The Umu-Eziama Ikeduru Diaspora Association (UIDA) has fulfilled its commitment to community development with the launch of a ten million (10, 000, 000) Youth Empowerment Programme aimed at supporting business growth, skill acquisition, and youth development in Eziama Ulorji, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
The empowerment event, widely described as one of the most impactful initiatives witnessed in the community, also featured a football tournament with a total cash prize of two million (2, 000, 000). The tournament was sponsored by the Founder of Umu-Eziama Ikeduru in Diaspora, Chief Lady Beatrice Chinwe Nwarihi-Njoku, popularly known as Ada Eziama Nwereugwu, Adaukwu Di Igbo Nma is in collaboration with Umu Eziama Ikeduru in the diaspora
At the end of the competition, Amaehi Clan emerged champions and went home with four hundred thousand (400, 000), while Umuagwu Clan received three hundred thousand (300, 000) for second place. Ogada clan emerged third-place team with two hundred thousand (200, 000) alongside other consolation prizes awarded for Best Behaved Team, Most Valuable Player (MVP), and other outstanding performances. Each received fifty thousand naira each (50, 000).
The event attracted several notable personalities, including the Priest of St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, Rev. Fr. George Ahamefule, and the Emmanuel Anglican Communion Priest, Rev. Canon Onyearugbulem, who attended with his wife, among other dignitaries and Eziama community leaders, past and present. Addressing the large crowd, Chief Lady Beatrice Chinwe Nwarihi-Njoku recounted how the idea of organizing Umu-Eziama people in the diaspora was conceived during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic—a period marked by loss of lives and disconnection among families.
She explained that the situation motivated her to identify and unite Umu-Eziama citizens abroad, assuring the home community that “na ha nwere mmadụ”—that Eziama has capable sons and daughters who care about their people. According to her, she reached out to Umu-Eziama indigenes in the United Kingdom and Europe with the assistance of Chief Samuel Ibe (Ome Udo I of Eziama), who provided vital contacts.
She further acknowledged Angela Obasi for helping to connect Umu-Eziama sons and daughters in the United States of America and beyond. Through virtual meetings, especially via Zoom, members were able to stay connected and ensure the welfare of one another—efforts that have now culminated in the empowerment programme targeting youths who have acquired some skills but unable to start their businesses and other vulnerable members of the community. Chief Lady Njoku urged youths to resist being used as instruments of violence or political unrest, encouraging them instead to channel their energy into productive and positive ventures.
Earlier in her welcome address delivered on behalf of the UIDA President, Mr. Theodor Aririahusim, it was emphasized that the association is non-political and solely committed to reducing poverty and economic hardship through empowerment initiatives, job creation, and sustainable development. He announced that of the ten million (10, 000, 000) empowerment fund, two million (2, 000, 000) was allocated to the football tournament to support talented youths, while eight million (8, 000, 000) has been set aside for skill acquisition and business empowerment across the community.
The initiative is being implemented by Umu-Eziama Ulorji in the Diaspora in collaboration with Chief Lady Beatrice Chinwe Nwarihi-Njoku, also known as Ada Eziama Nwereugwu. The programme is coordinated by the executive members of the Umu-Eziama Ikeduru Diaspora Association, including: Mazi Theodore Aririahusim – President, Chief Lady Beatrice Chinwe Nwarihi Njoku – Vice President, Chief Samuel Ibe (Ome Udo I of Eziama) – Treasurer, Casmir Obinna – Financial Secretary, Engr. Anthony Onukaogu – Provost, Chief Chima Akobundu (Dike Ukwu) – Secretary, Sir Patrick Mgbemere – Welfare Officer.
The empowerment programme underscores UIDA’s sustained commitment to youth development, economic empowerment, and community unity. Apart from today’s event, Umu-Eziama Ikeduru in the Diaspora in December 2024, gave sixteen men and women in their eight villages the sum of fifty thousand (50,000) each to help them for their Christmas shopping. They have also refurbished Eziama Secondary School Hall, One classroom block at the cost of twelve million naira (12, 000, 000).
Since Umu-Eziama Diaspora was formed in the year 2020, they have assisted their members in their time of needs, such as marriage ceremonies, and bereavement.
They contributed meaningfully during the burial ceremony of their late Eze, His Royal Highness Eze Kanice Obasi. This is as individual members of Umu-Eziama Diaspora have contributed and empowered members of their villages including women in various capacities.
Report by Fredrick Njoku