal away but fortunately, we see him here celebrating and in high spirits.
“So, it is enough for us as a group, as a people, to thank God. That’s why we are celebrating”.
On his part, the Member representing Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Sir Nnoli Nnaji noted that he was in attendance to “celebrate with my brother, my friend, and the Ikemba Friends Association to mark the end of year”.
“I really thank God for our brother and leader, Ikemba. I appreciate the association for their foresight and determination, despite the tide of things.
“Frankly speaking, from what I observed, I’m impressed with the association for insisting that they would still go ahead and celebrate the end of year and also celebrate their leader. I want them to continue to believe in their leader whom I see the love they have for him”, Nnoli added.
The Knight of St. Sylvester also lauded the strides of the Enugu State governor, stating that “…in Enugu, it’s ‘one day, one project’ under Gov. Mbah.
He prayed for God to continue to guide the association and the founder, wishing the association a greater tomorrow.
The Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Hon. Barr. Steve Oruruo, while offering his goodwill message, noted the similarities he shared with Ikemba Igwesi, adding “If Ikemba believes in something, he doesn’t go back on his words, he stands with you till the end”.
Oruruo who further described Igwesi as “someone who bridges the chasm between the rich and the poor in the society”, adviced the association to continue on the track they had chosen, accommodating people and doing good.
The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. John Ogbodo who traced his relationship to Ikemba as far back as in the days of a defunct socio-cultural group, Wawa United, also thanked God for preserving his life.
Others who took turns to speak prayed for the sustenance of the initiative.
Dignitaries present at the event were Rt. Hon. Sir Nnoli Nnaji; Hon. Barr. Steve Oruruo; The Enugu State Chairman of Association of Local Government, Hon. Sydney Edeh; Executive Chairman of Nkanu West LGA Hon. John Ogbodo and his Enugu North counterpart, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh; the Leader of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Johnson Anih; a former governorship aspirant and former member of Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Nwabueze Ugwu; SPA on Political Matters to the Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Frank Anioma; SSA to the governor on Mainstream Media, Chief Dan Nwomeh.
Others were a former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Nwamba; Former Chairmen of Uzo-Uwani and Enugu North LGAs, Hon. Cornell Onwubunya, Hon. Sir Friday and Emeka Onunze; Enugu Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Dr. Emeka Igwesi; Secretary of Nkanu West LG, Prince Onochie Jon-Igwesi and Enugu PDP Woman Leader.