Festac ICDU Holds First End-of-Year Party, Members Task ICDU Worldwide on Comprehensive Reforms
Story By Emeka Esogbue
The newly established Festac Branch of the Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU) held its maiden end-of-year get-together on Sunday in Festac Town, Lagos. The well-attended event brought together members who used the occasion to call on ICDU Worldwide to initiate urgent and comprehensive reforms at the National Executive Council level.
The programme opened with a prayer offered by Pastor (Barr.) Emmanuel Nwaezeapu, followed by the traditional breaking of the kola nut performed by Diokpa Ikedinma Okafor. Members thereafter introduced themselves.
In his welcome address, the Acting President, Apostle Pat Nwanze, thanked members for their presence and urged greater unity within the branch. He recalled the efforts that led to the re-establishment of the Festac Branch and encouraged members to remain committed, assuring them that the branch was on course to become one of the most vibrant in the ICDU family. Apostle Nwanze also appealed to Ibusa indigenes to protect their cultural heritage, noting that Ibusa people have always shown deep passion for cultural preservation and love for themselves.
Delivering a lecture titled “Brief History of ICDU, Heritage, Values and the Progress of ICDU Festac,” this writer, Emeka Esogbue, underscored the need for reform within ICDU Worldwide. He explained that Ibusa people now expect more from the central body and expressed concerns that the organisation has been slow in responding to modern challenges. The issues, he said, stem from leadership disagreements within the community, funding constraints, and a lack of effective coordination between the National Executive Council and its branches across the globe.
Esogbue suggested greater use of WhatsApp technology to create a unified communication forum for all ICDU members. He added that the Lagos branches could also adopt a coordinated group structure to enhance synergy. He questioned why Ibusa has yet to build a multi-purpose hall both at home and in Lagos, noting that such a project could include a community museum. He acknowledged the achievements of projects like the Ibusa Town Hall in Umuisagba and the Oboshi River Bridge, but stressed that modern developments require bigger and more contemporary initiatives.
He further encouraged members to uphold Ibusa identity and cultural values, and commended early ICDU pioneers such as J.C.K. Odiah, C.J. Obiorah, S.N. Nwanze and others for laying a solid foundation.
Responding, Mr. Emeka Abuah endorsed the call for a modern ICDU town hall as a central rallying point for the community. He expressed confidence that Ibusa sons and daughters have the capacity to fund such a project. Onowu Austin Ukete also advocated for the restoration of a Central Executive Council (CEC) in Lagos, recalling that it once provided a strong collective voice for the Lagos branches before disagreements between the ICDU and factional IPAN disrupted the structure.
Onowu Ukete further urged ICDU critics to attend meetings and express their concerns constructively. Chief Michael Ossy Okolichi, the Ezebo of Ibusa, who was present at the event, tasked the Festac Branch with identifying ways to make meaningful contributions to the development of Ibusa.
During the vote of thanks, Onowu Ukete applauded the Festac interim leadership, the Chuks Isoh-led Planning Committee, and all members for their efforts in organising the successful event. He reminded members that the branch would celebrate the New Yam Festival in 2026 and encouraged them to prepare adequately.
The event closed with lively cultural music as members danced, dined, and celebrated together. Generous pledges were made: Chief Michael Okolichi promised ₦1,000,000, Mr. Emeka Abuah pledged ₦500,000, and Miss Nkiruka Okonkwo promised ₦30,000 to support the New Yam Festival.
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