–         Commend Engr Stanley Ukaga-Led UDU National Exco For Fostering Peace, Unity, Mutual Co-Existence

By Martin Opara

Women from all the communities in the Uratta clan held their 2025 August Meeting on Saturday, August 23 2025. 

The event which took place at the Umunahu Primary School field was not only memorable but also a pace setter as it was the first time in history that the Ndom and the Mgboto held the annual August Meeting at the same time.

Speaking at the occasion, the President of Uratta Women Chief  Mrs Olivia Ijeoma, commended the National President General (NPG) of Uratta Development Union (UDU) Engr (Chief) Stanley Ukaga for his commitment to fostering peace, unity and mutual co-existence adding that this is the first time in the history of Uratta Clan that the Ndom and Mgboto are holding the yearly August meeting at the same time. She expressed delight that all segments, including the Ndom, Mgboto, Youths, the Obilobi etc are now being actively guided by one constitution under the able leadership of the current Ukaga led national executive of UDU. She urged all those present “to encourage their children and in-laws who are not members of the various women groups to register without delay. adding that, having taken the initial giant strides towards initiating peace, progress and development championed by the UDU, there is no going back”.

“The first test of what we are capable of doing will be showcased on Friday  next week when the husband of one of us, Mrs Uchegbu will be laid to rest. We will be there to support, condole and show her solidarity. Her neighbors, relatives and friends will feel the impact of our presence and know that she belongs to a very formidable group. We will henceforth exhibit the spirit of one for all and all for one”.

Speaking earlier, the National President General of Uratta Development Union (UDU), Engr Stanley Ukaga, commended the women for aligning with the vision to fully revive the Orie Uratta Ancestral market, which is the collective responsibility of all  well meaning sons and daughters of Uratta clan and other stakeholders.

He regretted that the project was abandoned and kept in abeyance for many years before his emergence as the National President General of UDU.

“Orie Uratta is our cultural heritage that must not be abandoned or relegated to the background”.

“On the issue of security, we have got a written approval from the Imo State Police Command to set up the Uratta Security Network. The Police have also agreed to train the personnel. The take off is being delayed because of our inability to meet all the requirements because we intend to do it professionally for optimal performance and quality service delivery”.”

Engr Ukaga also expressed dismay over the way and manner the producers of ONGA seasoning cubes treated  Uratta women with disdain despite a firm promise to sponsor this year’s August meeting.

He said, “We looked forward to establishing and strengthening a more robust relationship with the producers of ONGA seasonings, through their promotional event which was to take place on Saturday August 23 2025, at the Umunahu Primary School field. The arrangement was made through the office of the Parish Priest of St Johns Catholic Church, Umunahu. He involved us as the apex administrative body in Uratta to ensure the full and active participation of our women, daughters and wives. He said ONGA required at least 1000 attendees. 

Uratta Development Union through their Mgboto and Women wings mobilized our womenfolk and daughters in numbers far exceeding the the 1,000 minimum they requested. We were utterly disappointed when were belatedly informed that the event had been canceled because 

costs had already been incurred in hiring  canopies, chairs, sound systems and light refreshment. The famous Ekemegbueoha market was closed for that day to ensure the active participation of traders. 

But despite the disappointment, Mazi Dr Chima Amadi, renowned philanthropist and Founder, The Mazi Organization (TMO) unexpectedly turned up and saved the day. He provided funds for some of our elderly women who had turned up for the event and donated generously to Nde Mgboto and Ndom Uratta. He as well donated to the church and the Uratta Development Union’s market shops project. A project designed to sequentially revive the Orie market which is part  of our cultural heritage. We thank him for his support and interventions, and  pray that God  blesses him more abundantly. We also thank God for sending Mazi, who literally saved the day and put smiles on the faces of our people, especially the women whose collective burden he ameliorated.

Henceforth , in agreement with our Board of Trustees  (BoTs) all future events that require the involvement of the entire Uratta Clan must be coordinated through my office to avoid a repeat of such distasteful treatment. Uratta cannot be embarrassed by such actions or inaction again under my watch. May the Almighty God continue to guide, protect and bless all of us abundantly in Jesus Name.”

 Recall that Dr Chima Amadi, Founder, The Mazi Organization TMO, donated N500,000 each to four elderly women from different communities in Uratta, N3.5m to the women and N10m for the Orie Uratta market project at the event.