By Izunna Okafor, Awka
It was a moment of progressive step, collective pride and renewed hope for Ebenator community as members of the Ebenator Ambassadors Club in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State formally inaugurated the Club and also flagged off the construction of an ultra-modern medical laboratory centre, a project described as both historic and transformational for the community and its environs.
The event, which held at the newly acquired project site of the Club in Ebenator, marked the beginning of what has been explained as a new chapter of purposeful development, unity and people-driven progress in the community. The well-attended ceremony attracted notable sons and daughters of Ebenator, as well as friends of the community and lovers of development, all of whom gathered to witness the birth of a new development era for the town.
The occasion had the Traditional Prime Minister (Onowu Ebenator), Prof. Sam Uzochukwu (Ume Ọkàmmụta), as the Royal Father of the Day, while a former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dr. Harry. Oranezi (Ifemba Ebenator) was the Guest of Honour. The gathering was also graced by community leaders, captains of industry, clergy and representatives of various associations, adding colour, depth and significance to the event.
In his opening remarks at the event, the Chairman of the Occasion, Sir Anthony Ejinkeonye (Ezebinugwu of Osumenyi), lauded members of the Ebenator Ambassadors Club for what he described as uncommon vision, resilience and commitment to community service, noting that the Club had recorded impressive achievements even before its formal inauguration and the flag-off of the ultra-modern medical laboratory centre.
Sir Ejinkeonye congratulated the Ambassadors on their official inauguration, urging them to remain united and continue to progress with one mind and one purpose. He cautioned them against allowing sentiments, caucuses, internal divisions or personal interests to derail the collective vision of the Club, stressing that unity remains the strongest currency for sustainable community development. He also advised the members to always place Ebenator above their personal considerations and to guard jealously the spirit of brotherhood and sacrifice that gave birth to the Club.
The Chairman of the Occasion further encouraged the Ambassadors to deepen transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in their operations, while also mentoring younger generations to sustain the ideals of service, excellence and selfless leadership.
Speaking specifically on the ultra-modern medical laboratory centre project, which he described as timely, life-saving and people-centred, Sir Ejinkeonye advised the Club to engage qualified consultants and seasoned professionals to ensure that the project meets modern standards, durability and functionality. He expressed optimism that, with the calibre of minds driving the Club, the project would be delivered successfully and would soon stand as a reference point for community-driven healthcare interventions in Nnewi South and beyond.
Earlier, in his address of welcome, the President of Ebenator Ambassadors Club, Amb. Chief Amaobi Okafor (Akunaedoziobi), described the day as historic, noting that it symbolised the emergence of a new Ebenator built on unity, vision and deliberate action. He stated that the Club was born out of deep reflection on the developmental stagnation of a community richly blessed with human and cultural resources, yet lagging behind its potential.
He traced the origin of the Ebenator Ambassadors Club to October 7, 2023, when concerned sons of the community met in Lagos and resolved to take responsibility for rewriting the story of Ebenator through purposeful leadership and collective sacrifice. According to him, that maiden meeting, which lasted through the night, laid the foundation for a movement that has since become a practical example of what unity and vision can achieve.
Amb. Okafor, whose speech was through the Secretary of the Club, Amb. Engr. Jerome Igwe, highlighted the achievements of the Club so far, including uniting all villages in Ebenator through a community football tournament, intervening in the rehabilitation of dilapidated roads during festive periods, supporting the improvement of the community’s security architecture, championing transparent and digital town leadership, contributing to the renovation of schools, restoring electricity after years of blackout and lighting up parts of the town.
He described the commencement of the ultra-modern medical laboratory centre as the Club’s most transformational project yet, stressing that access to quality healthcare begins with accurate and timely diagnosis. According to him, the facility will drastically reduce the stress, cost and risks associated with travelling long distances for medical tests, enable early detection of diseases, support local hospitals and clinics, create employment for health professionals and ultimately save lives.
The Ambassadors President called on all Ebenator sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora, friends of Ebenator, Nnewi South and Anambra State to support the project, stressing that progress is not the duty of a few but the responsibility of all. He outlined future plans of the Club, including completing and equipping the medical laboratory, launching a tech innovation hub, expanding town-lighting projects, supporting school infrastructure, strengthening security and building structured youth development programmes.
Earlier in brief remarks, the President General of Ebenator Development Union, Amb. Henry Chigozie Anadi, commended the Ambassadors Club for complementing the efforts of the town union and for demonstrating practical commitment to community development.
He described the medical laboratory project as a long-awaited intervention that would positively impact generations, adding that the Development Union would continue to support and collaborate with the Club for the overall progress of Ebenator.
