THE OHAFIA IMPROVEMENT UNION, INCORPORATED ACHIEVEMENTS
Introduction: The Ohafia Improvement Union Incorporated( formerly called Ohafia Progressive Union) the umbrella body of all organizations in Ohafia, formed by our fore bearers in 1929, stands for the unity , peace and harmony of Ohafia as one indivisible community; to strengthen the bond of fraternity which exists among component villages and for the promotion of justice , equity and mutual respect among the people; aimed at harnessing the energies and efforts of the people of Ohafia; to improve and develop our social, cultural , economic and political wellbeing in the true spirit of understanding and cooperation.
The union has passed through many Presidents General, viz:
1) Rev. Uma Maduekwe
2) Justice Anaga Kalu Uche
3) Prof. U U. Uche
4) Elder Chief J.U.Udensi
5) Chief K.K.Owen
6) Mr. K. K. Oyeoku
7) Sir Jonathan Agbai Kalu
8) Dr. Bernard O. Orji and currently
9) Elder Dr. Ukpai Kalu Ukpai,
The Union has always been spearheading modern developments in Ohafia and was instrumental to the sending of three promising Ohafia young men abroad, in the 50’s, for University education.
They were:
1) Late Prof. Eme Awa
2) Chief Ukoha Igwe and
3) Dr. Ngwobia Uka
These men later came back to become huge assets to Nde Ohafia. The Union established Ohafia High School, now Federal Government College, Ohafia.
However, in recent times, the Union has noted the dwindling interest of Nde Ohafia in Ohafia affairs.
Culturally and traditionally, the union was formed to cater for among other things:
1) Maintenance and improvement of the Cultural, Traditional and Customary Heritage of Nde Ohafia.
2) The Union also eschews the phenomenon of unhealthy rivalries, petty squabbles, bickering among various institutions and provides necessary intervention when such is perceived.
3) It also assists in formulation of protocols of understanding among traditional institutions.
Between 1948 and 1950, the idea of splitting Ohafia into four administrative units was conceived and implemented by the Union, that brought the existence of Ania, Isiama, Ohafor and Okamu.The groupings were intended to bolster up efforts of accelerated and broad based development of Ohafia and avoid a concentrated and localized development of a single area
The various groups brought development to their areas, backed financially and morally by the Union. In this way access roads, school buildings, civic centres and market stalls were built in many villages in Ohafia. under the oversight function of Ohafia Improvement Union Inc . Fortunately, the existence of the four groups in Ohafia did not result in erosion of Ohafia rich cultural and traditional heritage. Ohafia continued to wax strong and catered for the emotional needs of the Ohafia people as one people, despite the groupings.
Following, the constitutional development in the then Eastern Region of Nigeria in 1959, it became necessary to take further steps to emphasize the autonomy and unity of Ohafia people and the Union took advantage of the change which created a House of Chiefs in the Region to nominate Eze Okon Agbai Olugu, the then Udumeze of Ohafia, the clan head and a symbol of Ohafia unity into the House of Chiefs and subsequently appointed.
Under the Chieftaincy Edict No 22 of 1978, Ohafia was one of the recognized autonomous communities having government recognized Chiefs. But, in 1979, Edict No 7, amended the Chieftaincy Edict No 22 of 1978 by creating new autonomous communities, which resulted in Ohafia being split into five autonomous communities, viz: Isiama, Ania, Ebem-Oha, Ohafor and Okamu. In 1981, Okon Ohafia opted out of Okamu and split the autonomous community into two and had Amaukwu autonomous community in addition. Yet, the Udumeze of Ohafia, Eze Okon Agbai Olugu presided at all meetings and once in a while conflagrate at Achichi Ohafia in Elu Ohafia, revered by Ohafia people and compared favourably with the privy council of Britain for decision making.
Achievements of the current OIU executive Committee.
Elder Ukpai's administration focuses on tangible intangible projects with conceptual outcomes, which have not received adequate publicity. It is the belief of the union that a planned Ohafia will be beneficial to everyone .
*Anti-;Cultism Rally
* Restoration of Nde Aku Community School
* Aku Rue Ulue Lecture series
* Reviewed OIU Constitution
* Halted the move to relocate Police Area Command to Arochukwu
* Tackled the branding of Ohafia as IPOB enclave
* Mediated for Peace at Akanu and Okon
*Developed Guidelines for the Monarchs and Traditional Rulers
* Developed 25 Year Ohafia Economic Blue Print
* Received a Powerful Electricity Restoration Report.
