KINGSLEY EBERE
The Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Inc. (AAAI), Lagos Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to Anioma unity, cultural preservation, inclusive leadership and community empowerment through cultural engagements, stakeholder consultations and proposed development initiatives.
The commitment was highlighted at recent events in Lagos, including the Iwaji Festival organised by the Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU), Festac Branch, which celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Ibusa and the enduring traditions of the Anioma people.
The Iwaji ceremony was officiated by the Branch Diopka, Mr Izuka Chukwura, with Mr Patrick Nweke, President of ICDU Festac Branch, providing leadership for the organising branch.
Among the distinguished personalities in attendance was Apst. Patrick A. Nwanze, JP (Agu-Anioma), Vice President of ICDU Festac Branch and President-General of AAAI. Other notable traditional, community, professional, religious and business leaders included Chief Michael Ossy Okolichi, the Ezebo of Ibusa, Mr Greg M. Enurah, President, Ibusa Lagos Island Association (ILIA), Onowu Charles Nmarkwe, Esq., Principal Managing Partner, Charles Nmarkwe & Associates, Pastor Mrs Rose David, General Overseer, Holy Ghost Ministries, Lagos, Mr Martin Nwabuwa, Vice President-General, Ibusa Community Development Union, Lagos Zone, Engr. Kelvin Njideaka, President, Ibusa Community Development Union, Lagos Mainland Branch, Mr Morgan Agetua, Leader and Representative, Ibusa Community Development Union, Lagos Island Branch, Mrs Victoria Achukwu and Mr Jude Akpani.
Their participation, according to AAAI, reflected the importance of cooperation among traditional institutions, community associations, professionals, religious leaders and other stakeholders in preserving Ibusa’s identity and strengthening unity across Anioma communities.
A major highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the book, Ibusa Iwu Festival: Dancing Through Time, authored by Dr Emeka Esogbue and reviewed by Apst. Patrick A. Nwanze, JP (Agu-Anioma), President-General of AAAI.
The review underscored the historical and cultural significance of the Iwu Festival, emphasising the importance of documenting indigenous traditions, preserving ancestral knowledge and transmitting cultural values to future generations.
AAAI said cultural preservation goes beyond festivals and ceremonies, noting that it encompasses the protection of history, values, customs, institutions and collective memory that define the identity of the Anioma people.
In a statement, the association said: “Our heritage is our identity, our culture is our pride, and our unity is our strength.”
At a South-South stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, discussions on rotational leadership within Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Chapter highlighted the importance of fairness, equitable representation, inclusion and respect for constitutional principles in leadership succession.
Hon. Daniel Ejiofor, President of AAAI Lagos Chapter, presented the Anioma perspective, advocating transparent, peaceful and constitutionally guided processes that promote mutual respect and confidence among the constituent states and communities.
AAAI maintains that inclusive leadership is essential to sustainable unity, stressing that fairness in leadership opportunities strengthens institutions, builds trust and encourages every constituent community to contribute meaningfully to collective progress.
The association therefore supports constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement as appropriate means of addressing leadership concerns and advancing a more inclusive future.
At the same engagement, Hon. Daniel Ejiofor outlined proposed empowerment programmes designed to create practical opportunities for Anioma people, particularly young people and women.
The proposed areas of intervention include youth development and leadership capacity-building, women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and small-business development, vocational training and skills acquisition, professional development and networking, and community-based initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods.
These proposals, AAAI said, reflect its determination to translate the ideals of unity and collective responsibility into programmes that improve lives and strengthen community participation.
The association encouraged Anioma professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, philanthropists and community leaders to collaborate in developing practical, transparent and sustainable initiatives that respond to the needs of the people.
“Unity must create opportunities, leadership must inspire service, and development must improve lives,” the association stated.
AAAI Lagos Chapter called on all Anioma sons and daughters residing in Lagos to support the association by strengthening membership, preserving cultural heritage, promoting accountability and contributing to initiatives that advance the welfare of Anioma communities.
It also encouraged traditional institutions, professionals, entrepreneurs, women and young people to participate actively in building a united, organised and development-oriented Anioma community.
The association reiterated that it remains committed to its founding ideals of unity, cultural preservation, responsible citizenship, inclusive leadership, community service and sustainable development, guided by its motto: NON SIBI SED ALIIS – NOT FOR ONESELF, BUT FOR OTHERS.