- By: Ike Philip Abiagom
The OGBOR AHO AYA BI Age Grade has written its name in gold in the annals of Igbuzo history, setting a remarkable pace for others to follow with its inaugural end-of-year Thanksgiving and Awards Ceremony—an event that radiated love, unity and strong community spirit.
More than just an age grade, OGBOR AHO AYA BI has blossomed into a formidable brotherhood, admired and even envied by many within Igbuzo.
The celebration was thoughtfully designed to give back, inspire and unite the community. Activities commenced on Friday, December 27, 2025, with a compassionate visit to a motherless babies’ home, where members donated food items and essential materials, putting smiles on innocent faces and reaffirming their commitment to humanity.
The spiritual aspect of the celebration followed on Sunday, December 28, 2025, with a thanksgiving service at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Igbuzo, where gratitude was offered to God for life, unity and progress. The grand finale later unfolded at Ezemese Primary School, Igbuzo, in an atmosphere filled with colour, culture and pure joy.
The epoch-making occasion was chaired by Elder Acho Nonyalim, Chairman of Junuic Group of Companies, whose presence added prestige to the event. The President-General of the Igbuzo Community Development Union (ICDU) also delivered a goodwill address.
The celebration attracted an array of distinguished personalities who were honoured for their outstanding contributions to society. The award recipients included Chief Chukwudi Elvis Okonjo, Pastor Idowu Okeze, His Royal Eminence Engr. Celestine Okafor (Ikwele of Igbuzo), Dame Winifred Akpani, CEO of North-West Petroleum Ltd, Prof. Julius Oyedemi (PWAN Plus), Dr. Emeka Esogbue (Pen Master), Tony Onwordi (KAN), Onowu Emma Oshia, Ambassador Chris Mogaha, Hon. Austin Nnabuife (Ojeogbue), among several others.
Widely described as one of the most outstanding events ever hosted by an age grade in the history of Igbuzo, the ceremony earned glowing accolades from guests and community leaders alike. Much of the success was credited to the tireless commitment and teamwork of the event planning committee, led by Onowu Emma Oshia, Austin Ndinwa (Okenmili), Ogbolu Nwaoboshi, Nwaokolo Ifeanyi, Onowu Ogo Otoma, Lawrence Ojeashi and Onowu Victor Ashamedua.
Indeed, the OGBOR AHO AYA BI Age Grade has not only celebrated itself but has also raised the bar for age-grade activities in Igbuzo—proving that unity, compassion and purposeful leadership can create moments that inspire generations to come.
