The Time for Action is Now, Idomitable Union Initiator, Chief Azikiwe Speaks on Challenges Facing Ibusa

 The Time for Action is Now, Idomitable Union Initiator, Chief Azikiwe Speaks on Challenges Facing Ibusa

 *In a time when many communities across Nigeria are grappling with rising insecurity, youth unrest, and social fragmentation, voices calling for unity and purposeful leadership have become increasingly important. In this exclusive interview with Media Personality, Pen Master (Emeka Esogbue), Chief Azikiwe Jacob Nwabuwa, businessman, farmer, real estate entrepreneur, politician, and community advocate, opens up on the state of Ibusa, the growing concerns over crime and cultism, and the urgent need for collective action. In this thought-provoking conversation,  the founder of the Indomitable Union of Ibusa, shares candid opinions on leadership, security, youth development, and the future of the community, and more progressive Ibusa for generations to come. Excerpts:* 

 *Pen Master: Chief Azikiwe Nwabuwa, you are widely known and respected in the Ibusa community. For the benefit of our readers across the globe, could you kindly introduce yourself?* 

Nwabuwa: Thank you very much, Pen Master. Actually, I am Chief Sir AMB Commander Azikiwe Jacob Nwabuwa, an illustrious son of Ibusa from Umuejemagwuna Clan of Umuodaukwu  in Umuodafe Quarters of Ibusa. I am a farmer,  and as a matter of fact, the CEO of Ogalanya Farms Nig Ltd. I am also the CEO, Ogalanya Bread (OG BREAD). 

 *Pen Master: Chief Nwabuwa, What more can you tell us about yourself?* 

Nwabuwa: By the special grace of God, I am a Nigerian politician and I am also into Real Estate. I am a firm believer in the peace, unity, and progress of our Ibusa people. I want to say without sounding immodest that I have spent most of my life advocating for community development, youth empowerment, and the preservation of our cultural values. This community is Ibusa. My commitment has always been to serve Ibusa, my community selflessly and to ensure that the next generation of our people inherits a community better than what we met.

 *Pen Master: Recently, your name has been associated with a group known as the Indomitable Union of Ibusa. Many people are asking: what exactly is the mission and objective of this group?* 

Nwabuwa: Okay, thank you, Pen Master. Well, the Indomitable Union of Ibusa is a unifying force born out of necessity. Our mission is to restore peace and progress in Ibusa and to bring all sons and daughters of the community together as one. We are not political. We are not sectional or affiliated to any group or individual whether within or outside the community. We are independent and stand for unity, as a way to advocate and ensure the security of lives and properties within our dear Ibusa. It is also necessary that I inform you that we follow legitimate means to pursue the collective advancement of our Ibusa community because that socio-cultural, economic and political development can only thrive in a peaceful environment. Come to think of it: Our Ibusa community can only experience growth when there is unity and peace among our people and those living in our midst.

 *Pen Master: Alright Chief Nwabuwa, but many prominent Ibusa indigenes have expressed concern over the growing issues of drug peddling and cult-related activities in the community. In your opinion as the initiator the Indomitable Union of Ibusa, why do these problems continue to persist?* 

Nwabuwa: I think these problems persist because we have allowed silence to replace action. When there is a breakdown in moral guidance at home, a lack of youth engagement, and weak enforcement of community values, crime takes root. Idleness and peer pressure have also pushed some of our youths into destructive paths. These are some of the factors that we must address as a people. In taking action, both symptoms and the root causes must be thoroughly looked and wholly considered as a way to check the situation and also ensure that our people especially the youths stay away from illicit drugs and cult-related activities in our community. 

