Ibusa Community Leader, Austin Ukete, Honoured by Pioneer Club

By Emeka Esogbue

A prominent Ibusa community leader and former President of the Pioneer Club of Ibusa, Onowu Austin Ukete, has been honoured for his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the club and the wider Ibusa community.

The honour was conferred during the ceremony marking the installation of Mrs. Rosemary Moji Ikolodo, Managing Director of Patovilki Industrial Cleaners, as National Matron of the Pioneer Club of Ibusa. The event, held in Lagos on Sunday, attracted distinguished guests from within and outside the Ibusa community.

Presenting the award, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Hope Oghenerukevbe Eghagha, described Ukete as “a man whose commitment to community service speaks louder than words.”

“Onowu Austin Ukete has consistently demonstrated selfless service and integrity,” Prof. Eghagha said. “The Pioneer Club of Ibusa has benefited immensely from his leadership, vision, and dedication over the years.”

Ukete, who currently serves as National Treasurer of the Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU), Surulere Branch, was accompanied by his wife as he received the award amid applause. The Master of Ceremonies, Emmanuel ‘Kwasa’ Amatokwu, praised the awardee moments before the decoration.

“If there is one word that describes Onowu Ukete, it is reliability,” Amatokwu said. “For decades, he has remained a dependable hand in the affairs of Ibusa, always ready to serve without seeking personal gain.”

Beyond his ICDU responsibilities, Ukete also holds the position of National Treasurer of the Pioneer Club of Ibusa and serves as President of the Umuekea Family Union in Lagos, roles through which he continues to advance unity and development among Ibusa indigenes.

Recalling his tenure as President of the Pioneer Club, many indigenes remember that it was under Ukete’s leadership that the Ibusa branch of the club was firmly established and under his presidency of the Lagos Branch of Umuekea Family Union that land was acquired for the proposed civic centre, widely regarded as a significant achievement.

In his response, an emotional Ukete expressed appreciation to the club for the recognition.

“I am deeply humbled by this honour,” he said.

“I see it not as a reward, but as a call to do more for my community. I thank the Pioneer Club for this recognition and I promise to continue to serve Ibusa with sincerity and commitment.”

He also commended the leadership of the club for sustaining its founding ideals.

“The Pioneer Club remains a beacon of unity and progress for our people, and I am proud to have served and to still be serving in any capacity required,” Ukete added.

Meanwhile, members of the newly established Festac Branch of the Ibusa Community Development Union have continued to send goodwill messages to the honouree, describing the award as “well-deserved” and praising the Pioneer Club for celebrating those who have contributed meaningfully to community development.

Onowu Austin Ukete hails from Umuekea in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

A SHORT HISTORY OF OBOLLO CLAN IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

A SHORT HISTORY OF OBOLLO CLAN IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA By Emeka Esogbue Introduction Not many historical literatures on the Obollo people exist for the usual reasons associated with our people who prefer to write the history of mighty and populous peoples already enriched with volumes of historical accounts and records. Thus while there are historical documents on other peoples of Igbo, for Obollo, it is the story of dearth of documents. However, it is within my historical concern that the rich history of this part of Igboland be adequately researched into, documented and preserved for the future generation. I do not hail from this part of Igboland but my historical background, interest and curiosity propelled me towards the acquisition of both oral and written information to put this material together. Geography The various Obollo communities comprising of Obollo Afor, Obollo Etiti, Obollo Eke, Obollo Orie and Obollo Nkwo are strategically situated at the regional bou...

DIAMOND JUBILEE AGE: 20 THINGS THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT FRED AJUDUA

DIAMOND JUBILEE AGE: 20 THINGS THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT FRED AJUDUA On January 21 2020, Pen Master paid Chief Fred Ajudua a scheduled visit at his Lagos-VGC Marble Dome Home, a large and imposing house sitting on a hill from where it vigorously engages public views and attention. On entering the house, Pen Master freely walked in and around, in the spirit of the love that always binds the people of Igbuzo. The man, Chief Fred Ajudua often described as the “Architect of Modern Ibusa” is unarguably one of the biggest fish in history to have come out of Ibusa even as it is said that nearly every Ibusa family has benefited from him one way or the other. Beyond what you know about him, there seems many sides you do not know. As the Igbuzo Chief celebrates his 60 th Year birthday, your Pen Master brings you the things you do not know about the highly influential Igbuzo Chief. Pen Master also dug into the Ajudua family photo depository all for your knowledge. Happy reading! ...

SEE HOW ANIOMA PEOPLE DRESS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE THE ERA OF USING OUR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE TO PROMOTE ATTIRES OF OTHER GROUPS IN NIGERIA IS GONE

SEE HOW ANIOMA PEOPLE DRESS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE THE ERA OF USING OUR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE TO PROMOTE ATTIRES OF OTHER GROUPS IN NIGERIA IS GONE Today is Saturday, conventionally set aside for marriage ceremonies. Awareness on how our Anioma brides and grooms attire themselves during their traditional marriage has fast spread and entrenched. We no longer promote other group's cultural attires because we want them to promote our own instead. I say many thanks to our Anioma cultural advocates on this day because our labours to preserve as well as promote the good cultures of our Anioma society have never been in vain. Noticeable now is that in time of our traditional marriages, we costume ourselves in Akwa-Ocha which brings out our god-given beauty. A few moments after her traditional marriage in Umuodafe, Ibusa on December 28, inside the Agokei palatial home, I visited former Miss Amaka Thelma Agokei, the bride. I was rather late; but I met this beautiful bride t...

Emeka Esogbue

Search This Blog