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By Tony Udemba
This weekend, November 7, 2026, the Abia State Town Unions Association ( ASTUA) is set to play host to the creme de la creme of sons and daughters of Abia State resident in Lagos, as well as the entire Igbo community, friends and associates, at the 2026 Abia Day Celebration in Lagos. In an exclusive interview with Daily Sun recently, Mazi Chuks Nwosu, President-General, Abia State Town Unions Association, stated that the Abia Day Celebration would serve as an occasion for honouring deserving sons and daughters of Abia State who have distinguished themselves in various sectors of the nation’s socio-economic development. He stated that the event would also be used to raise funds for the construction of a befitting town hall and permanent headquarters for ASTUA in Lagos. He called on Abians and the entire Igbo community to be part of the occasion, assuring participants of a wonderful time out at the event.
Nwosu spoke on other topical issues concerning ASTUA, Abia and Ndigbo.
Brief introduction…
I’m Mazi Chuks Nwosu, President-General, Abia State Town Unions Association. I’m from Umuiku-Ozar Asa, in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State. I am a media and management consultant, community leader, businessman and marketplace evangelist.
Over the years, I have dedicated myself to promoting the welfare, unity and development of Abia indigenes residing in Lagos. As PresidentGeneral, I provide strategic leadership and coordinate the activities of the various town unions and community associations under our umbrella body to ensure the collective progress of our people.
What is the Abia State Town Unions Association and which town unions and community associations are affiliated with it?
The Abia State Town Unions Association is the apex socio-cultural and community organisation representing recognised Abia town unions and community associations in Lagos State. It serves as a platform for unity, cooperation, and collective advancement among Abians living in Lagos.
The association comprises town unions and community development groups drawn from the 17 LGAs of Abia State, all working together to promote the welfare, progress and unity of our people.
What are the major objectives of setting up the association?
ASTUA was established out of necessity following the creation of Abia State from the old Imo State. For many years, our people were united within their respective towns and communities but lacked a common platform as Abians in Lagos.
The association was, therefore, founded to promote unity, protect our collective interests and provide a strong voice on issues affecting Ndi Abia. The core objectives include: Uniting all Abians in Lagos under one umbrella; promoting our culture, language, and identity; fostering peace, brotherhood, and cooperation among Ndi Abia; supporting the development of Abia State; enhancing the welfare of our people; empowering youths, women and businesses; and building a befitting Abia House/Town Hall in Lagos as a common home for all Abians.
What are the major challenges facing the association and how is the leadership addressing them?
Like many socio-cultural organisations, ASTUA faces challenges such as inadequate funding, low participation from some members and the rising cost of executing developmental projects.
To address these challenges, we have intensified engagement with member unions, improved transparency and accountability, strengthened partnerships and introduced initiatives designed to encourage greater participation and support.
By the grace of God, significant progress has been recorded. When I assumed office early this year, only about 23 communities were registered and actively participating. Today, we have 55 registered communities, financially up-to-date, reflecting renewed interest and stronger commitment to community service among our people.
What is the forthcoming fundraising event about, and what are your expectations?
The fundraising event is aimed at mobilizing resources for the construction of a befitting town hall and permanent headquarters for ASTUA in Lagos.
This project will provide a central gathering place for Abians in Lagos and serve as a lasting symbol of our unity and identity.
We expect the event to bring together sons and daughters of Abia State, friends, well-wishers, corporate organisations and development partners who share our vision. We are optimistic that the support received will move the project significantly forward.
Which prominent personalities are expected on the occasion?
We are expecting a distinguished gathering of traditional rulers, political office holders, captains of industry, respected business leaders, community stakeholders and prominent sons and daughters of Abia State.
Our Royal Father of the Day is His Eminence, Engr. Dr. Eberechukwu Kanu Oji, Eze Aro IX of Arochukwu Kingdom, a revered first-class traditional ruler.
Their presence will further demonstrate their commitment to the unity, welfare and development of Ndi Abia.
What is your message to Ndi Abia in Lagos on the need to attend in large numbers and donate generously towards building a befitting town hall?
I sincerely appeal to all Ndi Abia in Lagos to come out in their numbers and support this noble project. The proposed town hall belongs to all of us. It is an investment in our collective future and will benefit both present and future generations of Abians in Lagos.
No contribution is too small. Every donation represents an investment in our heritage, unity, identity and progress. Together, we can build a facility that reflects the pride, achievements and aspirations of our people.
How would you rate Governor Alex Otti’s administration, particularly in terms of governance and development?
Governor Alex Otti’s administration has attracted considerable attention for its efforts in infrastructure development, public sector reforms and governance.
Many citizens have acknowledged ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at improving the state’s development and overall quality of life. As community leaders, we encourage the continued pursuit of good governance, economic growth, security and improved living standards for all residents of Abia State.
Do you believe Governor Otti has performed well enough to deserve re-election for a second term?
Ultimately, the decision rests with the people of Abia State. In any democratic society, citizens should assess their leaders based on performance, policies, integrity and the impact of their leadership on the lives of the people. Governor Otti has demonstrated positive efforts in several areas of governance.
If the electorate believes that the administration’s achievements warrant continuity, they will make that decision through the ballot box. What is most important is that voters make informed decisions based on facts, performance and measurable outcomes.
As electioneering activities gather momentum, what is your message to politicians on peaceful and issue-based campaigns?
I urge all politicians and their supporters to conduct peaceful, respectful and issue-based campaigns.
Elections should focus on ideas, policies, programmes, and solutions to the challenges facing our people rather than personal attacks, violence, or divisive rhetoric.
Democracy thrives when political actors compete responsibly and place the public interest above personal ambitions.
What is your message to Nigerians on voting wisely and electing credible, competent, and responsible leaders?
My message to Nigerians is simple: vote with your conscience and in the best interest of the nation.
Citizens should carefully evaluate candidates based on their character, competence, integrity, track record, and capacity to deliver results. We must move beyond politics driven by ethnicity, religion, or financial inducement and instead support leaders who are committed to good governance, accountability, national unity, and sustainable development.
The future of our country depends largely on the choices we make at the ballot box.
Thank you for the opportunity to share our views. We remain committed to the unity, welfare, progress, and development of Ndi Abia, both in Lagos and across the world.