 *Pen Master: Some people have also alleged that several of those involved in these activities are not Ibusa indigenes. Why do you think the community has become attractive to such illicit dealings?* 

Nwabuwa: Maybe it is due to the nature of the community. In reality, Ibusa is a peaceful and hospitable community, but unfortunately, that openness is often exploited. Let us be sincere with ourselves here: When criminal elements see gaps in vigilance and enforcement, they take advantage of it to perpetuate crime within that unchecked environment. But we must also look inward to tell ourselves the truth that no outsider can easily succeed in carrying out crime in any community without some form of local complicity. This is what happens in our Ibusa community. That is why the Indomitable Union emphasizes collective responsibility towards checking crime in our Ibusa community. Remember that as they say, security is the responsibility of everyone. However, in this case, the Indomitable Union of Ibusa is in the forefront to advocate peace in the community. The Ibusa community is for all of us and I believe that it will please the good people of the community to see it thrive in peace and safety of all. This is only when we can be proud of ourselves and the non-indigenes among us and others will be free to live among us and invite their businesses to stay here. 

 *Pen Master: Chief Nwabuwa, in your honest opinion, are Ibusa leaders doing enough to combat crime and restore order in the community? This is the question many in the community have been asking?* 

Nwabuwa: Well, some leaders have made efforts, but I will be honest with you here: These efforts have not been enough. Leadership requires courage, consistency, and collaboration. We need leaders who will put Ibusa above their personal interests and work together across age groups and factions to make positive things happen. The time for passive concern is over with time for action here. The time for decisive action is now and we, the members of Indomitable Union of Ibusa are here.

 *Pen Master: Let me ask you this: So far, has the Indomitable Union of Ibusa received support or encouragement from key stakeholders and leaders within the community? Tell us.* 

Nwabiwa: Yes, we have received encouragement from several well-meaning indigenes who share our vision for a peaceful Ibusa. However, we still call on more stakeholders, the traditional institution, religious leaders, and political class to lend their support to us because we cannot do it alone. It is a collective fight for the soul of Ibusa. Yes, to rescue Ibusa is a collective fight. Remember I told you that security is the responsibility of all because our lives, properties are at risk. 

 *Pen Master: At the moment, the Ibusa Youth Council appears to be facing challenges. Some observers argue that a youth body should be able to organize and conduct its elections independently, without undue external influence. In your view, where is the community getting it wrong?* 

Nwabuwa: Pen Master, I think we are getting it wrong by allowing external interference and personal interests to override the collective will of the youth. Ordinarily, a youth council should be a training ground for leadership, not a battleground for control. If we continue to manipulate youth processes, we will keep producing divided leadership. The solution is to allow transparency, fairness, and independence to thrive among.

 *Pen Master: Could you share a little about your upbringing and early life experiences?* 

Nwabuwa: I was raised in Ibusa with strong values of discipline, respect, and hard work. My early years taught me the importance of communal life and that while no one rises alone and no one should be left behind. Those lessons have shaped every step of my journey in life and the philosophy remains the foundation of my service to humanity today especially Ibusa, my constituency.

 *Nwabuwa: Thank you for that but let us balance it aptly with this question: Looking back on your journey in life, do you have any regrets?* 

Nwabuwa: I have no regret simply because every challenge has been a lesson, and every victory has been a motivation. If anything, I only wish I had started this Ibusa community work earlier. But it’s never too late to serve my people.

 *Pen Master: What advice would you give to Ibusa leaders regarding youth empowerment and development?* 

Nwabuwa: They should invest in the youths, not just with words but with the creation of worthwhile opportunities for them. They can create programs in skills, education, and entrepreneurship that will give our youths a future to look forward to. An idle youth is vulnerable, but an empowered youth is the greatest asset of any community. Leaders must see youths as partners, not threats.

 *Pen Master: I see you are into politics...* 

Nwabuwa: ...my priority at this moment is community service with the instrument of the Indomitable Union of Ibusa. Politics is a platform for service, and if the time comes and the people call on me to serve in that capacity for the good of Ibusa, I will consider it with honour. For now, my focus is on peace and unity in my dear town, Ibusa.

 *Pen Master: Chief Azikiwe Nwabuwa, thank you for your time and for sharing your thoughts with us.* 

Nwabuwa: Thank you for the opportunity to speak to our people. My message to every son and daughter is: One voice, one unity and Indomitable Ibusa! Let us stand together and build the future we all want to see.