From Ijeoma John, Nnewi
The Nnewi Reconciliation Committee has officially merged the Nnewi Youth League, Nnewi Improvement Union and all other similar meetings in Nigeria and in the diaspora into one body called Nnewi United Development Association (NUDA).
The merging ceremony held on Saturday July 26,2025 at Anaedo Hall,in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State had in attendance illustrious sons and daughters of Nnewi home and in diaspora.
Among the dignitaries present were: the Igwe of Nnewi,His Royal Highness Igwe K.O.N Orizu (lll)), fully represented by the Crown Prince,Prince Obianefo Orizu, Obi of Uruagu, Obi Afamefuna Obi (Ogidi IV), Obi of Umudim, Obi Benneth Okafor(Amaukwu), Obi of Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba, (Obidiugwu),the CEO Chicason group, Chief Dr Chika Okafor, the Executive Chairman of Nnewi North, Mayor Echezona Anazodo, Member Representing Nnewi North constituency, Hon. Ike-Edoji,the President General Nzuko-ora Nnewi, Prince Jude Osumuoh, Bar. Lotanna Okoli(SAN)), the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Dr Emma Nsoedo, the Chairman, Nnewi United Development Association, Prince Eke Obi, the Secretary of the Association, Chief Michael Azuka, Chairman Event planning committee of the Association, Prince Chukwudi Ubah, Sir Emmanuel Orji, the four quarters PGs and the host of other dignitaries.
Prince Obianaefo Orizu in his address said they did not gather to witness a merger but to mark historic reaffirmation of purpose between two of Nnewi’s developmental organizations,who after almost forty years,have chosen peace over, fragmentation,responsibility over rivalry and vision over vanity.
Nnewi Youth League formed in August 10,1948, according to Nnewi Crown Prince,achieved a lot. He mentioned some of achievements of Nnewi Youth League as; gifted Nnewi functional post Office in 1953,built enduring Nnewi League Hall in 1954,gave Nnewi educational institution, built Classroom blocks,contributed to the development of College Health Sciences and erected mortuary at the then Nnewi General Hospital( Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi).
Nnewi Improvement Union on the other hand was formed in 1986,according to Obianaefo it championed vital projects to the wellbeing of the people of Nnewi.
“Today, the two organizations have chosen the higher path to unite under one banner; Nnewi United Development Association” he said.
He appreciated Nnewi Reconciliation Committee and all that made it possible after nearly four decades,stressing that no developmental organizations is, nor should be an administrative authority over Nnewi affair.
Obianaefo categorically stated that the sacred mandate of administering Town Union matters rest exclusively on Nzuko-ora Nnewi, warning the new Assembly not to repeat error in the past which according to him put the community into confusion and crisis.
He charged the new body to uphold its name not as a fusion of former bodies but as a platform for practical service, sacrifice and sustained development.
Prince Obianaefo encouraged them to stay together and work together to achieve massive results.