By David Onwuchekwa
The Nnewi community in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State has honoured more than 300 elderly citizens aged 80 years and above in a grand celebration aimed at appreciating them while they are still alive.
The historic event, tagged Ito Ogbo Ndi Okenye Nnewi, marked its maiden edition on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and was organised by the Nnewi Forum for Justice at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, DCC Nnewi.
The occasion attracted community leaders, traditional rulers, sons and daughters of Nnewi, as well as beneficiaries from the four quarters of the town.
In his address, the Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Osita Paul Obiasongongo, described the celebration as a thanksgiving-oriented initiative deeply rooted in the preservation of Nnewi’s values, wisdom, and cultural identity.
He said the idea was born out of the collective pride of the Nnewi people and their desire to honour the elderly for their resilience and lifelong contributions to society.
According to him, the event was designed not only to celebrate longevity but also to reinforce the community’s shared heritage, identity, and communal bond.
“Ndi Okenye, you are not just elders; you are our compass. The wisdom you preserve, the heritage you uphold, and the lives you have shaped through your counsel are the foundation upon which Nnewi continues to thrive. We celebrate you today and always,” Obiasongongo said.
He further revealed that since the establishment of the Nnewi Forum for Justice, the organisation has continued to witness the rise of young Nnewi indigenes who are making meaningful contributions to the growth of the local economy. He noted that the Forum’s core mission remains justice, equity, empowerment, and sustainable community development.
Obiasongongo disclosed that the Forum plans to establish a medical centre dedicated to elderly persons aged 70 years and above, where they would receive free medical care and attention.
He added that the project would require about ₦700 million in funding and one acre of land for its successful execution, appealing to well-meaning individuals and stakeholders to support the initiative.
He expressed deep appreciation to the traditional ruler of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, the event’s sponsor, Prince Chinedu Jude Okwuosa, and Hon. Lotanna Ogujiofor (Ogini Anu Uria Nwa), founder and chairman of the Nwakaibeya Ogujiofor Foundation, for their support.
He noted that through their generosity, food and drinks were provided for guests, while free medications imported from the United States were administered to over 1,000 elderly persons by a medical team.
Speaking at the event, the sponsor of the maiden edition, Prince Okwuosa (Nwachinagbaluogu Nnewi) expressed profound joy over the success of the programme.
He described the event as “power-packed,” noting that it reflected a deep sense of community, gratitude, and respect for tradition.
He emphasised that celebrating the elderly while they are alive boosts their morale and gives them a renewed sense of purpose.
One of the octogenarians honoured, Mr. Alphonsus Anosike from Nnewichi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisers for the recognition, praying that they would also live long to be celebrated.
The event featured colourful cultural displays, presentation of awards to distinguished sons and daughters of Nnewi, as well as the distribution of plasma television sets and other valuable items to the elderly, making the maiden Ito Ogbo Ndi Okenye Nnewi a memorable and impactful celebration.
