₦airaland Forum

Empowering a Dream: Ikéngà Umuawulu’s Commitment to Girl-Child Education


~sends Miss Chidubem Ogbaji Anna-Stacy back to school

One of the most remarkable moments during the empowerment program held on January 6, 2025, was the life-changing scholarship awarded to Miss Chidubem Ogbaji Anna-Stacy.

High Chief Dr. Ndubuisi Christopher (Ikéngà Umuawulu), addressing a large crowd at his country home, recounted how a video of Miss Chidubem had captured his attention. In the video, the young girl performed a traditional praise art, Mbem, where she passionately expressed admiration for the influence of Ikéngà Umuawulu. The video, which trended online, stirred the chief’s heart, prompting him to act.

Initially, Ikéngà Umuawulu’s plan was to empower the girl by gifting her a refrigerator and a significant amount of money to start a small business in frozen food sales. However, upon learning that Miss Chidubem had dropped out of school in Junior Secondary 3 due to financial hardship, his plans took a dramatic turn.

Moved by his deep belief in the transformative power of education, Ikéngà Umuawulu decided that the best way to empower the young girl was to send her back to school. He emphasized that educating a girl-child is not just an investment in an individual but in the future of society as a whole. “When you educate a girl, you educate a mother who nurtures a family, a generation, and ultimately the nation,” he declared passionately.

He stressed that girl-child education is a fundamental cornerstone for societal progress, adding that neglecting it undermines a nation’s potential. He noted that many young girls are forced to abandon their dreams due to poverty, but ensuring access to education could change their trajectories and inspire them to achieve greatness.

Ikéngà Umuawulu pledged to personally sponsor Miss Chidubem’s education, covering all her schooling needs from Junior Secondary School through tertiary education. He further gifted her a freezer, encouraging her to use it as a means of earning some income while prioritizing her studies.

Overwhelmed by his generosity, Miss Chidubem broke down in tears as she expressed her heartfelt gratitude. She described Ikéngà Umuawulu as a divine answer to her prayers, crediting him with giving her hope and a second chance at life. “I will forever be grateful for this gift of education and empowerment,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. She prayed fervently for God’s continued blessings on Ikéngà Umuawulu, whose impact, she said, would forever be etched in her heart.

This act of kindness not only stresses Ikéngà Umuawulu’s commitment to uplifting the less privileged but also serves as a clarion call for society to prioritize girl-child education as a vehicle for sustainable development and national progress.

©IKENGA MEDIA

Transforming Lives: Ikenga Umuawulu Empowers 100 with Shuttles, Tricycles, Freezers and Grinding Machines

Umuawulu was a place of celebration and gratitude on January 6, 2025, as High Chief Dr. Ndubuisi Christopher, fondly known as Ikenga Umuawulu, hosted an empowerment event at his country home. The initiative, which has become synonymous with his name, saw 100 beneficiaries receive transformative tools to start or boost their livelihoods. A total of 50 shuttle buses, 33 truck tricycles, grinding machines, and deep freezers were distributed to empower individuals and families across the community.

The day began with a solemn Mass, setting a reflective and joyous tone. High Chief Emmanuel Ndubuisi, elder brother to Ikenga Umuawulu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to their parents, attributing their philanthropic values to the upbringing they received. He noted that the empowerment initiative was a continuation of their parents’ legacy of generosity. “This act of giving runs in our blood,” he said, urging beneficiaries to embrace the spirit of giving back to the community. Hon. Johnbosco Onunkwo also lauded the initiative, recalling the shared struggles of their early years. He described Ikenga’s efforts as a testament to divine blessings and a commitment to uplifting others. “When God blesses you, the best way to show gratitude is by helping others,” he added.

Moreover, the traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Highness Igwe Joel Maduabuchie Egwuonwu, blessed the beneficiaries, encouraging them to use the resources provided to elevate their status in society. He commended Ikenga’s vision and foresight, describing the empowerment as planting seeds of greatness in the lives of the recipients and in the same vein, the Local Government Chairman of Awka South, Prince Chinedu Okafor, praised the initiative, aligning it with the state’s Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model. He remarked that Ikenga’s effort exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing societal challenges. “This empowerment provides a pathway to sustainable livelihoods while reducing vices in the community,” he said.

Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, expressed her admiration for Ikenga Umuawulu’s commitment to youth and community development. She urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity and emulate Ikenga’s dedication by giving back to society.

