Award of Appreciation

Diokpa Agu! Onowu nu!! Ndi nneanyi Omu omu nu!!! Ibusa Igwe nu!!!

Members of the ICDU Men’s & Women’s, Wing UK.

Ladies and gentlemen

It is with great pleasure and honour that we gather here today at the UK residence of Chief Felix Nwabueze, affectionately known as Fenlab, for a truly special occasion. Today marks a momentous event as we come together to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Chief Nwabueze for his exemplary contributions and unwavering commitment to our community.

Chief Nwabueze’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in shaping our community into what it is today. His tireless efforts have touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on all who have had the privilege of knowing him. Whether it’s through his philanthropic endeavours, his mentorship, or his unwavering support, Chief Nwabueze has consistently demonstrated his passion for serving others and making a difference in the lives of those around him.

Today, we gather to recognise Chief Nwabueze’s remarkable achievements and to express our sincerest gratitude for his selfless service. His leadership has inspired us all to strive for excellence and to make a positive impact in our own communities.

Chief Nwabueze, on behalf of the executive committee and members of the general house, I am truly honoured to present you with this Award of Appreciation. May it serve as a symbol of our deepest gratitude for your outstanding contributions and as a reminder of the profound impact you have had on our community.

Thank you, Chief Nwabueze, for your dedication, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to making our community a better place. We are forever grateful for all that you do.

Congratulations on this well-deserved honour.

Dr Patrick Justus Nwabudike
President
Ibusa Community Development Union, UK & Ireland.
24/03/2024.

Diokpa Agu! Onowu nu!!, Ibusa Igwe!!! Good evening, ladies, and gentlemen.

Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for entrusting me with the honour of leading our beloved Ibusa Community Development Union here in the UK. I am profoundly humbled and deeply grateful for this opportunity to serve you.

As we stand here today, united by our shared heritage and bound by the ties of community, I am reminded of the immense potential that lies within each one of us. Together, we have the power to shape not only our own destinies but also the destiny of our community.

I stand before you with a vision, a philosophy that I believe will guide us towards a future of prosperity, inclusivity, and purpose. It is a vision that places education at the forefront, recognising that effective pedagogy is the cornerstone of personal and communal development. Education, in its truest form, equips learners for life in its broadest sense. It empowers individuals and groups, enabling them to not only thrive as active citizens but also to contribute meaningfully to economic development and to flourish as individuals in a diverse and ever-changing society. Hold onto this mindset and watch the space!

In my presidency, I interpret the word ‘Union’ not merely as an organisational structure, but as a way of being, a way of engaging with one another and with the world around us. It is a call to action, an invitation to collaborate with boundless enthusiasm, to nurture thriving connections and well-being within our community. It is a commitment to show care and consideration for our own welfare and that of others, and to take active steps towards aiding in our collective development. It is an encouragement to promote observation, loyalty, and change – recognising that progress often requires a willingness to embrace positive transformations.

Together, we embark on a journey of growth and unity. Let us stand hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, as we face the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Let us be guided by the principles of equity and social justice, ensuring that every member of our community is heard, valued, and empowered.

As your president, I am here to serve you, to listen to your voices, and to work tirelessly towards the betterment of our community. I am committed to leading with an open heart, a clear mind, and an unwavering dedication to our shared goals.

Let us move forward together, with hope in our hearts and a vision in our minds, knowing that the strength of our union lies in each one of us.

Thank you, and may we embark on this journey with courage, compassion, and unity.

Explicitly by:

Dr Patrick Justus Nwabudike
President – ICDU UK
01/10/2023

The peace initiative by Hon Innocent Esewezie, the Oshimili North Local Government Area Council Chairman and Ibusa Community Development Union on Sunday recorded great milestone as the Traditional Ruler of Ibusa, Prof. Louis C. Nwoboshi visited and paid homage to the Diokpa of Ibusa, Onowu Paul Ijeh for the first time.

The official visit marked the end of a protracted dispute which predates both the monarch the oldest man in the community. It also puts to bed all negative claims about either of the parties not wanting peace as they could be seen discussing, laughing and having a good time. Both the Diokpa and Obuzor also took pictures alongside other chiefs as history was made today.

The Obuzor while speaking went through memory lane on his bond and friendship with the current Diokpa many years ago. He also told the story of the history of Diokpaship and Eze in Ibusa before adding that peace was truly here to stay in the town because nobody would be allowed to bring any misunderstanding going forward. Onowu Ijeh backed the monarch by urging everyone to let peace reign. He called on those still aggrieved to be forgiven and throw away bitterness. He emphasized the need to speak the truth and noted that today marked a very happy day for him seeing the traditional ruler in his house.

On a final note, Hon Innocent Esewezie, ONLGA Chairman called on those present to allow the Diokpa and Obuzor to relate not just as Father and Son which they are, but as friends and brothers too. He urged everyone to put the interest of Ibusa first in dealing with issues relating to Ibusa and thanked both the Obuzor and the Diokpa wholeheartedly for being so supportive of the peace initiative starting from the first day it started.

Some of those present were the Odogwu of Ibusa, Chief Charles Okonkwo, the Uwolo, Chief Amaechi Nwaenie, the Omu-Igbuzo, Josephine Nwannabuogwu, the Nshiweze, Dr. Austin Obidi, the PG ICDU, Chief Victor Uchunor, members of Obuzor in Council as recently constituted, Diokpa council, many chiefs to mention a few.

 ~ Comr. Chiedu Bandoh, P.A. to the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area on Media and ICT.