By Fidel Ozugha
Historically, in the year 2009/2010 few friends from Imo State of Nigeria but are living in Guangzhou China, came together in one African restaurant popularly know as Igbo Ezuo, owned by an Imolite called Mr Ike.
They all deliberated on how needful it is to bring their brothers and sisters from Imo State Nigeria, together as one united family. After many discussions, a meeting was scheduled a month later which everyone was mandated to inform and invite any Imo citizens living in Guangzhou, China.
Their aims and objectives of forming the union were discussed which was adopted and widely accepted by members that attended the meeting.
In a nutshell, what the pioneer members had in mind were ”To bring our brothers and sisters in China together as one United family; To educate each other on rules and regulations of the host country; To help ourselves in time of difficulties and to share helping ideas on trade and business; To help in redeeming the image of Imo State, the Igbo nation and Nigeria as our country.
With this passion and patriotic zeal, the association was made to know by all members present on the faithful day as a none profit and political organization. Since that time till now, after overcoming formative challenges, Imo United Association in China has been waxing stronger and stronger with members reaping the rich benefits of brotherhood and togetherness in many ways
To bring year 2024 to a remarkable close, the Association, under the progressive chairmanship of Apostle Madueke Eze Chinemeze and his vice, Hon. Elder Maxwell Okereke, on 8th December, 2024. rolled out drums for a red carpet reception and awards to members who distinguished themselves in one field of human endeavour or another.
Over seventeen worthy sons of the Association from various communities of the State were recognised and honoured, The awards were in five categories: Entrepreneurial, Leadership, Platinum, Golden and Merit.
Though some of those scheduled to be houred were unavoidable absent, but those bestowed were overwhelmed with joy for the worthy recognition.
Chief Alex Emeka Anyim (CEO, Manpillar Investment Limited and General Merchandise and Business Consultants). He hails from Abu Amaumara Ezinihitte Mbaise.
Chief Godson John Ekwems. Chinyereugo, Ozuome (CEO Lefachi Classic Vegetable and Oil Food Manufacturing Company Ltd). He is from Ozuome Community in Urualla in Ideator North LGA of Imo State, but was represented by Mr Ebere Vincent
Mr. Valentine Egbuzobi Egbuzobi Valentine (CEO, Phival Ltd that deals on Lingerie). He hails from Akokwa in Ideator North LGA..
High Chief Ezekwem Vincent (CEO, Vinlove Foundation Global Ltd). He hails from Mbaitoli area of Imo State. This 2024 Imo United Association End of the Year Party and Gala Night was done in profound way under his able chairmanship.
Ochiagha Arinze Larry (CEO, Ochiwar Global Concept) was also celebrated.
Mr. Dike Chigozie Kingsley (CEO, Gpraise Industrial Logistics) was also honoured. He hails from Ogwume Autonomous Community in Ideator South LGA of Imo State.
Mr. Onuoha Stalinius Amadi (CEO, Stanjessy Auto Parts Investments Ltd) He hails from Owerri LGA of Imo State
Uwah Felix Christian (CEO, Felix World Foundation and General Merchandise) who hails from Mbieri Ancient Kingdom in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State was outstanding.
Bro Okechukwu Nwadiukwu (CEO, Okey Eunice Investments Ltd), from Dim Ubuluihejiofor in Oru West LGA of Imo State being celebrated with Golden Award during the event.
ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD
Areas covered in giving the awards were entrepreneurship in which six members stood out like a colossus. The recipients include Eze Uche Henry ( Chairman and CEO, Normich Hotel and Suites.) He is from Ebenator Ekwe in Isu Local Government of Imo Stae; Ndubuaku Ugonna ( CEO, Ugonna Tanqi Global Designer). He hails from Isiekenese in Ideator Local Government
Also recognized was Chief Ohaju Richard Chukwuemeka (CEO of Compac Ene, Companic Enterprise and Isi Mmiri Logistics Limited. He is from Ideator LGA of Imo State, Eriwa Agwuagwu and The Ome Ihe Dike N’Akokwa.