In his address, High Chief Dr. Ndubuisi Christopher (Ikenga Umuawulu) highlighted his motivation for the empowerment, stating that it was born out of a desire to uplift people and create avenues for sustainable income. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the tools effectively and warned against selling them for short-term gain. “Selling these vehicles or equipment is shortsighted; true wealth is built through diligence and perseverance,” he stated. He particularly encouraged the women to utilize the grinding machines and freezers to establish businesses, assuring them that these tools could be the foundation for financial independence. Ikenga Umuawulu spoke passionately about youth empowerment, describing it as a cornerstone for community development. “Empowering the youth is not just charity; it’s a strategy for a better future. When the youth thrive, the entire community prospers,” he said. He called on leaders and stakeholders to prioritize initiatives that build the capacity of young people and create a ripple effect of progress.

The event also attracted notable dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh; Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Felix Odimegwu; Commissioner for Lands, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Chinedu Nwoye (Glamour); Federal Commissioner representing Enugu at the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Ginika Florence Tor-Ijeomah; Former Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Uche Charles Okafor (Wiper); Mr. Frank Ifeanyi Dons (AnyiDons) and the CEO of Arnold and Associates, among others. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and lent credence to Ikenga Umuawulu’s impactful work in the community.

As the event concluded, the atmosphere was filled with hope and optimism. Beneficiaries left not only with shuttles, grinders, freezers, and trucks, but with some supported cash from High Chief Azubuike Ekwezor and High Chief Emmanuel Ndubuisi and renewed confidence in their ability to build brighter futures. Ikenga Umuawulu’s initiative has once again demonstrated the transformative power of intentional philanthropy, reminding all that when one person is uplifted, an entire community can rise.

Senator Dr Victor C. Umeh, OFR was born on the 19th Day of July 1962 to Late Sir Innocent Ofojekwu Umeh (KSM) and Lady Elizabeth Umeh (LSM) of Ifite village, Aguluzigbo in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Born into a strict Christian family, he started his education at St. Bridget’s Primary School Aguluzigbo from where he proceeded to Bubendorff Memorial Grammar School Adazi-Nnukwu, graduating on top of his class  with Division One in 1980. The same year, he got admission into University of Nigeria Nsukka where he read Estate Management and graduated in June 1984 with a BSc Honours in Estate Management.

After His National Youths Service in 1985 as Lecturer at the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, he engaged himself in the practice of his Profession.  Chief Umeh is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.  He is also a registered Estate Surveyor and Valuer by the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria. He is an Associate member of the Rating and Valuation Association of Great Britain as well as a Senior Certified Valuer of the International Real Estate Institute, Scottsdale, Arizona USA. He is the Principal Consultant, V. C. Umeh & Co, a Firm of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.  A Director  of so many companies, Chief Umeh was a Director of Federal Government owned Nigerian Film Corporation, Jos (2001-2003).

His first stint in politics was in 1998 when he became a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party where he was elected State Treasurer of the Party in Anambra State in 1999.

He resigned from the PDP in 2001 and joined hands with other progressive minds to register the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) eventually in 2002. He was the first National Vice Chairman South East of the Party and later its National Treasurer.

He later became the National Chairman of the Party.  He led the Party to New Glorious height.  His strong principles, dexterity, and resilience saw the Party, APGA through in 2006 in its struggle to recover the Governorship of Anambra State which was by Mr Peter Obi in 2003 but was wrongly given to Dr Chris Ngige of the PDP.

He also doggedly fought with Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu- Ojukwu’s backbone to achieve a re-election for Governor Peter Obi in the February 2010 Governorship Election in Anambra State, in a feat seen by many as almost impossible.

In the 2011 General Elections, he led the party to win the Governorship Election in Imo state through His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha.

Chief Umeh led APGA to a resounding victory in the 2013 Governorship Election in Anambra State which ushered in the Government of His Excellency Chief (Dr) Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano, FCA, the Executive Governor of Anambra State. Chief Umeh was the Chairman of of Governor Willie Obiano Reelection and Campaign Committee in 2017. On the 18th of November, 2017 Governor Obiano and APGA  recorded a Historic Landslide Victory in the Governorship Election.

An avowed defender of true tenets of Democracy, Chief Umeh has received several Awards and Chieftaincy Titles in recognition of his strong belief in the cause of Justice. Chief Umeh has over 40 Chieftaincy Titles which include OHAMADIKE, MMA AGHA NDIGBO, IBOBO AGULERI , OCHIAGHA, DIKEANAGBALIZU, JAGABAN SHINKAFI etc.

Chief Umeh was among the 492 Eminent Nigerians appointed by Mr. President as Delegates to the 2014 National Conference. At the National Conference, Chief Umeh shone like a million stars canvassing Matters of special interest to Ndigbo and for enthronement of Equity and Fairness in Nigeria. At the end of the Conference in August 2014, Chief Umeh was decorated with a Medal of Recognition by Mr. President for his esteemed participation and quality Contributions to the National Conference.

