We have reached the end of our 12-city tour, which began just two weeks ago. This journey has deepened my understanding of the saying, Onye njem ka onye isi awo mara ihe—travelling truly broadens one’s perspective. Engaging with our people in over 31 cities worldwide over the past few months has been an incredible learning experience.
My last two stops in the United Kingdom were nothing short of remarkable. In Manchester, it felt like the entire North West of England came together, with leaders from Liverpool, Yorkshire, and Preston uniting alongside Manchester. This could not have been possible without the incredible hosting and leadership by Dr Quincy Izu Chuka, Nwachinemelu na Amawbia, who welcomed me to his home. With his beautiful wife and children, they made their home mine.
I am indeed indebted to all the people who made the event a huge success starting with the owner of am amazing Chuck Art Gallery, Mr. Chuck, whose venue was used. Also thanks to Mr Nedum Obi- Ozo Chinechendo na Okia, Mrs Chinwe Ibisi, Mrs Chioma Soronnadi, Dr Emeka Modeme-Chinyelueze, Mr Okechukwu Umeadi, Mr Arinze Nwokoye, Dr Ugo Umeadi- Ozo Ogeife, Mr Obi Ibekwe -Ozo Ezeabata, Jude Egeonwu-Ozo Akusinachi, Dr Olisa Egbeama – Ozo Orimili, Mr Bona Oti Esq, Mr Zubby Chukwugbo, Peter Okpalaojiego, Dr (Mrs) Nkem Chuka (Anulidiya), Mrs Pat Okekearu, Chris Okpalugo, Dr Ken Uzoka Ozumba, Hon Amaka Palmer, Chief Emeka Ezekannagha, Arinze Ilozumba, Engr Chidi Ezenwa, Dr Obiora Oraegbunam (Ugonnia), Dr Grace, Mrs Maduka Chioma, Mr Ikechukwu Odunukwe (Obata ife adi, Mr Izuchukwu Charles (Aku rie nne), Mr Julius Nwakonobi (Mmili Na Atu Akpali, Mr Kingsley Enyi and many more.
Last night at Jubilee House in London, we concluded the tour with our largest gathering yet. It also featured the highest number of women participants. One of my Lancaster University classmates, Pratima Rawal, honoured us with her presence throughout the event, delivering an eloquent testimony.
I owe this event’s success, under God, to the tireless efforts of Chief Valentine Echezona (Ozo Nwakibeya) and Dr Azuka Benson (Obata Ife Adi), whose leadership and sacrifices were exemplary. Their collaboration embodied the unity we strive for, and I encourage others in the UK to emulate their selflessness for the greater good. My thanks also extend to Prince Lotanna Chima (Enyi Nnewi), Barr. Ken Udeoka, Chief David Nwokolo, Mrs Ifeoma Muoma, Lady Ozo Umegbolu, Engr Helen Nwoye, Lady Jane Ezolu, Lady Oge Nwike, Claire Arinze, Iyom Chief Lesley Echezona, De Lioness Electric, Barr. Tim Ogbuagu, Iyom Uche Nworah, Dr (Mrs) Nkechi Okezuruonye, Chief Uche Enechi, Ngozi Stainless, Iyom Grace Efobi, Susan Obi-Smith, Chinedu Okpala, Lady Adaora Lina Moh, Prince Nnamdi Chima, Chido Ajuorah (Agunabo), Uche Onwuzuligbo, Eucharia Umeh-Egboka, Chuks Okeke (Akugibueziokwu), Ikechukwu Obi Ejo, Mr Ike Arinze (Esu Awka), Lady Helen Chikezie, Sir Onyeka Okafor, Mrs Emelda Ilika, Barr. Chukwuemeke Ilo-Nwanna, Evelyn Omanukwe, Chief (Mrs) Ebere Chukwujama (Iyom Ugegbe), Chidi Abadom, Theodora Ibekwe Oyebade, Gertrude Amarikwa-Obi, and Uzoamaka Arinze, among many others.
A special mention goes to Chief Teddy Ezeike, who accompanied me to Manchester, arranged my logistics to London, and attended with his wonderful wife and son, Lotanna, a Silicon Valley techpreneur. I also appreciate Dr Israel Nonyerem Davidson, who travelled over 10 hours from Newcastle Business School to join us, offering invaluable insights. My gratitude extends to Ambassador Ugo Morah, whose support and invitation to London set the stage for this impactful tour.
I also acknowledge Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke (Njenje Media) and Dr Chido Ajuorah for leading the press coverage, along with Lady Marlene Onyeocha, Uche Okom, and Femi Oke.
Tonight, I will attend the Igbo Ambassador UK’s end-of-year celebration and the launch of their South East Economic Blueprint. Tomorrow, I will join Fr Albert Ofere for Holy Mass at Wembley, lunch with Amesi Community in London, and then end of year event of Anambra State Union London before I return to Nigeria.
My message to our resilient and hardworking diaspora remains consistent throughout this incredible journey: Let us unite and do our part to build a vibrant, secure, and peaceful Anambra State. Like many successful nations, diasporans have always been at the forefront of their homeland’s economic, cultural transformation and we need to utilise this Ka Anambra Chawapu.
To God be the glory. Ka Anambra Chawapu!
