The people of Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, made history on July 26, 2025, by putting an end to over 40 years of confusion and crisis regarding the rightful leadership structure in the town.
This milestone was achieved through the official merger of the Nnewi Youth League and the Nnewi Improvement Union into a single, united body, now known as Nnewi United Development Association (NUDA).
The unification ceremony, held at the iconic Anaedo Hall, was attended by prominent sons and daughters of Nnewi.
Dignitaries included the Igwe of Nnewi, His Royal Highness Igwe K.O.N. Orizu III, represented by the Crown Prince, Prince Obianefo Orizu; Obi of Uruagu, Obi Afamefuna (Ogidi IV); Obi of Umudim, Obi Benneth Okafor (Amaukwu); and Obi of Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba (Obidiugwu).
Also present were the Executive Chairman of Nnewi North, Mayor Echezona Anazodo; Member representing Nnewi North Constituency, Hon. Ike-Edoji; CEO of Chicason Group, Chief Dr. Chika Okafor; President General of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, Prince Jude Osumuoh; Bar. Lotanna Okoli (SAN); Chairman on the occasion, Hon. Dr. Emma Nsoedo; NUDA Chairman, Prince Eke Obi; NUDA Secretary, Chief Michael Azuka; Chairman of the Event Planning Committee, Prince Chukwudi Ubah; Chief Sir Emmanuel Orji; the Presidents General of the four quarters of Nnewi, and many others.
In his address, NUDA Chairman Prince Eke Obi (KSC) described the merger as a divine breakthrough.
He recalled that a similar effort to unite the two bodies about 20 years ago was unsuccessful. He noted that the pre-crisis era witnessed major developmental strides, including the establishment of a functional post office in 1953, construction of the Nnewi League Hall in 1954, facilitation of educational institutions, construction of classroom blocks, support for the College of Health Sciences, and the establishment of a mortuary at what is now Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi.
Prince Eke emphasized that Nnewi is richly blessed with human and material resources, and the new body, NUDA, was born out of a shared vision to harness these resources for the community’s collective advancement.
According to him, consultations were held with all key stakeholders including the Igwe and the four Obis of Nnewi, all of whom gave their blessings. He also thanked Mayor Echezona Anazodo and Prince Jude Osumuoh for their support.
He said that the unification has the propensity to ginger developmental projects such as the establishment of a university and a skill acquisition center in Nnewi.
Chief Dr. Chika Okafor, CEO of Chicason Group, praised the merger and pledged to construct a modern technical school and a university in Nnewi to uplift educational standards in the community.
Also speaking, Chief Sir Emmanuel Orji applauded the Nnewi Reconciliation Committee and described the unification as one of the most laudable achievements in Nnewi in recent times. He called for sustainability of the merger’s vision and urged stakeholders to remain committed to the peace, unity, and development of the community.
“The historic merger signifies a new dawn for Nnewi, one of unity, progress, and collective purpose, “Sir Orji noted.