On 29th September 2014, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, DR GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, decorated Chief Umeh with the National Honour of OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC, OFR in appreciation of his numerous contributions towards the development of the Nation and particularly in his efforts in helping to deepen Democracy and Rule of Law in Nigeria.

On the 6th Day of June, 2015, Chief Umeh handed over the Party to a new Leadership of APGA following the end of His Second Term in office as the National Chairman of APGA.

Chief Umeh was elected to represent Anambra Central Senatorial District on 13th, January, 2018 after protracted Litigations. He was sworn in to represent his people on the 18th day  of January 2018  by the Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON in the 8th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

At the National Assembly, Senator Umeh was a strong Voice for Equity and Fairness for ALL Peoples and different Parts of Nigeria!

Senator Umeh is a great Silent Philanthropist contributing money to the Cause of the less privileged in the Society and has currently about two hundred and twenty ( 220 )  indigent Students on his Scholarship Scheme up to University Level, through his Education Foundation - VICTOR UMEH EDUCATION FOUNDATION ( VUMEF ).
His Foundation which is Thirteen Years Old now has produced several Graduates and Postgraduates including 3 Doctorate Degree Holders, Masters Degree Holders , etc.

In 2018 alone, Senator Umeh awarded Seventy-Six (76) Scholarships from first year to indigent but brilliant Students, a minimum of 10 Students each from the Seven Local Government Areas in the Anambra Central Senatorial District. Despite not being re-elected back to the Senate in 2019, he transferred the Scholarships to his Education Foundation and the Students are still pursuing their Studies in Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Engineering, Architecture, Accountancy, Management, Banking & Finance, Economics,  Law, Surveying, Law and Social Sciences .

Senator Umeh is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International since 2007.

He  was initiated into the Ancient and Noble Order of Knights of St. John
International.

In December 2016, the Catholic Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis the 1st conferred on Chief Umeh the Papal Knighthood of St. Sylvester, KSS.
Chief Umeh is married to Lady Prisca Chinenye Umeh, LAUX KSJI and  a Graduate of English Language and  Education Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Both of them are blessed with Seven Children.

©Ohamadike Media Team.

How much?

The Governor of Anambra State - Chief Willie Obiano on Thursday 6th January 2022 inaugurated Senator Dr. Victor Umeh (Ohamadike Ndigbo) and other members as members of Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

The inaugural ceremony took place at the Exco Chambers, Government House, Awka.

Members of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Governing Council are:
1. Prof. Anthony Ikemefuna (Chairman)
2. Dr. Eric Ifeanyi Okoye, OFR, mni
3. Senator Dr. Victor Umeh, OFR
4. Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, MFR
5. Barr. Pat Igwebuike, Esq.
6. HRH. Igwe Dr. Oranu Chris Chidume

Congratulations to Senator Dr. Victor Umeh and the entire council members.

Distinguished Senator Dr Victor Umeh OFR (Ohamadike Ndigbo) is presently attending the 25th Priestly Anniversary of Rev. Fr. Onyeka Paulinus Anaedu and 25th Years of Religious Profession of Rev. Sr. Mary Eugenia Udoumeobi (DMMM) holding at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Aguluzigbo.

The event which was kick-started with an Episcopal Mass presided by the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Okpalaeke had the presence of many notable persons such as the Bishop-Elect of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye.

Presiding as Chairman of the Priestly Anniversary celebration, Senator Victor Umeh congratulated Fada Onyii and extolled his achievements in the past 25 years of his priesthood. He prayed for more grace and God's greater anointing to enable him ( Fada Onyii) continue to work effectively in His vineyard.

Senator Umeh also in the event granted scholarship to three children; 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners of the Mathematics Competition for Primary Schools in Aguluzigbo sponsored by Chief Amaobi Val Izuchukwu in special commemoration of the day. He assured them that the scholarship will sponsor their Secondary and University Education urging them and other competitors to take their studies more seriously.

Highpoints of the event was unveiling/launching of a book authored by Fada Onyii in support education in Aguluzigbo; cutting of anniversary cake; electrifying performance by the Theresa Onuorah's Egedege Cultural Group among others.

Congratulations Padre!

yanabasee:
New year starting great for him..... Congratulations boss...

We bless God

Senator Dr. Victor Umeh OFR (Ohamadike Ndigbo) in the late hours of Saturday 1st January joined friends and well-wishers of the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu in felicitating with him on his "Okwechiri Aguleri" chieftaincy title conferred on him by the Traditional Ruler of Aguleri HRH, Eze Dr. Michael C. Idigo (Ezeudo Aguleri) during the 122 Ovala Celebration of Aguleri Community.

