*Ikwuano Graduates Forum (IGF) Celebrates One Year Maiden Anniversary*



Rep Sam Onuigbo, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, was the Special Guest of honor as graduates of Ikwuano under the umbrella of Ikwuano Graduates Forum (IGF) celebrated her maiden anniversary, an event which afforded the young Ikwuano graduates the opportunity to reflect on the goals of the organization, what has been achieved so far, and to map out a sustainable future for graduates of Ikwuano extraction.

In his Remarks, the president of Ikwuano Graduates Forum (IGF), Engr. Wilson Onwubali, described IGF as a body conceived with the aim of providing a platform that amplifies the voice of Ikwuano youths and graduates, and providing them with opportunities to advance in life, stressing that IGF is not a political organization, but an organization that recognizes leaders of the community. He went on to highlight IGF’s achievements which include _IGF-Ikwuano Global Services, IGF Thrift and Credit Society and IGF Food for All Initiative_. He ended by reminding the youths of Ikwuano of the massive opportunities for wealth creation through Agriculture, stating that “when you have nothing in your pocket, fall back to your farm, and you’ll have something in your pocket”.

Giving a lecture on the theme: _Resilience and Flexibility to Achieve Continuity_, Prof. U.N. Onwuka, Professor of Food Engineering, MOUA, Umudike, defined resilience as the net of endurance when the going gets tough, while flexibility cushions the effects of suffering as a result of resilience. He advised them to avoid interest groups who have the capability to destabilize and kill the group, charging them to have unity of purpose, coming together to champion a common cause that is aimed at progressing the youths and Ikwuano community at large.

In his keynote address, the Chairman of the occasion, Rep Sam Onuigbo, and the All Progressives Congress Candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District for the 2023 polls, praised the conveners of the Ikwuano Graduates Forum. “This is because a united body of Ikwuano graduates will potentially become a strong pillar and a critical guiding light to a future framed by visionary planning and implementation” he said, expressing his pleasure to be associated with this initiative. He tasked them to continue to maintain the integrity of the organization, and to ensure that it doesn’t morph into an elite organization. Rep Onuigbo went on to tell a brief history of his humble beginnings and how he went on to succeed against all odds. This, he said, has motivated him to provide purposeful leadership which will create an enabling environment for young people to thrive. This has been exemplified by the dividends of democracy I have returned to my constituents: empowerment of youths and rural women in fish farming, small poultry farming and snail farming; building of block of classrooms in Amaoba, Umudike, Ekebedi, Umuajata Olokoro and Afugiri; electrification projects in many parts of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Government Areas; the ongoing reconstruction of Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road and many more of such infrastructural developments. “I am telling you my life’s story to motivate you to remain resilient, flexible and focused on your goals. And I pray to God that as you do this, you’ll be successful”, he said.

Rep. Sam Onuigbo was accompanied by his Chief Liaison Officer, Evangelist Abraham Osondu. Other dignitaries at the occasion include Hon Stanley Nwabuisi, the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, ably represented by Dr. Ugo Ezeribe, Hon Obinna Okey, Commisioner for Inter-government Affairs, Hon Cokey Lordson Nwachukwu, immediate past Ikwuano Local Government Area Deputy Chairman, Dr. Ifeanyi Uke, ably represented by Mr Sam Ogbonna and Pastor Monday Ironcho, who earlier gave a lecture to IGF.