By Henry Uche

Enugu recently came alive as a socio-political group, Ikemba Friends Association, held its 2024 end of year party.

The colourful event attracted the creme de la creme of Enugu State and beyond, who were full of thanksgiving for ending the outgoing year on a positive note.

The gathering of the power brokers was particularly to thank God for His mercies and the preservation of the lives of her members and that of the convener/patron, Chief U.S.A Ikemba Igwesi.

The event was a cocktail of fun as elated members of the association took turns to thank God for ending the year on a good note despite challenges in the nation and the world at large.

Speaking at the event, Igwesi explained that the socio-political association is interested in lifting the lives of people of Enugu State

The former House of Representatives member explained that the annual event had become a ritual, saying: “At the end of every year, we must come together and thank God for protecting our lives and that of our members.

“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, Sir Nnoli Nnaji, noted that he was in attendance to “celebrate with his brother, friend, and the Ikemba Friends Association to mark the end of year.”

He added: “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.”

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(PDP) in the state, Hon. 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 described Igwesi as “someone who bridges the chasm between the rich and the poor in the society”, advised the association to continue on the track they had chosen, accommodating people and doing good.

The executive chairman of Nkanu West LGA, 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 include the Enugu State Chairman of Association of Local Government, Hon. Sydney Edeh; Executive Chairman of Enugu North, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh; the Leader of Enugu State House of Assembly, Johnson Anih; SPA on Political Matters to the Governor of Enugu State, Frank Anioma; SSA to the governor on Mainstream Media, Chief Dan Nwomeh.

Others were a former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Chinedu Nwamba and Enugu Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Dr. Emeka Igwesi

Ikemba friends Association is a socio-cultural group with intent for good governance in Enugu State and Nigeria. It is also a philanthropic organisation aimed at assisting the less privileged in the society; it is also a cooperative organisation with a cluster of members for the purposes of extensive and hi-tech cooperative development.