*Held Election debates for political office seekers.
*Set up a -7 man Board of Sovereign Trust Fund headed by Chief Awa Kalu, SAN .
*Set up a Security Committee headed by Chief Sunny Mbila, that produced a Security Road map for Ohafia the reports of the committee are being implemented even at Ohafia LGA level.
*Set up Infrastructure Maintenance Committee headed by Elder Ochu I, Ochu.
* Fixed Security Summit on 4th July 2025 but shifted to a future date by the Ohafia LGA for the benefit of other clans
1) Anti- Cultism Rally
Cultism was identified as one of the greatest problems confronting our clan and had assumed a frightening and deadly dimension. The Union noted the effects of Cultism to include:
1 Disruption of Events in the Clan
2 Loss of Lives and Properties
3 Fall in Education Standard
4 Fear and Insecurity
The hydra headed monster was already spreading to schools in the Clan which gave the Union a cause to lose sleep.
It was worrisome that Ohafia of our dream where investors were willing to establish industries was becoming unsecured environment. Reports of deadly shooting in some villages increased dramatically and there were many other types of threats to residents in Ohafia, especially children, that are more likely and, often, more preventable. Such crimes include physical abuse, kidnapping, rape and robbery. The Union could not afford to ignore this reality and was a danger signal for which the Union held a rally tagged Ohafia Si.
The rally had in attendance officers of the NDLEA, DSS, FRSC etc. It sensitized the youths against cultism and encouraged them to resist cult activities. Re-enactment, training and inculcation of moral values were acknowledged as the best way to eradicate the evil act.
(2) Aku Rue Ulue Lecture Series:
The Union has been holding annual lectures on Aku Rue Ulo, aimed at encouraging our sons and daughters to invest at home. Seasoned experts are invited to lecture on the need and reasons for Nde Ohafia to invest at home We have equally recognized those who have established ventures in Ohafia as a sort of encouragement.
(3) Review of OIU Constitution. A Committee set up by the Union has reviewed the Constitution
(4) Restoration of Ndi Aku Community Primary School, Ndi Aku Ohafia and approval of Primary school for Ndi Uduma Ukwu.
The concerted effort of the Ohafia Improvement Union Incorporated to ensure that every town/village has a community school yielded fruit in Ndi Aku Ohafia which for over 3 years was embedded in imbroglio as to the ownership of a school that was renovated by a philanthropist, Dr.Olugu Ukpai, on the request of the community. The Local Government Education Authority posted a headmaster Mr. Chukwu Obasi and five other teachers to commence academic activities who were later chased .The Ndi Aku community School became a subject of controversy when the Dr. Ukpai named the school after his NGO CHAMA. The Union insisted that the school whether renovated or built by a philanthropist must bear the name of the community as it is customary in all community schools. OIU, through her Chairman, Education Committee, Elder C.N Ochu, ensured that academic activates resumed there.
(6) Conduction of election Debates
The Ohafia Improvement Union Inc in ,2023 conducted debate for ALL political office seekers who intended to get votes from Ohafia ( House of Assembly, National Assembly and Governorship candidates) that served as a guide in our choice for 2023.
(3) Several interfaces on the Hope Waddell University issue
The union has made several interfaces on the Hope Waddle university issue. At a time, based on revelation by the Principal Clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Prof. Miracle Ajah during a courtesy visit to find out the progress of the proposed Hope Waddle University ,Ohafia. The Union intervened and visited the Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria His Eminence, Dr. Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika at Calabar in the company of Eze Elder Odum Amogu,Elder Engr. Onuoha and other prominent Okagwe sons.
The Union resolved to get all hands on deck to ensure the resolving of the internal crisis in Okagwe and facilitate the actualization of the University project.
The Union sponsored a wrist bangle which is currently in circulation whose proceeds shall serve as her contribution to the project.
The Union proposed for a Hope Waddell University Project Dinner to sensitize Nde Ohafia on the need for immediate take of of the university and raise fund.
7) Restoration of Harmony among Traditional Instititions
Recently, the Union observed that the growth the Ohafia people expected from Autonomous creation has not been realized and has started bearing fruits that may erode Ohafia of her rich cultures and traditions and cause self destruction.
The Union could no longer watch the gradual dismantling of the huge and powerful monolithic structure of Ohafia by sheer and mere creation sponsored by our own people. The Union struggled to tell an average Ohafia man that ALL was well but a plan to erode Ohafia of her cultural and traditional heritage needed to be halted before the once dreaded and warrior community was thrown into turmoil.
