By Abuchi Onwumelu
Ebonesie Progressive Union (EPU), Awka Branch comprising Azia, Mbosi, Orsumoghu, Isseke, Lilu, and Ubuluisiuzo, all in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, recently in Awka, appreciated God for keeping the organization together in one piece. They also marked the end of the year 2020 and the beginning of the 2021.
The Chairman of Ebonesie Progressive Union, Awka Branch, Professor Dennis Aribodor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said it was good to end and open the year officially with thanksgiving and merriment, noting that end-of-the-year party remained a great way to strengthen ties and celebrate accomplishments within an organization, despite the challenges of coronavirus, security and EndSARS protests.
Prof. Aribodor thanked the Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly and the member representing Ihiala II State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr Pascal Agbodike for his kind disposition and for sponsoring the end of the year party for the second time.
Aribodor said EPU, Awka Branch, was formed in the year 1991/92, immediately after the creation of Anambra State from the old one on 27th August 1991, noting that since then the organization had grown from strength to strength in capacity and capability/
‘The main objective of forming the Union was to foster unity among the component towns that make up the clan, integrate as a pressure group, and to attract government attention, projects and amenities to our localities, using various strategies,’ he said.
Aribodor announced that they meet every second Sunday of every month, except in January and September, because of the New Year and new yam festivals, respectively, noting that as an organization, they had taken bold steps in the past when they launched a peace initiative programme with Presidents-General and representatives of the six towns, which, he said, took place in Awka on 5 August 2010.
He thanked the Governor for visiting the town and approving the tarring of their roads which was carried out immediately; even as he acknowledged some people who facilitated that, including the late Chief Leo Eleanya and Prof. Titus Eze.
He said the EPU Awka was presently undergoing a renewal, noting that they produced a new constitution and were reaching out to more of their people to understand the project at hand.
Aribodor appreciated their benefactors over the past years, including Hon. Paschal Agbodike, member of the House of Assembly, who sponsored the end of year party.
He also thanked Hon. Bennet Udensi for making good his promise of 2018 by sponsoring the end of year party.