Tochukwu Chukwu
Enugu, Nigeria — In a landmark event that signaled renewed unity and vision for grassroots transformation, prominent sons and daughters of Awgu Egbeleli converged at Bay View Hotel, Enugu, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, for the official inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Awgu Egbeleli Development Union (AEDU).
The historic gathering brought together captains of industry, academia, clergy, public servants, and traditional rulers in a collective resolve to reposition Awgu Egbeleli for sustainable development and responsible leadership.
Declaring the event open, the President General of AEDU, Rt. Hon. Chief Joe Ani, welcomed the distinguished guests and emphasized the need for unity of purpose and shared vision in community governance. The opening prayer was led by Chief Sir Sunday Nwankwo, former National President of Awgu Town Youth Association.
In his keynote address, Chief Charles Okey Udeji, Chairman of the newly inaugurated Board and CEO/MD of Okeyson Group, called for collaborative action and innovation-driven leadership, noting that the founding fathers of Awgu Egbeleli laid a legacy of unity and service that must be sustained.
“We must build on the spirit of our forefathers — unity, shared purpose, and progressive thinking. The strength of our community lies in teamwork and trust,” Udeji stated.
The event was graced by the Traditional Rulers Council of Awgu Egbeleli, represented by
- His Royal Highness, Eze Christopher Okoye Oti (Uchejingu I of Adogbalato Autonomous Community),
- His Royal Highness, Eze Godwin Okosisi Nwobi (Ugundu II of Ugwuleshi Autonomous Community), and
- His Royal Highness, Eze Kingsley Uchechukwu Okeke (Ogbo-Oha II of Ogboli/Ohaja Autonomous Community),
who jointly blessed the inauguration and commended the leadership of AEDU for promoting peace and inclusiveness.
Dignitaries present included Chief Francis Obasi, CEO/MD Villa Toscana Hotels; Prof. Aloysius Okoye, Vice Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT); His Lordship, Bishop Johnson N. Ekwe, PhD, Bishop of Niger West; Chief Anayo Nwafor, CEO/MD Bay View Hotels and Chief Host; Engr. Sir Patrick Orji, CEO/MD Patbenson Hotels; Chief Sir Ben Chuka Eche, former Governorship aspirant; and several others from diverse professional backgrounds.
Administering the oath of office, Barr. Wilfred Okafor, Legal Adviser to AEDU, charged the Board members to uphold transparency, integrity, and accountability in their service to the community.
The newly inaugurated Board of Trustees comprises:
- Chief Charles Okey Udeji (Chairman)
- Chief Francis Obasi
- Mr. Camilus Ogbuagu D.O (CBN)
- Engr. Sir Patrick Orji
- Rev. Fr. Amobi Kingsley Ude
- His Lordship, Bishop Johnson N. Ekwe, PhD
- Chief Francis Nwobi (Fontana Group)
- Amb. Mrs. Biddy Iloka Egbo
- Arc. Jake Udeh
- Chief Humphrey Ojimma
- Chief Emma Okeke
- Chief Raymond Okeke (Raysung Vila Hotels & Interiors)
- Engr. Sir Emma Uzor
- Chief Sir Sunday Nwankwo
- Chief John Chukwunonyelem Nwankwo (Oba J.C)
- Prof. Aloysius Okoye (VC, ESUT)
- Chief Judge Ani
- Chief Edmond Orji
- Chief Sir Ben Chuka Eche
- Prof. Adonai Okonkwo
- Chief Anayo Nwafor
- Rt. Hon. Chief Joe Ani
In their collective declaration, the Board members pledged to eliminate leadership deficiencies, foster inclusiveness, and mobilize Awgu Egbeleli indigenes toward a shared vision of progress.
“Our momentum is building, and people are beginning to see that Awgu Egbeleli is entering a new era of hope and accountability,” Chief Udeji remarked.
Adding his voice, Bishop Johnson N. Ekwe expressed optimism that the Board would “make a lasting impact and usher in a new dawn of service-driven leadership and community advancement.”
Similarly, Arc. Jake Udeh, a pioneer member of the diaspora, described the inauguration as “a clarion call to uphold values that will define a new Awgu Egbeleli — one built on unity, innovation, and credible leadership.”
The Chief Host, Chief Anayo Nwafor, summed up the event’s significance:
“Yesterday’s inauguration was more than a ceremony — it was the birth of a movement for responsible community leadership.”
The event concluded with a closing prayer by Bishop Ekwe at exactly 4:30 p.m., amid a wave of excitement, camaraderie, and renewed optimism among attendees.
With this inauguration, the Awgu Egbeleli Development Union has charted a new course — one defined by vision, integrity, and collective action for the socio-economic advancement of the community.
Ifejika joyce