An undue rivalry was observed between Ndi Ezieogo Ohafia, (Monarchs) and Autonomous Traditional Rulers and the two institutions were invited to a Pan Ohafia meeting at the instance of the Ohafia Improvement Union during which their positions for a peaceful coexistence were relayed to the Union in writing.
A seven man committee Chaired by Sir C.N.Lekwa
made an in-depth and critical analysis of the position papers and submitted a report to the union.
The Union then produced An Operational Guidelines for the Two Institutions unveiled at the Pan OHAFIA meeting held on Sunday 29th December 2024.at the residence of Nze UCHE UCHE OHAFIA.
The document should put to rest the unnecessary rancour observed between the two traditional institutions recently, which the Union saw as an attempt to erode Ohafia of her Cultural Heritage.
Hitherto Ndi Ezieogo were part of decisions making on how best to fashion out autonomous creation as instrument of development.
Little wonder then that between 1978 and 2020 (42years) the Ndi Ezieogo and Autonomous leaders worked harmoniously but the current crop of autonomous incursion is seen by Nde Ohafia as a grand plan to destroy Ohafia tradition and culture.
The union conscious of the fact that governance as a connotation revolves on the multidimensional angle of leadership; the people and the right of people to choose. In this practice, wisdom prevails and the custom of any given people is not only sacrosanct but unchangeable.
4) Restoration of Electricity in Ohafia
The Union committee on Electricity has been making efforts to restore electricity in Ohafia. The Union appreciated the initiation made by the former Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Hon
Chidiebere Uwagwu, when the then Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu released N45M for electricity restoration in Ohafia. It worked in tandem with Chief Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa in the battle to ensure that the chronic power outage in Ohafia is restored.
Of recent the Union set up - A 7-man committee codenamed "Operation Restore Electricity in Ohafia," to address the perennial electricity problem in Ohafia. The committee, headed by Dr. Mike Kalu and includes other notable members, has made tremendous impact towards restoring electricity in Ohafia as it is working with Governmental Agencies.
The Committee headed by Dr. Mike Kalu, has the following members .
2) Mr.Ivan Anya,
3) Engr. Kalu George Egbeke
4) TPL LekwaEzutah
5) Chief Nkem Palmer
6)Engr. KaluNwosu
7 )Engr . Mba Dick.
The committee has already started implementing its recommendations, which will end the perennial electricity problem in Ohafia.
5) 25-Year Economic Development Blue Print
- A 12-man committee produced a 25-year Economic Development Blue Print for Ohafia, headed by Prof. Iche U. Kalu. The document directly addresses Ohafia concerns.
- The blue print emphasizes the use of education and employment as key elements to help youth and young adults rise out of poverty.
The Pan Ohafia 12 –Man Committee that produced the 25 year Economic Development Blue Print for Ohafia headed by Prof Iche U.Kalu and other members of the team are;
2)Prof.Ijeoma Emele Kalu
3) Prince Engr.Uma Agbai Olugu
4) Prof.Kalu E. Uma
5) HRH Elder Eze Odum Amogu
6)TPL Lekwa Ezutah
7)Prof.Hart O.Awa
8)HRM Eze Dr.Ezera Uduma
9) Dr.Ulu E. Uduma
10)Chief Sunny A.Mbila
11) Chief Anya Iche
12) Elder Lopez O.M Awa.
The President General had forwarded copies of the Ohafia Economic Development Blue Print to the Director General, Greater Ohafia Development Agency( GODA), Elder Engr. Obinna Odum and Hon.Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa, member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. Obviously, the recommendations are being gradually implemented.
The Operation Restore Electricity in Ohafia reveled the Union's gradual implementation of the Report which lays emphasis on the improvement of physical infrastructure in Ohafia for the enhancement of development, Road network signalling a new Dawn in developmental leap in the ancient kingdom.
The Blue Print emphasis on the use of education and employment as the key elements to help youth and young adults rise out of poverty and become active engaged citizens.
The report is intrinsically attuned to the challenges and opportunities of Ohafia from the grassroots level and reiterates the manifestation of OIU"s desire to raise the level of development in Ohafia.
The union was powered by passion and a vision for a better future for Nde Ohafia.
OIU believes that development in Ohafia must be through concise planning, superior educational and implementation which are the pillars of the document for a New Dawn in Ohafia, which is committed to these ideals
Conclusion: This is just a background of the major highlights of OIU activates in recent time and challenges facing the Union.
Hon. Richard O. Agwu
Secretary General
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