Senator Victor Umeh together with his wife, Lady Prisca Umeh (Osodieme) congratulated Prof Solo Chukwulobelu for the well-deserved honor and commended Ezeudo Aguleri for the wise choice of honorees.

Senator Umeh who was the Chairman of the Okanga Aguleri 2021 Colloquium ( a buildup event preceding the Ovala) also seized the opportunity to felicitate with Eze Micheal Idigo (Ezeudo Aguleri) for the successful outings wishing him many more fruitful years on the throne.


Congratulations Okwechiri Aguleri!

MICHEALADEX:
Lol... refurbished dead mistibushi l200.


When will this people wake up

Where you there to know it was refurbished? Even if it was, does it stop the security men from operating or doing their Job?
Thank the People's senator for contributing to the development of his community. Your own senator I bet couldn't do that.

hisexcellency34:
Umeh...expired politician

I don't know you but know that being good is different from doing politics.
So he shouldn't do good?

Princesaha:
Who are you @ Op. Are you from our amiable town, filled with milk and honey, Aguluzigbo. Anyway, the new Igwe, Rufus Iloduba is my Uncle. If you see this, holla me make we empty some bottles this new year. I dey enter Villa tomorrow ok. One love!

Call me up 09095017918

Distinguished Senator Dr Victor Umeh OFR (Ohamadike Ndigbo & Nwannedinamba Adazi-Nnukwu) was in Adazi-Nnukwu today to felicitate with a frontline APGA Stakeholders and his ardent supporter, Mr Nestor Nzekwe (Blessed Nze-Nest) as he gave out the hand of his daughter, Miss Chinecherem Nancy Nzekwe in marriage to Mr Chibuzo Johnbosco Okafor-Ajelieli.

Senator Victor Umeh was accompanied by his amiable wife, Lady Prisca Umeh (Osodieme) and Mr Chijioke Ifekpolugo (Aguluzigbo Stakeholders) and seized the opportunity to fraternize with many of his allies and supporters in Adazi-Nnukwu.

The Senator congratulated the new couple and urged them to uphold their love for one another and to build their new home on Godly principles. He wished them a peaceful, fruitful and blessed marriage.

Congratulations!

In the effort to support the internal security mechanism of Aguluzigbo Community, Distinguished Senator Dr Victor Umeh OFR (Ikemba Aguluzigbo) has just donated a new Security Van to the community's Vigilante Group.

Presenting the key of the vehicle to the Traditional Ruler of the Town, HRH Igwe Rufus Iloduba (Igwe Ohanyelu II na Aguluzigbo), Senator Umeh pointed out that the gesture is in fulfillment of his earlier promise to provide a vehicle that will enhance their mobility of the security personnel within the Community thereby charged them to make effective use of the vehicle in ridding the community crimes and all forms of social vices in the year 2022 and beyond.

In their speeches, the Traditional Ruler of Aguluzigbo, Igwe Rufus Iloduba; the President General of Aguluzigbo Development Union, Hon. Chinwike Madueke; the Chairman of Aguluzigbo Progressive Forum, Chief Sunday Ezenwobi; the Chairman of Aguluzigbo Security Council, Mr Tebsy Anuabunwa (Akajiugo) and the Commander of the Aguluzigbo Vigilante Group expressed gratitude to Senator Victor Umeh for his continued benevolence towards the progress of the Community.

They noted that Senator Victor Umeh has through his indiscriminate generosity, brought significant transformation to the Community both in basic infrastructural development, road construction, scholarship for Aguluzigbo students, employment opportunities, electricity, security and other basic amenities therefore prayed God to sustain his blessings on him and his family. They also seized the opportunity to call on other well-meaning and resourceful indigenes of the community to key into similar selfless gestures in order to enhance peace and development of Aguluzigbo.

In addition to the Security Van, Senator Victor Umeh further gifted the personnel with cash, bags of rice and moral encouragements.

Happening Now


Distinguished Senator Dr Victor Umeh OFR (Ibobo Aguleri) was earlier today received by the Traditional Ruler of Aguleri, Eze (Dr) Micheal Idigo (Ezeudo Aguleri) and Members of the Royal Cabinet at the Ikenga Eziagulu Hall, Aguleri where he is to preside the Third Edition of the Okanga Aguleri Lecture.

The Okanga Aguleri Lecture is part of activities preceding the annual Ofala Festival of the ancient Kingdom.

