– As Commendations, Accolades Trail Engr Stanley Ukaga-Led exco’s Quality, Result-Oriented Leadership
Uratta Development Association (UDA), the apex umbrella body of the six component autonomous communities in Uratta Ancient Kingdom, Owerri North Local Government Area, of Imo State, on Tuesday December, 24, 2024 organized the maiden edition of the Uratta Merit Awards where illustrious indigenes of the area who have distinguished themselves in different spheres of human endeavour and contributed to the socio-economic development of the area were recognized and conferred with Merit Awards.
Orie Uratta where the event was held was agog with activities as the award recipients accompanied by their relatives, friends, associates and well wishers, dressed in colourful attires danced to the sonorous music played by the live band.
They, in their separate speeches commended Chief Engr Stanley Ukaga (Dike eji eje mba) and his executive for their exceptional, purposeful and result-oriented leadership that has changed the narrative in addition to setting an enviable and unprecedented standard that will remain a reference point for a very long time.
They also applauded members of the Award Planning Committee led by Dr Roland Ariri for their relentless efforts that culminated in a successful and hitch free event.
In his speech, the National President General of (UDA) Engr Stanley Ukaga, who traced the history of “Uratta Ofor Asato, Mba Iri” and Uratta Development Union that has metamorphosed into Uratta Development Association (UDA), said, “Our revered traditional rulers, our esteemed elders, distinguished guests, members of the Uratta Development Union, award recipients, ladies, and gentlemen. It is with immense joy and gratitude that I stand before you today to welcome you to this remarkable occasion, the bestowing of our pioneer merit awards on deserving sons and daughters of Uratta. This event is not just a celebration but a testament to values we hold dear as a community-hard work, excellence, and service to humanity.
We are gathered today to honor these remarkable individuals whose contributions have uplifted the name of Uratta. To celebrate those who have excelled in their chosen fields, and those who have selflessly dedicated themselves to the progress of our community. Through their efforts, they have reminded us that greatness is achieved not only through personal success but also through the positive impact one makes on others and in these cases on our communities.
In a special way, I want to acknowledge our dear departed fathers, who we are also celebrating today. Today’s recognition is a reflection of their sacrifices and your commitment and remarkable achievements. You all have inspired us with your dedication, and your accomplishments serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for us today and for generations to come. I would like to commend all those who in one way or the other made today a reality, especially members of the planning committee. That despite the short time frame (barely 2 months), we are witnessing a truly well packaged historic event. It is through occasions like this, that we nurture our spirit of unity and inclusiveness. Let us continue to create a culture that celebrates our own. Your efforts in identifying and recognizing these exceptional individuals out of the many who were and are as qualified, speaks volumes about your dedication in determining and maintaining the standards that were established.
Once again to our traditional rulers, our communities, distinguished guests and supporters, your presence here today has added immense value to this occasion. It reflects the shared pride and solidarity that bind us together as a people. Together, we are creating a legacy of unity and progress for Uratta that will be remembered for generations. I encourage us all to draw inspiration from the stories and achievements of the awardees. Let us also renew our collective commitment to the development of our beloved Uratta, ensuring that our community remains a symbol of peace, unity, excellence, progress and resilience”.
He further said, “My administration has met and exceeded all assignments set for us and promised by us. We may remember that upon our swearing in, on December 14th 2022 we got challenged with the organization of the maiden Uratta Day Convention on 24th December 2022, in barely 1 week we were able to achieve this. Shortly thereafter in less than 2 months we again had to organize and host the Onwa Oru festival of February 14th 2023. An occasion adjudged by all as the best in recent memory. On February 17th 2024, where despite the activities of some of our misguided sons, we overcame the enormous security threats posed by them and hosted a much larger and elaborate Onwa Oru festival. And for the first time in recent history all the 6 traditional rulers in Uratta were in attendance, seated with their communities and with their palace cabinets.