Also speaking, the first indigenous Catholic priest from the community, Amb. Rev. Fr. Donatus Ezenneka (Kpakpando n’Ebenator), highlighted the importance of an ultra-modern medical laboratory facility in today’s Ebenator, noting that access to quality diagnostic services has become critical in modern healthcare delivery. He recalled a personal experience involving his sister’s illness, explaining that it was only advanced medical facilities overseas that eventually saved her life, an experience that reinforced his belief in the necessity of such ultra-modern facilities at home.
While revealing that the facility will partner with relevant education institutions; Rev. Fr. Ezenneka, a US-based cleric, described the project as both auspicious and visionary, urging the community to own it collectively and ensure its sustainability, even as he prayed for divine support and protection for all contributors and beneficiaries.
In their separate goodwill messages, some members of the Club, including the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Elyte Beverages and Assistant Secretary of the Club, Amb. Peter Oluchukwu Ezenwa (Opendo); Amb. Chief Obinna Offor (Agụnechemba I of Ebenator); Amb. Emenike Ntukokwu (Eze Umuokorobia, Chief Provost of the Club); and Amb. Nze Okwuchukwu Vitalis Esomonu (Financial Secretary, Ikéngà), applauded the leadership and unity of the Ambassadors Club, describing the medical laboratory project as a great legacy initiative that would outlive its initiators.
At the event, Amb. Henry Chigozie Anadi, High Chief Amb. Gilbert Ezenagu (Ọbataobie I of Ebenator), Chief Nze Amb. Andrew Anasonye (Dim Mbamaonyeukwu) and Evangelist Amb. Emeka Igwe were officially inaugurated as Patrons of the Club, while other members of the Ebenator Ambassadors Club were also formally inaugurated and presented with certificates.
Aside the earlier mentioned members, the other newly-inaugurated members of the prestigious Club include: Amb. Chief Osita Imoh (Vice President); Amb. Oge Ejionye (Treasurer); Amb. Harrison Emeafor (Chief Welfare Officer); Amb. Arinze Akubue (Member); Amb. Abunna Onyekachukwu (Ezeomeọgọ); Amb. Chief Andrew Anasonye (Ikemba n’Ebenator), Amb. Chief Obinna Offor (Agụnechemba n’Ebenator), Amb. Nnamdi Ezenwa (Ụbasinachi n’Ebenator), Amb. Onyedika Innocent Unogu (Ebubechukwuụzọìfèadị), Amb. Chief Ugochukwu Abbah (Okemmirinaebuogwe n’Ebenator), Amb. and Obinna Mgbemena (Ọkpataozuoọra n’Ebenator).
Others include: Hon. Amb. Chukwudi Unogu (Ibobo n’Ebenator); Amb. Nonso Nwanze (Nwaanazọazọ n’Ebenator), Amb. Emeka Uzoka; Am. Sunday Anyika; Amb. Chukwuka Ezeonyeogubara; Amb. Dozie Oranezi; Amb. Fredrick Anyika; Amb Kingsley Ikechukwu; Amb. Okechukwu Mmadubuogu; Amb. Arinze Mmegwa; Amb. Azuka Ezenagu; Amb. Sunday Agwuncha, among others.
The official inauguration of the Club and its Patrons, alongside the launching of the ultra-modern medical laboratory centre project, formed the highpoints of the colourful and forward-looking ceremony.
When this reporter, Izunna Okafor, contacted him, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, described the inauguration of the Ebenator Ambassadors Club and the flag-off of the ultra-modern medical laboratory centre as a commendable community-driven intervention that aligns perfectly with the health vision of the Soludo administration.
He applauded the leadership and members of the Ebenator Ambassadors Club for prioritising healthcare delivery at the grassroots, noting that access to accurate diagnosis remains the backbone of effective medical treatment and disease prevention.
According to the Commissioner, initiatives such as the proposed Ebenator medical laboratory centre, when completed, would significantly complement government efforts at improving healthcare access, reducing avoidable medical complications and strengthening early disease detection across communities.
While reaffirming Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s commitment to building a people-centred, efficient and technology-driven healthcare system across Anambra State, the Commissioner described the Ebenator project as a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when communities take ownership of their development.
He stressed that the Soludo administration strongly encourages such partnerships between government and organised community groups.
“This is exactly the kind of community participation we advocate.
“Although we’re yet to know the full scope of the proposed project, for a community to launch, or even dream of and nurse this kind of vision and project, it’s highly commendable.
“When communities invest in healthcare infrastructure like this, they help to save lives, reduce pressure on tertiary facilities and bring quality services closer to the people,” he concluded, while also expressing optimism that the facility will be completed in due time, meet required standards and serve its intended purpose effectively.
More photos from the event:
