The Lagos branch of Awba-Ofemili Development Union (ADU) has launched a N100 million fund for a multi-purpose civic centre.

In his address at the branch’s maiden award and civic centre fundraising held last Saturday at the Welcome Centre Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos, the Chairman of ADU Lagos, Mr. Remmy Chuks Nweke, said that the launch of the N100 million fund for the civic centre is important and strategic as “it marks the beginning of a journey to a stronger socio-economic base for our dear Union in Lagos.”

ADU Lagos, he said, conceived the idea of a multipurpose civic center to serve as a focal point for the community gathering with facilities for indoor sporting events, theaters, concerts and shopping centre.

“Specifically, the ADU Lagos Civic Centre building is estimated to cost about N100m for completion; which outside acting as ADU Lagos meeting point, will be an income generating venture through offer of services to the public by renting out its halls for events when completed.

“ADU members wishing to use the hall will benefit from a special discount package,” Nweke said.

He equally urged invited guests for support to achieve this goal, while disclosing that a given percentage of the fund raised will be set aside for women empowerment, especially for widows in the town and specifically those who may have links with ADU Lagos.

The ADU Chairman recalled that Awba-Ofemili indigenes have been in Lagos for over 40 years and deserved to have a meeting place of their own, reiterating that what the town needs urgently is not necessarily strong men or women, but strong institutions in Awba-Ofemili to prosper.

“What Awba-Ofemili urgently needs are accountable individuals and institutions, which focus should be to support good governance and ensure that dissenting voices are heard; to ensure equal administration of justice for all Ndi Awba-Ofemili; civic participation, so that our young people get involved,” Nweke declared.

Women participation in town union development, he said, cannot be over emphasised, and enjoined all ADU men to encourage their wives to socialise with ADU Women Wing, considering that it is only what the women know they can teach their children, especially the Awba-Ofemili culture and tradition.

He commended the leadership of ADU Women Lagos led by Mrs. Nkem Nweke, vice chairperson Mrs. Gift Nebeani, and supported by the mother of the day, Lolo Gloria Chidebe, among others.

The father of the day, Ide Awba-Ofemili, Chief Benard Chidebe, said that the first indigene of the town came to Lagos in 1945 in the name of Col. Joseph Chidebe and ever since, Lagos has been a home to them, urging ADU members to remain law-abiding as they strive for success in their worthy endeavours.

Awba-Ofemili, he further said, is an agrarian community reputed for its quality rice production and fishery in Awka-North Local Government Area of Anambra State and is a border town between Anambra and Enugu states.

A total of 36 indigenes of Awba-Ofemili both home and abroad as well as some friends of the town were honoured at the occasion.

Over 86 indigenes were also presented with their certificates of membership by the leadership of ADU Lagos.

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