On Wednesday, the Obeledu community in the Anaocha local government of Anambra State celebrated culture, longevity, and unity as it held its 2024 Mass Return.
The event, which took place at the town’s Central School field, featured a celebration of octogenarians who were classed into their own ‘Itoogbo’, a civic reception for outstanding personalities from within and outside the community, and the induction of a new age grade.
According to a release by the community’s media team, Obeledu’s president general (PG), Engr Kenneth Echendu, commended the town’s sons and daughters for their massive support for the multiple programs loaded into one.
He congratulated the recipients of civic reception and recognition for blazing the trail in their various fields of human endeavour.
Echendu also congratulated the sixty octogenarians, men and women, for attaining such an old age at a time when life expectancy in the country is less than fifty.
Obeledu PG said that the occasion was a celebration of unity, prosperity, and peace, which, according to him, are undeniable manifestations of peace and stability in the town.
He attributed the positive developments in the community to the extraordinary vision of the present crop of leaders who are passionately committed to lifting the town in all spheres of life.
“Obeledu people are blessed with wonderful people who God has blessed to be in enviable positions across the country and beyond; it is the desire of the incumbent leadership to harness all the potential for the growth and development of our beloved community,” he said.
Engr Echendu appreciated the mass return committee for their five-star performance.
He attributed the conviviality at Obeledu to the commitment of the present crop of leadership.
PG appealed to the subjects to maintain the status quo for continuous growth and development of the community.
In his speech, Igwe Oragwam, Ezeoranyelu 111, thanked God for the community’s growth and development, noting that it couldn’t have been better.
He congratulated the town executive, led by Engr Kenneth Echendu, and all the community members for working in harmony to take Obeledu to greater heights.
He showered royal blessings upon the sons and daughters of Obeledu as well as the friends of the town.
Four prominent personalities from the community were at the occasion accorded recognition and awarded prestigious titles for their contributions to the growth and development of Obeledu: Engr Elias Ikechukwu Oradiegwu(Agbalanze), Dr Chika Ike(Ada Puru niche), Commandt Joachim Okafor(Ochiagha), and Chief Tonna Ejiofor (Ofonia).
The highlights of the occasion included the inauguration of a new age grade, the symbolic cutting of the cake for the octogenarians, and a parade by Agundu age grade, Obinwanne age grade, Osondu age grade, Udoamaka age grade, Gozife age grade, Anyi bu of age grade, Oganiru age grade, and Chimeremma age grade, amongst others.
