By Nkechi Eze
The Obowu Development Association (ODA), Abuja Branch, on Saturday brought the year 2025 to a colourful and memorable close with its End-of-Year and Award-Giving Ceremony held at the Obowu Hall, Gwarinmpa, Abuja. The event attracted an impressive array of distinguished personalities, community leaders, and stakeholders from Obowu and beyond, reflecting the growing unity and influence of the Obowu community in the Federal Capital Territory.
In his welcome address, the President of the ODA Abuja Branch, Ichie Bede O. Anyanwu (Mayor), expressed deep appreciation to members for their steadfast support since the inauguration of the current executive in March 2024, despite prevailing economic challenges. He highlighted key milestones recorded by the administration, including the strengthening of welfare initiatives for members, improved security and upgraded facilities at the Obowu Hall, and sustained engagement with town unions and affiliate bodies.
According to him, the branch has also prioritised internal harmony and good governance through an ongoing constitutional review focused on members’ welfare, as well as effective dispute resolution facilitated by the Ombudsman Committee. He noted that these efforts have helped to promote unity, transparency, and collective responsibility within the association.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the recognition and celebration of excellence and dedicated service to the Obowu community. Ambassador Timothy Ihemadu was specially recognised for his appointment in the oil and gas sector, while Hon. Chief Barr. Victor Muruako, Esq., Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, was honoured for his outstanding contributions to the empowerment and advancement of Obowu sons and daughters, particularly in the areas of employment and education. Chief Dr. Cliff Ogbede, Executive Director of the South East Development Commission, and Engr. Goddy Nwokorie were also honoured for their leadership excellence and sustained commitment to community development.
The event drew the presence of several eminent personalities, including Baa Jaffa Nwosu, OON; Chief Chika Okafor; Gen. Okey Ugoh (Rtd); Gen. Dr. Ikechukwu Okeke (Rtd); Chief Chris Uwadoka, PhD; Dr. Charles Okafor; and His Royal Highness, Igwe Ezenwa Anyanwu, Eze Igbo II of Karu, Abuja, among others. Their attendance underscored the solidarity, strength, and shared sense of purpose that continue to define the Obowu community in Abuja.
Looking ahead, the leadership of ODA Abuja Branch unveiled key priorities for 2026 aimed at deepening its impact and relevance. These include the convening of an ODA Consultative Forum to address rising insecurity, the launch of a social responsibility initiative to support the education of vulnerable members, and urgent structural reinforcement of the Obowu Hall to preserve it as a lasting legacy for future generations.
Chaired by Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Nwagwu, and energetically anchored by Harrison Onyemjoro (Obi Ego) alongside Okonkwo Chinyere Ujunwa of the Voice of Nigeria, the ceremony served as a fitting end to the year. It was marked by unity, gratitude, celebration, and a renewed commitment to the development and collective interests of Obowu people at home and in the diaspora.
The successful hosting of the 2025 End-of-Year and Award-Giving Ceremony once again reaffirmed the ODA Abuja Branch as a vibrant, forward-looking association, united in purpose and resolute in advancing the progress and well-being of the Obowu community.
