My Family Believes in Giving Back to my Community, Vebron Carre Chief, Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua

Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua is a philanthropic name in Ibusa with his Vebron Carre, Foundation extending charitable services to his community. Over time, his profile rose, making him a cultural figure in the community. In 2024, he took up the revered Obi title of Ibusa in what was one of the most publicized traditional rites of the Enuani people. In this interview with PEN MASTER (Emeka Esogbue), Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua shares personal views on issues touching on the community, which concerns his family, Obiship experience, philanthropy, cultural life and current state of the community. Excerpts:

Pen Master: You are Obi Dr. Henry Chukwuma Ajudua, a USA-based medic from the Ibusa community. Obi, can you tell our readers more about yourself?

Ajudua: Alright, thank you very much. To your question, I am Obi Dr. Henry Chukwumaonyenmenjo Ajudua, a USA-based Doctoral PhD holder in Pharmaceutical. Additionally, a PhD DrPH in Public Health from the Capella University. I am actually a medical practitioner with a passion for philanthropy and community service. As the President of Vebron Conglomerates Worldwide, I have leveraged my platform to support various causes and initiatives, demonstrating my commitment to giving back to my community. I was born in Zaria, Nigeria, and have had a fulfilling journey, from my early education in Nigeria to my various academic pursuits in the United States. I am happily married and blessed with six children being three boys, and three girls, and they are all doing well in their different fields today.

Pen Master: Okay, but you recently took the Obiship title of your Ibusa people and many of your community compatriots asked questions on how you were going to combine it with your profession because an Obi cannot be occupationally engaged. Now, how do you manage the title, Obi Ajudua?

Ajudua: Wells as an Obi, I have had to navigate the challenges of balancing my traditional responsibilities with my professional obligations. While it is true that an Obi cannot be occupationally engaged, I have found ways to adapt and prioritize my personal commitments. This is because my experience as a medic has actually informed my approach to community service and philanthropy, allowing me to make a more meaningful impact to my society and beyond.

Pen Master: Together with your wife, you run Vebron Carre USA, a philanthropic organization. Can you shed more light on this organization?

Ajudua: Vebron Carre USA is a philanthropic organization that my wife and I founded to support education, healthcare, and community development initiatives. Our mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities, and we have been fortunate to make a difference in various ways. I could further say that from providing scholarships to supporting healthcare projects, we have been committed to creating opportunities for growth and other forms of development.

Pen Master: Your household now enjoys fame in Ibusa in charity with Vebron in limelight, and your son, Dr. Freddie Henry-Ajudua, a Nigerian rugby international, recently announced a scholarship award to two Nigerian rugby players. What should we attribute this to?

Ajudua: We are driven by a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to giving back to our community. This is because we believe that our blessings are not just for ourselves, but also for others who should share from them. Our charitable endeavours are a reflection of our values and our desire to make a positive impact. We are proud to be part of a legacy of philanthropy. From my wife, Obi Dr. Vivian Onyebuchi Henry-Ajudua's charitable work to my sons and daughters in Vebron Carre Foundation especially, Dr. Freddie Chukwuyem Henry-Ajudua's rugby scholarship initiative, we are committed to giving freely. Indeed, there's no gainsaying that we are coming from a family that that takes into consideration the needs of other members of the society.

Pen Master: ...and talking about Freddie Henry-Ajudua, he pledged his international allegiance to Nigeria instead of America. Did you have a hand in his choice?

Ajudua: Pen Master, you see, as a parent, I am proud of my son's decision to represent Nigeria, but I didn't influence his choice. He's a talented young man who is passionate about rugby, and he's made a commitment to his country. I am just proud to be his father. His decision is a testament to his character and his desire to make a positive impact for our country, Nigeria.

Pen Master: Obi, you are a notable Ibusa traditional title holder which places you in position to evaluate the community. Social observers of the community are beginning to complain about complexity in internal governance, disunity, frequent factionalism and petitions. Is it becoming difficult for the traditional class to govern the Ibusa community?

Ajudua: As a traditional title holder, I have observed that the traditional class faces challenges in governing the community due to various disputes and factions. However, I believe that with effective communication, collaboration, and a commitment to the well-being of the community, we can overcome these challenges. It is essential to work together to promote peace, understanding, and development.

Pen Master: ...but you recently issued a release that appeared to mediate between the youths and the Obuzo of the community over an electoral argument of the youths.

Ajudua: As the Obi Eze Udo 1 of Igbuzo, I have had to intervene in disputes and facilitate dialogue between different groups. In this instance, I helped to lend a voice of peace and reconciliation between the Ibusa Youth Council Electoral Committee, and the Obuzo to resolve an electoral argument and withdraw court petitions. My goal was to promote peace and understanding within the community, and I believe it's already yielding results, as the youth and my father, the Obuzo, are working together to resolve the issue in question.

Pen Master: Obi, I am still keen on the Ibusa state of affairs because it doesn't appear like the traditional class has gotten it right. Now, let me ask you: Why do your local matters frequently pour into the police and courts rather than settled within the community? Have the people lost hope in your local judicial arm?

Ajudua: I think that sometimes, community members may feel that the local judicial arm is ineffective or biased, leading them to seek external intervention. However, I believe that community-based dispute resolution mechanisms can be effective in resolving local matters, and we should work to strengthen these mechanisms. By doing so, we can promote a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community.

Pen Master: You are planning to celebrate your birthday, a milestone in your life. Obi, what are you thanking God for?

Ajudua: I am thanking God for the gift of life, good health, and the opportunity to serve my community. I am also grateful to my family, friends, and loved ones who have supported me throughout my journey. It's a blessing to have reached this milestone, and I am committed to continuing to make positive impacts on my society.

Pen Master: At this stage, Obi Ajudua, do you have any regrets in life?

Ajudua: Well, let me say that as a human being which I am, there is no doubt that I have made some mistakes and also faced some challenges, but I don't have any major regrets. I have learned from my experiences and used them to grow and become a better person. I believe that every experience, whether positive or negative, has contributed to my experience and eventually, growth and development.

Pen Master: Now, you are an Obi title holder. So far, does this cultural practice require reform for greater attention?

Ajudua: I think that our cultural practices should evolve to accommodate changing times and circumstances. However, we must also preserve the core values and traditions that define our identity as a people. It's essential to strike a balance between tradition and innovation, ensuring that our cultural practices remain relevant and meaningful.

Pen Master: Chief Kizito Ijeh, once told Pen Master in an interview like this that philanthropy in Ibusa should go a bit beyond what is the current practice. According to him, it should transform to the generously taking the youths outside the country for human development. Do you also share his view?

Ajudua: We should explore innovative ways to support human development, including education and skills training, empowering our youths and promoting community development through scholarship encouragement, visa facilitation, and invitations for our people to study and work overseas, acquiring skills in various fields.

Pen Master:. ...okay, but is this what you meant with the borehole you sank recently?

Ajudua: (cuts in) As a medical person, I am aware that water to man brings nutrients to the cells, gets rid of wastes, protects the joints and the organs of the body, and maintains the body temperature. Hence everybody, rich or poor should be availed with water for a healthy and comfortable living. This informed my gesture

Pen Master: Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua, is there anything the people don't know about you?

Ajudua: As a private person, I am committed to transparency and accountability. My actions and decisions speak for themselves, and I am proud of my community service.

Pen Master: Obi, it was nice speaking to you.

Ajudua: Thank you for having me! I have enjoyed sharing my thoughts and experiences with your esteem platform. I hope my story inspires others to make a positive impact in their lives and communities.