By Nna Anulumadu
High Chief Ernest Anyaeche, also known as Orimili Ochendo, and other notable individuals like Chief Arinze S. B. Anyaora, MD and CEO of Benzona Nig Ltd., received widespread praise for their outstanding contributions to community development in Aguluzoigbo, Aniocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.
On Thursday, January 3, 2025, Chief Anyaeche, a Lagos-based business mogul and philanthropist, handed over the keys to a completed multi-million naira ultra-modern village hall to the executives of Uffa Village Association (UVA), led by Hon. Ezuluike Uchenna.
The village hall project has a rich history, dating back to 1974 when the late Mr. Julian Ogbuedebe donated a parcel of land during the chairmanship tenure of the late Sir Stephen Ofomailo Anyaorah. In 2000, the old building was renovated by Chief KJ Adogu, while in September 2021, the UVA administration, led by Chief Eddy Nwagbo, demolished the structure to build a larger one. However, the project stalled at the window level.
Chief Anyaeche took over the project on May 23, 2023, and single-handedly completed it. This is not his first philanthropic effort, as he had previously sponsored the construction of General Hospital Road, Pa Paul Anyaeche Road, Ihulu/Uffa Village boundary gateway, and Ifite/Uffa Village boundary gateway.
During the handover ceremony, Chief Elochukwu Nwokedike, President General of Aguluzoigbo Development Union (ADU), commended Chief Anyaeche for his remarkable contributions to community development. He urged other wealthy individuals and well-meaning citizens to emulate Chief Anyaeche’s example and work towards developing their surroundings.
Hon. Ezulike Uchenna, Chairman of UVA, expressed gratitude to God for using Chief Anyaeche to realize their dream of having a decent and magnificent ultra-modern hall for their meetings. He also acknowledged the support and commitment of past leaders, including Chief KJ Adogu, Chief Arinze SB Anyaora, Sir Walter Adogu, and Chief Jonas Nwagbo.
Chief Arinze SB Anyaora, Ide 1 of Aguluzoigbo, a former President of Onitsha Federal Housing Estate 3-3 Onitsha and community leader in Aguluzoigbo, thanked God for using prominent indigenes to bless their community. He appealed to other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the community’s efforts.