ODA Abuja Ends 2025 on a High Note as Distinguished Leaders Receive Honours, Reaffirm Commitment to Obowu’s Progress

By Iyojo Ameh

The Obowu Development Association (ODA), Abuja Branch hosted a colourful and memorable End-of-Year and Award-Giving Ceremony at the Obowu Hall, Gwarinmpa, Abuja, drawing an impressive gathering of distinguished personalities, community leaders, and stakeholders from Obowu and beyond.

In his welcome address, the President of ODA Abuja Branch, Ichie Bede O. Anyanwu (Mayor), expressed profound appreciation to members for their unwavering support since the inauguration of the current executive in March 2024, despite prevailing economic challenges. He outlined notable achievements of the administration, including strengthened welfare initiatives, enhanced security and improved facilities at the ODA Hall, a constitutional review centred on members’ welfare, effective dispute resolution through the Ombudsman Committee, and sustained engagement with town unions and affiliate bodies.

The ceremony also provided a platform to celebrate excellence and dedicated service. Ambassador Timothy Ihemadu was specially recognised for his appointment in the oil and gas sector, while Hon. Chief Barr. Victor Muruako, Esq., Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, was honoured for his outstanding contributions to the empowerment and advancement of Obowu sons and daughters, particularly in employment and education. Also recognised were Chief Dr. Cliff Ogbede, Executive Director, South East Development Commission, and Engr. Goddy Nwokorie for their leadership excellence and commitment to community development.

The event attracted eminent personalities, including Baa Jaffa Nwosu, OON; Chief Chika Okafor; Gen. Okey Ugoh (Rtd); Gen. Dr. Ikechukwu Okeke (Rtd); Chief Chris Uwadoka, PhD; Dr. Charles Okafor; and His Royal Highness, Igwe Ezenwa Anyanwu, Eze Igbo II of Karu, Abuja, among many others. Their presence further highlighted the unity, strength, and growing influence of the Obowu community in Abuja.

Looking ahead, the ODA Abuja leadership unveiled key priorities for 2026, including the convening of an ODA Consultative Forum to address rising insecurity, the launch of a social responsibility initiative to support the education of vulnerable members, and urgent structural reinforcement of the ODA Hall to ensure a lasting legacy for future generations.

Chaired by Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Nwagwu, and energetically anchored by Harrison Onyemjoro (Obi Ego) and Okonkwo Chinyere Ujunwa of the Voice of Nigeria, the ceremony served as a fitting and celebratory close to the year—marked by unity, gratitude, recognition, and renewed commitment to the development of Obowu.

The 2025 End-of-Year Party once again reaffirmed ODA Abuja Branch as a vibrant, forward-looking association, united in purpose and resolute in advancing the collective interests of Obowu people wherever they reside.