By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA – Tributes flowed as dignitaries, traditional leaders, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate Chief Engr. Hyman Udemba, proprietor of Primer Solar Energy, during his 2024 Iwaji/Obiora annual cultural festival. The event, held in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, was organized for his Umuezechieamalu family, kindred, and the entire Ugamuma village.

Among those who honored Chief Udemba were former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III of Obosi; and the management team of Adike Microfinance Bank (AMfB), where Udemba serves as the Board Credit Committee Chairman.

The festival also saw the presence of prominent figures like Dr. Emma Kanayo Monago, former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Chapter; celebrity and politician Hon. Anthony Monago (Tony One Week); and members of the Chikwado Age Grade of Obosi.

In his goodwill message, Igwe Iweka, represented by Palace Administrative Secretary Nze Okenwa Shedrack Igwebuike, emphasized the cultural significance of yam as the “king of crops” in Igbo land. He commended Chief Udemba for upholding the tradition and prayed for his long life and wisdom to support the progress of Obosi.

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, through Mrs. Oluchi Nguzoro Nnoli, Director of the Emeka and Bunmi Anyaoku Foundation, lauded Udemba as a pillar of support to the Foundation and wished him continued health and prosperity to celebrate many more festivals.

Chief Linus Mgbakaogu (Atta Obosi), a member of the Obosi royal cabinet, described the event as a reflection of Chief Udemba’s status as a philanthropist and a prominent figure in the community.

The Chikwado Age Grade, led by President Nze Jerome Uju Uyienu, praised Udemba for his generosity and dedication to youth empowerment.

The Chief Priest of Obosi land, Ezeani, offered prayers to the goddess of the land, thanking her for a bountiful harvest and seeking blessings for future planting seasons. He highlighted the importance of the traditional Ushiejioku festival, which marks the beginning of the planting season in March and culminates in the yam harvest after six months.

The management of Adike Microfinance Bank, led by Managing Director Mr. Emeka Anujeonye, also attended the event. The bank announced plans to reimburse customers of the liquidated Obosi Microfinance Bank (OMFB) and unveiled new benefits for petty traders and small businesses in the community.

In his response, Chief Udemba expressed gratitude to the goddess of the land for a fruitful harvest. He reaffirmed the importance of the Iwaji celebration as a platform to give thanks for agricultural abundance and foster unity within the community.

The event was a vibrant display of Igbo culture, marked by dance, feasting, and prayers, as well as a testament to the communal spirit of Obosi.

Pictured: Chief Udemba (center), his wife (right), and Mrs. Oluchi Nguzoro Nnoli, representing Chief Emeka Anyaoku (left).