I had made a promise at the December 2023 Uratta Day Convention that I would kick start the rehabilitation of the Customary Court and Education Secretariat at Umuoba that had fallen into ruin for many years and the reactivation of our civic center here in Orie market square. Our distinguished son and Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi heard my appeal and quickly set to work, to rebuild and rehabilitate these 2 structures. While these discussions were ongoing, he also indicated his resolve to bring the NASENI Regional Skills Center to Imo and Uratta. I assured him of the availability of land and consequently liaised with the then Sole administrator of Owerri North Local Government Area, Chief Tony Umezurike, requesting for land within the Local Government headquarters for the project. The DAGS, Chief K.I Amadi who took over the administration of the Owerri North LGA from Chief Umezurike, subsequently approved the land where the fully built skills center is currently located. These structures and facilities must be secured and protected with the assistance of our various vigilante groups in Umunahu and Owalla, the Police has carried out a number of arrests of those caught vandalizing our Uratta Secondary School.
With our assistance the police have also arrested the gang and cult leader who has been terrorizing our Uratta Secondary School. This has restored some sense of normalcy to everyday school activities, but a lot more remains to be done. This includes the completion of the fencing of the school and rebuilding the vandalized facilities. We are working towards these projects and hopefully with your support, some of them will be actualized in 2025. I must also commend the dedication and commitment of the Principal Dr. Mrs Rose Ngoka and her staff, who are making tireless effort within their insufficient means to restore the school’s lost academic glory. We all, alongside the Old Students Association and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) are challenged to do more, in order to improve the standards expected of this premier institution that bears our collective name.
A land without security of lives and property cannot develop or sustain meaningful development in all aspects. All these infrastructure we are attracting, our homes, businesses and lives must be secured. To this end we are establishing a central vigilante(homeland security) squad and we solicit your generous assistance in funding and equipping it. Many of our sons and daughters living outside our state and those in the Diaspora are reluctant to come home or invest in our communities because of insecurity. I congratulate those who are weathering the challenging environment. But we must as a matter of urgency and priority strive to secure our land and collective properties”.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the occasion Dr James Akujobi FSI, MNSE, FSPSP, Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Abuja, harped on the need for indigenes of the area to contribute meaningfully to the development of their respective communities and Uratta ancient kingdom in general. He urged them to encourage and support the Engr Stanley Ukaga-led executive of UDA to excel, having exhibited transparency and passionate commitment to the development of Uratta.
Aside the conferment of merit awards, the high point of the event was the inauguration of the newly constituted Board of Trustees, (BoTs), the Women Wing, “Mgboto” and Youth Wings respectively, comprising men, women and youths of impeccable character and unblemished track records who were carefully screened and selected to make meaningful contributions that will further fast track the actualization of set goals and objectives. The BoTs, has Prof Anthony Emeribe as Secretary, Arch Chief Amango Ugorji, Prof Samuel Onyekuru, Chief Barr Fabian Ndukwu, Chief Uzoma Obinna, Chief Nkem Cookey, Chief John Onu and Chief (Sir) Bernard Onyiruika KSJI, as members.
His Royal Highness, Eze Dr Onu Egwunwoke (MSN, CFR), Prof A.N.U Njokuobi FMCPath KSC, Dr Solomon Oguike, Nze Dan Orji, Chief Michael Emeribe Ejimofor (Jim Jim) and Chief Ambrose Olumba Onyewwuchi, received posthumous awards.
Others who received merit awards in different categories are, H.R.H. Eze Dr. Onu Egwunwoke (MSN, CFR), Prof. A.N.U Njokuobi, FMCPath, KSC, Dr. Solomon Oguike, Nze Dan Orji, Chief Michael Emeribe Ejimofor (Jim Jim), Chief Ambrose Olumba Onyewuchi, Rev. Prof. Msgr. Richard Onwuanaibe, Nze Dr. George Onwuanaibe, Mazi E.A.C Orji, Chief Obed Ariri, Mr. Lessley Ugochukwu, Mr. Raphael Nneji Ubah, His Lordship Hon. Justice Theresa, Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Barr. Canice Onyekachi Madukaji, Arc. Anthony Ukawuba, Engr Mark Ajuluchukwu Anukwu, Sir Louis Ozoemenam Obilonu, Chief John Madu, Prof. Anthony Ogbonna Emeribe, Prof. (Mrs) Chinyere Nneka Ukaga, Prof. Samuel O. Onyekuru, Dist. Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, Chief Barr. Charles Chinedum Onyeagbako, Prince Lemmy Akakem, Arc. Chief Amaugo Ugorji, Hon. Nze Raymond Ahamefula Emeana.
The traditional rulers of the six autonomous communities that constitute Uratta Ancient Kingdom were among the dignitaries present at the event.