Members of the high table during the ceremony, r-l are the Vice Chairman, Hon. Elder Maxwell Okereke, Chairman of the Association, Apostle Madueke Eze Chinemeze, Chief Eze Uche Henry, the Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Vincent Ezekwem, Mr Ociagha Arinze Larry and Chief Ohaju Richard Chukwuemeka
Okolie Nonso Kyrian (Akwoji Eziogwu in Awo Idemili, Orsu LGA of Imo State, was also celebrated. Wisdom Michael. from Ideator and Chief Meshark Anorue, Aririerumba 1 of Abba in Mbaise LGA of Imo State were equally recognized and honoured.
LEADERSHIP AWARD
In Leadership Award, the following people were recognized and honoured Alex Emeka Anyim (CEO, Manpillar Investments Ltd and General Merchandise and Business Consultants) He is fromAbu Amaumara Ezinitte Mbaise.
Chief Godson John Ekwems, Chinyereugo na Ozuome (CEO, Lefachi Classic Vegetable and Oil Food Manufacturing Company Ltd) He hails from Ozuome Community in Urualla of Ideator North LGA of Imo State.
Egbuzobi Valentine (CEO, Phival Ltd which deals on Lingerie),is proud son of Akokwa in Ideator North LGA
Ikpo Kelechi hails from Ihite Uboma of Imo State
Onwukwe Markson Farason is from Orlu LGA of Imo State
PLATINUM AWARD
The three luckyrecipients were High Chief Vincent Ezekwem ( CEO, Vinlove Foundation Global Company Ltd) He hails from Mbaitolu of Imo State. Chief Ezekwem chaired the 2024 Imo United End of Year Party and Gala Night Award Ceremony.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Vincent Ezekwem (standing) addresses the audience while Chairman of the Association, Apostle Madueke Eze Chinemeze 2nd r-l, his Vice, Hon. Elder Maxwell Okereke and others listen with interest
Dike Chigozie Kingsley ( CEO, Gpraise Industrial Logistics) He is a native of Ogwume Community in Ideator South LGA of Imo State.
Ochiagha Arinze Larry is the CEO, Ochiwar Global Concept.
GOLD AWARD
The recipients were Mr. Onuoha Stalinius Amadi,CEO, Stanjessy Auto Parts Investment Ltd who hails from Owerri West LGA ,and
Bro Okechukwu Nwadiukwu, CEO, Okey Eunice Investment Ltd who hails from Dim Ubulu Ihejiofor in Oru LGA West of Imo State,
MERIT AWARD
Uwah Felix Christian, CEO, Felix World Foundation and General Merchandise who hails Mbieri Ancient Kingdom in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State was the sole recipient of this prestigious award
Chairman,Imo United Association in China, Apostle Madueke Eze Chinemeze
Speaking during the occasion, Apostle Madueke Eze IK Chinemeze along with his Vice Chairman, Hon. Elder Maxwell Okereke expressed deep appreciation to all those who made the occasion a huge success both in planning, financial support, execution as well in attendance.
He charged the awardees not only to remain among the beacon of hope of Igbo nation in China but also to bring up other young ones in the spirit of ”onye aghana nwanne ya” character Igbo people all over the world.
Apostle Chinemeze thanked all and assured the members and other invitees of better and richer celebration of Imo United Association in the years ahead.
The names and positions of members of the Executive of Imo United Association Guanggzhou China whose sacrifices made the occasion a memorable one are Apostle Madueke Eze Chinemeze (Chairman),
Vice Chairman, Hon. Elder Maxwell Okereke
Hon. Elder Maxwell Okereke (Vice Chairman), Bro Patrick Mberekpe (Secretary), Bro Olisa Chukwuma (Financial Secretary), High Chief Vincent Onunaujuaku Ezekwem (Treasurer), Philip Ogochukwu Nkwo (Chief Provost) and Duru Isaac Ifeanyi (Public Relations PRO),
Others are Chinedu Nathaniel Okeokpa (Assistant Secretary), Ononiwu Cosmas Onyinye (Assistant PRO), Mazi Obodozie Sunday (Welfare Officer 1) and Comrade Calistus Chimezie Ihim (Welfare Officer 2).
