INTRODUCTION:

A monument typically refers to a structure or statue that is built to commemorate a person or event, often serving as a symbol of remembrance or tribute. In this context, today’s event signifies that a monument is being unveiled in honor of Late Prof. Sylvester Ike Udabah’s memory, sponsored by Ozo Dr. & Dr. Mrs. Joseph Nnajiuba Uhama. It’s a ceremony to mark the three-year anniversary since his passing and to celebrate his contributions or significance.

SPEECH:

Honored guests, esteemed members of Aguobu Iwollo Autonomous Community, and beloved friends,

Today, we gather here to commemorate the three-year anniversary since the passing of Late Prof. Chief Ikechukwu Sylvester Udabah, fondly known as “Chinenyeze Iwollo,” and to unveil the monument erected in his honor. This occasion is not just about remembering a great man but also celebrating his enduring legacy and the impact he had on our community.

Late Prof. Udabah was more than just a name; he was a driving force behind the development and inspiration in Aguobu Iwollo. As the chairman of the Aguobu Iwollo Rural Electrification Committee, he spearheaded the effort to bring grid electricity to our community. Despite numerous challenges and roadblocks, his unwavering dedication and leadership ensured that today, Aguobu Iwollo enjoys the benefits of electricity. His commitment went beyond mere words; he invested his own resources, even when faced with baseless rumors, to see this project through to completion. The success of his efforts has brought significant productivity and socioeconomic progress in the lives of children, women, businesses, and various community stakeholders and members of Aguobu Iwollo Autonomous Community.

It is important to acknowledge the contributions of other committee members like Chief Tony Esim Ike, Dr. Mrs Cordelia Udabah, late Mr. Robert Okonwo, Barr. C.A Aliozo, late Mr. Innocent Odunwamkpa, Late Prince Charles Udebune, Mr. Raphael Okpoko, Mr Christopher Aniako Papaa Father, Estate Obiekewe, Boniface Obu; Bazuka! Our Chairman, Ozo Dr. & Dr. Mrs. Joseph Nnajiuba Uhama, Barr.Mrs May Okonkwo, Barr. Mrs Lilian Ikwueze, Mrs Uhama onye nkuzi, and Mrs Ugoeze Chioma Ofordile, Mrs. Uzomma Ike; former President Aguobu Iwollo CWO, our well-meaning women leaders, and the Aguobu Iwollo youths, Obodobuigwe (the CSO of Aguobu Iwollo), Late. Solomon Oguejiofor, the past and the present Town Union Executives; represented here today by the President General Hon. Festus Ndubuisi and many others both home-based women, and youths, too many to be mentioned here, who dedicated their time and effort to make our community a better place. We are happy with the current progress youths and many of you stakeholders of the community are making today, which is evident when you take a look around, at the progress in the ongoing New Church building erection. These are all inspirations and initiatives that Late Prof. Udabah believed in, fostering a sense of unity and continuity.

Furthermore, Late Prof. Udabah played a pivotal role in bringing The Opus Dei International Conference Center and the Niger Foundation Hospital to Aguobu Iwollo. These institutions not only fill essential health gaps but also serve as spiritual and educational hubs, welcoming people from all over the world for retreats, spiritual guidance, doctrinal classes, and more.

Through the unveiling of this monument, we ensure that Late Prof. Chief Ikechukwu Sylvester Udabah’s memory and works live on. We honor his legacy by continuing the work he started, by championing the causes he believed in, and by striving to make Aguobu Iwollo a better place for generations to come.

Thank you to Ozo Dr. & Dr. Mrs. Joseph Nnajiuba Uhama for sponsoring this monument, and to all the members and stakeholders of our community who continue to uphold the values and dreams of our beloved Late Prof. Udabah. His spirit will forever inspire us to reach greater heights and make a lasting impact on our community.

May the glorious soul of Prof. Sylvester Ike Udabah Chinenyeze Iwollo rest in peace. Amen

WRITTER:

Barr. C.A Aliozo