Emma Elekwa
President General of Igwebuike Anam Age Grade Worldwide, Chief Samuel Udefi has called on governments at all levels in Southeast to strengthen age grade system as vehicle for sustainable grassroots development in Igbo land.
Udefi who made the appeal during his 50th birthday celebration, organized in his honour by his age grades in Asaba, Delta State praised his age mates for hosting his golden jubilee birthday.
He described himself as fortunate to lead what he called the most organized, peaceful, and development-oriented age group in Igboland.
“I consider myself very lucky to have been chosen to lead this special group of people across eight communities in Anam.
“Igwebuike age grade is unique because we are the first and only age grade that bears the same name across Anam.
“We have built the bond of unity, peace and love through these years which has made it possible for us to achieve so many things in Anam,” he said.
Underscoring the numerous socio-economic development initiatives executed by the group over the years, Udefi said the initiatives served as strong proof that much could be achieved through organized age grade system in the region.
Impactful projects
“Igwebuike age grade has executed several impactful projects, including the provision of solar lighting for eight communities across Anam, rural electrification, medical outreach programmes, and the empowerment of indigent members,” he added.
Udefi, traditionally addressed as Ọnwa N’ eti eti 1 na Anam’ urged state and local government authorities across the Southeast to work closely with age grades and town unions to drive impactful development initiatives in local communities.
According to the PG, a structured partnership between the government and these traditional institutions will accelerate grassroots progress and foster sense of shared responsibility among community members.
“Our age grade has shown what unity and organization can achieve.
“If governments collaborate with us, the pace of development in our villages will be unprecedented,” Udefi said.
