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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
In the history of a people, times are when they remember their past heroes, those who have made their marks on the sands of time in different strata of life when they were alive, and in a very intentional manner, decide to honour them.
For the people of Ohafia, in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, such time has come and a group, the Ohafia Think Home (OTH), a socio-cultural organisation that dignifies humanity, culture, and foster community development through an advocacy termed “Okuko Kpara Lua Ulue”, which means “Bring Home Your Wealth for Development”, said it would, later in the year, honour 26 outstanding personalities from the 26 villages that made up Ohafia.
Top on the list of those to be celebrated who did not only make bold and hard-to-erase imprints in their communities, but, also, in Nigeria and the world at large, is late Prof. Eni Njoku (Ebem Ohafia), the first Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), (1962-65), and later University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), (1966-70).
Equally on the list are late Prof. Kalu Ezera (Asaga Ohafia); late Ambassador Ochea Uduma Ikpa (Akanu Ohafia); late Prof. U.U. Uche (Okon Aku Ohafia); late Justice Kalu Okpan Anya (Amaekpu Ohafia); late Chief N.N Kalu (Amangwu Ohafia); late Chief Sam Onuka (Amuke Ohafia); late Elder Ndu Amaekpu Ndu (Abia Ohafia); late Chief I.K Eziyi (Ndi Orieke Okwara Ohafia), and late Chief Inspector Sam Amah (Amuma Ohafia).
Also on the list are late Chief Raleigh Ejituru Nmaju (Isiugwu Ohafia); HRH late Eze Ogo Uduma Ugbu Okereke (NDI Amogu Ohafia); late Chief Eke Kalu Ukoha (Ibina Ihenta Ohafia); HRH late Eze Ibem Onum Ndukwe (JP) (Ndi Ibe Ohafia), late Dr Ukeh K. Kalu (CON) (Isiugwu Ohafia); late Chief Uduma Abosi Uduma (Ndi Okala Ohafia); late Chief Okorie Ukoha Ibe (Ufiele Aku Ohafia); late Chief Udo Kalu (Ndi Uduma Ukwu Ohafia), and late Elder John Otta Okorie (Oboro Ohafia), among others.
The event, which will be held in remembrance and celebration of the 26 past heroes, is tailored to ensure one hero will be honoured from each of the 26 communities of Ohafia.
Throwing more light on the event with the theme “Honouring Our past Heroes, Inspiring Our Future”, media coordinator of the event, Stanley Mba, said the President of OTH, Chief Chukwudi Kalu Agbara (Agumba 1 of Ohafia) believes that honouring the past heroes of the 26 communities, the first of its kind, is to appreciate their outstanding contributions to the development of their communities and Ohafia at large.
Mba said, “The decision of OTH, under Chief Agbara to remember and celebrate the fallen heroes of the 26 communities, the first of its kind, is to appreciate their outstanding contributions to the development of their communities and Ohafia at large.
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“When you hear their stories, you will value their selflessness and love for their communities, an impact that people of today have failed to emulate”’.
“We, therefore, want to awaken the ‘give back to your community spirit’ in the lives of the living and encourage every Ohafia son and daughter to make impacts that their communities will remember them for”.
It was disclosed that 20 communities have already submitted the names of their Heroes, while the remaining six were expected to submit theirs soon.
Agbara was of praises to the traditional rulers of the various communities for the warm welcome the OTH team received when they visited their domains.
Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, who is a son of the soil, is expected to be the Chief Guest of Honour, while the event will be chaired by the Director General, Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), Obinna Odum.
Mba said aside from members of the heroes’ families, traditional rulers, led by the Paramount Ruler of Ohafia, Ezie Ohamoha Awa Orji Udonsi, Udumeze Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, will grace the occasion with his royal presence.
Other expected guests of honour include, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, member Representing Arochukwu – Ohafia Federal Constituency; Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke, member representing Ohafia South State Constituency, and members of the various communities, while the President General of Ohafia Improvement Union (OIU) Worldwide, Chief Kalu Ikpemini, will deliver the keynote address.
He thanked Chief Agbara (Agumba 1 of Ohafia), a known philanthropist, for the initiative and financing of the event.
Mba described Chief Agbara as an inspiration to many, owing to his dedication to human capital development and the growth of Ohafia in general.
