By: Ike Philip Abiagom
Ibusa (Igbuzo) was once again brought into the spotlight of progressive dialogue and communal reflection as Pastor Idowu Okeze, Ukpechukwu Munyali-Igbuzo and the founder of Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation delivered a thought-provoking paper at the Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU) Easter Conference 2026. The conference, themed “Investing in the Future Development of Igbuzo Community,” attracted stakeholders, leaders, and concerned citizens committed to shaping a better future for the town.
Pastor Okeze, who served as one of the resource persons, presented a paper titled “The Imperative of Unity and Peace in the Igbuzo Youths Movement.” In his address, he expressed deep admiration for the conference theme, describing it as a vision of profound significance for the survival and advancement of the community.
He emphasized that meaningful investment in the future of Igbuzo cannot be achieved without placing the youth at the center of that vision. According to him, the youths are not merely the inheritors of tomorrow but active architects of today. “An architect whose hands are divided, whose mind is troubled, and whose house is at war cannot build anything that will last,” he stated.
Speaking both as a pastor and a proud son of Igbuzo, Okeze urged the community to confront its realities with honesty. He noted that ignoring existing challenges would only deepen the wounds within the community. He lamented that recent developments have tested the resilience of peace and the strength of the youth in Igbuzo.
Highlighting the pressing issues facing the town, Pastor Okeze pointed to the alarming rate of inter-cult violence and rivalry, which has reportedly led to frequent loss of young lives. He also cited external tensions, particularly boundary disputes with neighboring Ogwashi-Uku over ancestral lands and the Admiralty University territory, as well as frictions involving Asaba and Okpanam.
In addition, he raised concerns over the growing menace of drug abuse among youths, noting the easy accessibility of illicit substances and the rise of other social vices threatening the moral fabric of the community.
To address these challenges, Pastor Okeze stressed the urgent need for a united and peaceful youth movement capable of commanding respect and restoring order. He observed that peace in Igbuzo has been further undermined by fraudulent land transactions, cultism, land grabbing by internal groups, and the demolition of properties.
Of particular concern, he said, is the deepening factionalization within the youth body, which has resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, erosion of trust, and widespread disorder. He attributed part of this division to political interference and attempts by external actors to hijack youth leadership structures.
The youth body, known as Otu-Okwulagwe, he noted, should serve as a strong corrective institution that supports traditional leadership, including the Diokpa and Obuzor, in maintaining law and order within the community.
Pastor Okeze therefore called for urgent steps toward peacebuilding, including a comprehensive reorientation of youth values, the institutionalization of conflict resolution mechanisms, and the preservation of the autonomy and integrity of youth leadership.
He further appealed to the ICDU not to conclude the conference without establishing a clear framework for conducting credible, free, and fair youth elections that would be widely accepted by all factions.
In his closing remarks, Pastor Okeze urged all divided youth groups to embrace unity and let go of past grievances. He warned that continued internal strife would only weaken the community, allowing outsiders to exploit its collective resources.
Igbuzo cannot continue to fight itself while strangers walk away with our commonwealth, he said. “Let us unite and work together for the common development of our land.”
The conference ended with renewed calls for collective responsibility and a shared commitment to rebuilding unity and peace in Igbuzo.