According to the monarch, "The essence of the Okanga Annual Lecture is to continue to pontificate on the unique history of the Omabala people and their cultural heritage, as well as to foster unity in Aguleri and the entire Omabala for greater social and political benefits "

In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Victor Umeh commended Ezeudo Aguleri for the initiative of such highly important annual gathering which according to him is very instrumental in inculcating the younger generation with knowledge of their history and inspire them to becoming better townsmen and patriotic citizens. Emphasizing the need for peace, he extolled Igwe Ezeudo Aguleri for living up to the denotations of his name (Ezeudo: King of Peace), urging the Omabala communities especially Aguleri and Umueri to eschew acts capable of undermining peace and progress of the area. He further stressed that peace is a catalyst to development while conflicts undermines same.

On the Lecture topic of the day "Harnessing the Strength of Omabala People for Sustainable Relevance in the Future Politics of Anambra State and Nigeria", Senator Umeh (Ibobo Aguleri) emphasized the need for the people to maintain political consciousness and harmoniously forge-ahead to maintain political relevance. He noted that hence their brother, Governor Willie Obiano has performed creditably and is finishing legendary, the political future of Omabala is bright and promising.

Highpoints of the event were Commissioning of the newly completed Ikenga Eziagulu Community Civic Center and Ultramodern Health Center by Eze Micheal Idigo; Lecture by Prof Kenneth Chibuzor Ofokansi as well as the thought-provoking speech by the Colloquium Discussant, Chief Micheal Ike Udah (Ojinnaka Umueri); special appreciation and presentation of cow gift to Senator Victor Umeh for his continued benevolence towards Omabala and for accepting to preside over the Colloquium.

Senator Victor Umeh and Lady Prisca Umeh were at the residence of Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye in Adazi-Nnukwu to welcome the Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan as well as the Bishop of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah who were on a short visit to Anambra State.

The Cardinal repeatedly commended Senator Umeh for his exemplary dispositions of his Christian Faith and for being a good example in promoting good governance for a better society.

They stretched forth their hands and rained their bishopric blessings on the Senator and his entourage.

[/color]We do not beg you to be an indeginous person of biafra. I know you want to be to be referred as monkeys in the zoo. Oh sorry you are already one of them but let it serve as a warning to you monkeys that you people are in bondage. As of 1900 there was nothing like nigeria in the world's map, what was there was biafra before the girrafes pokenosed into our affair. The worst part of this is that it was the girl-friend of lord lugard that changed our name. I called them girrafes was that they had longer thorat by leaving their own country to look for something that does not belong to them and you nigerians (monkeys) fell for them. We igbos can not be decieved thats why we are indenginous..

LONG LIVE BIAFRA....

LONG LIVE NNAMDI KANU

LONG LIVE FELIX-JOE CHIBUNKEM
[color=#000099]We do not beg you to be an indeginous person of biafra. I know you want to be to be referred as monkeys in the zoo. Oh sorry you are already one of them but let it serve as a warning to you monkeys that you people are in bondage. As of 1900 there was nothing like nigeria in the world's map, what was there was biafra before the girrafes pokenosed into our affair. The worst part of this is that it was the girl-friend of lord lugard that changed our name. I called them girrafes was that they had longer thorat by leaving their own country to look for something that does not belong to them and you nigerians (monkeys) fell for them. We igbos can not be decieved thats why we are indenginous..

LONG LIVE BIAFRA....

LONG LIVE NNAMDI KANU

LONG LIVE FELIX-JOE CHIBUNKEM
[color=#000099][/color]We do not beg you to be an indeginous person of biafra. I know you want to be to be referred as monkeys in the zoo. Oh sorry you are already one of them but let it serve as a warning to you monkeys that you people are in bondage. As of 1900 there was nothing like nigeria in the world's map, what was there was biafra before the girrafes pokenosed into our affair. The worst part of this is that it was the girl-friend of lord lugard that changed our name. I called them girrafes was that they had longer thorat by leaving their own country to look for something that does not belong to them and you nigerians (monkeys) fell for them. We igbos can not be decieved thats why we are indenginous..

LONG LIVE BIAFRA....

LONG LIVE NNAMDI KANU

LONG LIVE FELIX-JOE CHIBUNKEM
[color=#000099][/color]

Death penalty should not be abolished because people will ahead killing turst #nigerians and they will give me the chance to start killing when anyone vexes me.
I THINK AM THROUGH THANK YOU.

Why on earth should the law court sentence her to death by hanging and this case is what they call man's slaughter because she was trying to defend hes self against molesting her.
please i begging that she should be released and let the law court should read their constitution very well and repass their verdict.