By CHUKWUJEKWU ILOZUE, AWKA
The duo of Ichie Ik. Cosmas Okeke and Chief Jude James Anataogu have taken Nawgu community by storm as they undertake the construction of two vital roads linking different parts of the community.
Ichie Okeke is a Pharmacist based in the United States of America, proprietor of Ozocha Foundation and Chief Anataogu is an Architect based in Abuja and proprietor of Anataogu Foundation.
Observers said the gesture by the two philanthropists would complement the efforts of Governor Charles Soludo who is building a virgin road linking Nawgu Community in Dunukofia local government area to its neighbours in Awka North local council.
It will be recalled that earlier in 2025, the Anambra state government began construction of Ukpo-Nawgu-Isi-Aniocha road, a virgin road that when completed will link most communities in Awka North to Nawgu and to the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
On September13, 2025, the Ozocha Foundation embarked on construction of the Ebe-Aro-Ali Uno road which contract sum is N225 million in partnership with the Dunukofia local government.
Flagging of the project, the chairman of Dunukofia local government Hon. Chijioke Ozumba said it tallied with his commitment to deliver projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people.
He noted that the road on completion will not only improve movement but foster unity, commerce and social development.
The President General of the community, Hon. Prince Frank Nwegwu said with the construction of a concrete bridge across the Ali Uno stream, the road will not only open up the entire Ali Uno, Odenigbo Obunagu landscape but significantly increase property value, and provide seamless evacuation of the massive agricultural produce cultivated in vast fertile lands of Obunagu widely regarded as the food basket of Nawgu.
Earlier, representative of Ozocha Foundation and former Mayor of Dunukofia local government council, Hon. Augustine Onyemobi expressed delight at being part of Nawgu transformation, noting that development thrives when government, private organisations and the people work hand-in-hand.
Then on Tuesday December 8, Anataogu Foundation flagged off the construction of a one kilometre road in Ollor, one of the six villages of Nawgu, with the Chairman of the local government, Hon. Chijioke Ozumba, the Nawgu royalty, stakeholders, as well as the Founder of the Foundation, Arc Sir Jude James Anataogu, in attendance.
Addressing the people of the community at the village square the Coordinator of Anataogu Foundation, Onowu Chinedu Nwabunike, said the day’s event was only the first of many interventions planned for the community by the foundation, which, he disclosed, was in its seventh year of existence.
According to him, the Foundation had been involved in many projects outside the state but deemed it necessary to face the home front this time around by embarking on the construction of the road, a development, he stated, would herald other projects.
He said that Arc Sir Anataogu was the sole sponsor of the foundation and that he intended to do more in Nawgu within the next four years. He listed other interventions planned by the Foundation to include institution of scholarships, assisting pupils and students with exercise books and empowering market women and youths through sports, among others.
In an address of welcome, the President General, Prince Frank Nwegwu described the occasion as historic and transformational, as the people gathered, not merely to witness the beginning of a project, but to celebrate a milestone in their collective journey towards progress, renewal, and sustainable development.
‘This day will be remembered in the annals of Nawgu’s History, as one in which vision met commitment, and sacrifice met opportunity,’ Nwegwu said, while commending the financier, Arc Anataogu, for his gesture.
He expressed the town’s deep appreciation to Anataogu, whom he described as an illustrious son of Nawgu, a patriotic visionary, and a man whose generosity sprang not from abundance but from a deep well of love for his homeland.
‘Your decision to singlehandedly, finance this project is a profound act of patriotism. This noble gesture is not just admirable; it is inspirational, exemplary, and deserving of eternal gratitude from the entire Nawgu community,’ Nwegwu stated.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the contracting firm, Senatorch Nig. Limited, to deliver a quality job within the 100-day time lag.
Responding, Arc Anataogu hailed the Mayor of Dunukofia LGA for developing all the six communities in the local government equitably and corroborated the Chairman of his foundation by affirming their decision to replicate what they were doing outside in Nawgu. He thanked the community for what he described as their show of love and for turning out to witness the occasion.
Chief Chukwuma Ibekie (Huge)General Chairman, Ollor Village, in his speech, assured the Mayor of the support of Ollor Village and urged the people to protect it and avoid filling the drainage to preserve its life. This was even as he praised the benefactor for his gesture.
For his part, Hon Augustine Onyemaobi, immediate past Mayor of Dunukofia, said the road project was in partnership with the LG, with Anataogu financing it and praised him for his gesture.
Rounding off the speeches, the Mayor pledged to be supporting the completion of the village hall in phases and challenged the village to face the hall project seriously this yuletide, stating that it would form a condition for his continued support. He donated N1m to the project as first instalment.
Earlier, during a courtesy visit to the palace of the traditional ruler of Nawgu, Igwe George Okaa Onwuogu, the Igwe praised Mr Anataogu for bringing his wealth home in answer to his call to the people for such, even as he announced his intention to reward him with a chieftaincy title on December 30 this year. He said it was in his character to reward those who contributed to the town’s development and urged other sons and daughters of the town to emulate Arc Anataogu.
Igwe Onwuogu also commended the LG Chairman for building a plaza in the town, the first time of such, and also announced his intention to give him a chieftaincy title. He praised him for doing for Nawgu what had not been done for it in the past.
Responding, Anataogu said his decision to build the road was driven by the need to have connecting roads in the town after which he would consider doing more in other places.
The Chairman of Dunukofia local council, Hon. Ozumba, in his own speech disclosed the completion of the Phase Two bridge in the community and expressed happiness to be part of Anataogu’s contribution, which, he noted, was one sure way of bringing development.
The project is an 8 metre-wide road, with standard concrete drainage and complete asphalt finishing, and is projected for commissioning within the next 100 days at the contract sum of N85 million. When completed, it is expected to open up economic, social, and infrastructural opportunities for Ollor Village and the entire Nawgu Community.
The occasion’s highlight was the flag off of the road, with the financier mounting a caterpillar to signal the commencement of work.
