By: Ike Philip Abiagom
For several years, the ancient kingdom of Igbuzo has battled security challenges, youth restiveness, cult-related activities, and other social vices that threatened the peace and development of the community. Amid these challenges, a group of determined youths came together under the banner of the Indomitable Union of Igbuzo with a mission to restore law and order, promote peace, and reclaim the town’s reputation as one of the most peaceful and hospitable communities in Delta State.
At the forefront of this movement is Chief Sir Ambassador Azikiwe Jacob Nwabuwa, a youth leader, community advocate, and Chairman of the Indomitable Union of Igbuzo. Through grassroots mobilization, collaboration with traditional institutions, security agencies, and community stakeholders, he has championed efforts aimed at combating cultism, violent crimes, and drug abuse while encouraging young people to embrace productive ventures and responsible citizenship.
Beyond his security advocacy, Chief Nwabuwa is also seeking to expand his service to the people through elective office, having declared his intention to contest in the 2026 elections to represent his constituency at the House of Representatives. He believes that effective leadership, community engagement, and youth empowerment are critical to addressing the challenges facing the people and delivering meaningful development.
In this exclusive interview with Newsbreeze Magazine, Chief Nwabuwa speaks extensively on the formation and achievements of the Indomitable Union of Igbuzo, the fight against crime and cultism, recent security incidents in the community, allegations of political motives behind the organization, his political ambition, and his vision for a safer, united, and more prosperous Igbuzo.
Excerpts:
Q: Can we meet you, Chief?
A: My name is Chief Sir Ambassador Azikiwe Jacob Nwabuwa.
Q: What is this gathering all about? Is it a gathering of politicians or a gathering of Igbuzo youths?
A: This is an Igbuzo Union gathering. It is the gathering of the Indomitable Union of Igbuzo, and this is our meeting today.
Q: What is the mission and vision of this body?
A: That is a very good question, and it has a long answer. Let me start with our mission. Our primary mission is to restore peace and security in Igbuzo so that you and I, and everyone living in the community, can enjoy peace and live comfortably.
Our vision is rooted in the fact that, for many years, Igbuzo experienced crises and setbacks. The people we looked up to as leaders did not provide the kind of leadership that would move the community forward. We do not know all the reasons, but there came a time when we decided to find out why our town was lagging behind.
Igbuzo was once known as a peaceful and loving community. It was a town where non-indigenes felt at home and where people proudly identified with the community. It was nicknamed “Small London” because of its welcoming nature and progressiveness.
We all grew up in Igbuzo using lanterns, fetching water from streams and rivers, and going to the farm with our mothers and grandmothers. We participated in our cultural festivals such as Iwu and Ulo, enjoyed traditional wrestling competitions, and shared meals together as one people.
Igbuzo was a place where visitors were welcomed without hesitation. It was a community built on love, unity, and generosity. However, at some point, we lost that spirit. We do not know exactly how it happened, but we knew something had to be done.
That was why this union was formed—to rebuild, restructure, and restore the community. Over the years, many youths became involved in cultism and other social vices.
Politicians and other individuals sometimes exploited them, emboldening them to take the law into their own hands and engage in violence.
At that point, we in the Indomitable Union of Igbuzo said, “Enough is enough.” We resolved to put things right and restore the values that once defined our community.
The first objective of the union was to fight cultism. We made it clear that cultism would no longer be tolerated in Igbuzo. We are not interested in the names of cult groups. If anyone wants to engage in cult activities, Igbuzo is not the place for it.
That was one of the core missions and visions of this union. The youths and elders of Igbuzo came together in agreement to fight this menace. As the Bible says, two cannot work together unless they agree. We agreed and decided to work together.
By the grace of God, we have achieved significant success. I can boldly say that the Indomitable Union of Igbuzo has reduced cultism to the barest minimum in our community.
We do not take the law into our hands. Anyone caught engaging in cult activities is handed over to the appropriate authorities. If convicted by a court of law, such a person faces the legal consequences.
We came together as one family and one Igbuzo to create a peaceful and attractive environment where people can live, invest, and do business. At one point, investors and developers avoided Igbuzo because of insecurity and negative reports. But since the emergence of this union, many of those ugly incidents have significantly reduced.
After tackling cultism, we expanded our focus to fighting violence in all forms. We encourage people not to take the law into their own hands. If someone offends you, report the matter to the police or the appropriate authorities. Anyone who breaks the law must face the law.
That has been our mission and vision from the beginning, and it remains our commitment today.
Q: Chief, there was recently a reported killing in Igbuzo. Can you tell us what happened?
A: Yes, the incident you read about online actually happened.
According to available information, the deceased was allegedly involved in an altercation with Mrs. Okonkwo. Some individuals claimed he spat on her. In response, a group of people assaulted him and, unfortunately, he died during the attack.
The matter is currently being handled by the police and other relevant authorities.
As the Indomitable Union of Igbuzo, we condemn the act in its entirety. We do not support violence or unlawful killings. Anyone who takes a life must face the consequences under the law.
Q: It has been rumored that you formed this body because of your political ambition and plans to contest an election. Is that true?
A: I want to make this very clear. This union was not formed for political purposes, and it has no political undertones.
Yes, I am involved in politics, but the mission of this union is to fight cultism, crime, and hard drug abuse in Igbuzo. Members of the union belong to different political parties, including APC, PDP, and others. The union itself is non-political.
Q: You said your union has eradicated cultism from Igbuzo. How true is that?
A: We have reduced cultism to the barest minimum in Igbuzo. We have over 100 volunteers who render selfless service to the community.
We have personally invested close to ₦30 million in fighting crime and promoting peace in Igbuzo, and we are still investing. Nobody is sponsoring us. We are committed to this cause and will never give up.
Q: Does this body have the backing of His Royal Majesty and the traditional council?
A: Yes, we have the support of His Royal Majesty, the Igbuzo Police Division, traditional institutions, community leaders, and the Local Government Council.
We are especially grateful to the Divisional Police Officer for his proactive efforts. Our goal is to bring lasting peace to Igbuzo.
I must also correct an impression. The fact that I am the Chairman does not mean I own the union. It is a collective platform of proactive youths committed to promoting peace and eradicating crime in Igbuzo.
Q: Can we talk about your political career?
A: I come from a political background. Many people know my political mentor and father, Chief Barr. Fred Ajudua.
I have been involved in politics for many years, and I learned a great deal from him. I sincerely appreciate his guidance and mentorship.
I love politics because it provides an opportunity to serve people. That is why I intend to contest for the House of Representatives to represent my constituency. Everything I have achieved in life today came through hard work and personal effort, not politics. If given the opportunity, I will serve my people diligently and honestly.
Q: What advice do you have for the youth?
A: My advice to the youth is simple: do not allow yourselves to be deceived by temporary inducements or token empowerment programmes.
Always vote for credible leaders who have the capacity, character, and commitment to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. The future belongs to the youth, and they must make informed decisions that will benefit their communities and Nigeria as a whole.