By: Ike Philip Abiagom
The Igbuzo Community Development Union (ICDU) has recorded a resounding success with its 2026 Easter Conference, marking a significant departure from previous gatherings and setting a bold agenda for the future of the community.
Held under the theme “Investing in the Future Development of Igbuzo Community,” this year’s conference was deliberately structured to confront pressing challenges facing the town. The planning committee assembled a lineup of eminent personalities and distinguished sons and daughters of Igbuzo as resource persons to address sensitive and long-standing issues affecting the community.
Key concerns such as cultism, drug abuse, insecurity, youth development, and power supply were extensively discussed, reflecting the urgency of the situation in Igbuzo. In a notable shift from tradition, the ICDU expanded participation beyond its constitutional provisions, inviting a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including Ogbe representatives, Otu-Ogbo groups, socio-cultural associations, women’s organizations, community elites, and traditional leaders.
The conference comes at a critical time, as the community grapples with rising incidents of cult-related violence, killings, robbery, and the alarming spread of illicit drugs. Speakers emphasized that no meaningful development can occur in an environment where lives and property are unsafe, stressing the need for immediate and collective action.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Onowu Ekwena Ijeh, described the conference as both timely and crucial. He called on all stakeholders to unite in addressing the threats posed by cultism, drug abuse, and insecurity, noting that these challenges endanger the future of Igbuzo’s youth.
Similarly, the President-General of ICDU Worldwide, Chief Victor Uchuno, reinforced the call for unity and peace. He commended ICDU branches and members across the globe for their unwavering commitment and contributions toward the success of the conference, while also appreciating sponsors, donors, and benefactors.
The Obuzor of Igbuzo, His Royal Majesty Obi (Prof.) Chelunor Nwoboshi, represented by Uwolo Amaechi Nwaenie, welcomed participants and expressed optimism that the conference would yield meaningful solutions.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Innocent Esewezie, highlighted youth empowerment, security, and infrastructural development as pillars of sustainable growth. He emphasized the need for skill acquisition, entrepreneurship support, and education to reduce unemployment and curb social vices, while also calling for stronger collaboration between the community and security agencies. He further pledged to work with the Obuzor’s Palace and sons and daughters of Igbuzo towards the construction of a befitting palace for the Obuzor.
One of the high points of the conference was the presentation by Pastor Idowu Okeze, founder of the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation, who spoke on “The Imperative of Unity and Peace in the Igbuzo Youth Movement.” He underscored the central role of youth in community development, warning that division and violence would only hinder progress. He also drew attention to inter-cult clashes, boundary disputes with neighboring communities, and the growing menace of drug abuse, urging collective responsibility in rebuilding peace.
NDLEA ASW Sani Bebeji spoke on drug abuse, Chief Dr. Nosike Agokei spoke on cultism ,Pastor Idowu Okeze spoke on Youths and development ,Deputy Commissioner of Police Rtd Anthony Isoh spoke on community Policing and Hon. Innocent Esewezie who gave his score card contributed insightful perspectives on various developmental issues.
Other resource persons, Dr Tom Inugonum, Onowu Frank Okafor, Barr Ify Iloba from Association of Ibusa Professional Women,
Mrs Laura Osade from Duchess International club,
On power supply, Sir Gilbert Okonji presented a report highlighting ICDU’s interventions, including the acquisition and energizing of substations and a 15 MVA transformer. These efforts have significantly enhanced electricity distribution, with about 34 transformers now connected across the community despite ongoing national grid challenges.
The conference was also attended by Igbuzo warlords High Chief Charles Ositadinma Okonkwo, Odogwu of Igbuzo. High Chief Celestine Okafor, Ikwele Igbuzo, Chief Austin Obidi, APC Oshimili North Chairman, Austin Nnabuife (JP)aka Ojeogbue, Chief Kizito Ijeh, Chief Mike Diayi and other dignitaries. The occasion was skillfully anchored by Emmanuel Amatokwu (popularly known as Kwasa), whose moderation added vibrancy to the proceedings.
In all, the 2026 ICDU Easter Conference stands as a pivotal moment in Igbuzo’s history—defined by honest dialogue, collective resolve, and a renewed commitment to unity and sustainable development.
Participants expressed optimism that the resolutions reached will translate into concrete actions, paving the way for a safer and more prosperous Igbuzo.