By Ori Martins
The Ihiagwa community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State is not strategically located but it is a town strewn with variegated historical as well as historic symbols and significance.
The grand and impressive Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) is built on Ihiagwa land. It clearly dramatises and showcases the people of the area as lovers and promoters of modernity nay civilization. Remember, there have been communities that vehemently fought against the establishment of such massive structure in their respective areas.
Culturally, Ihiagwa produced one of the most elegant musical groups, the Obiwuruotu Ndom Ihiagwa that gave rise to obviously the most thrilling hit songs ever released in the Igbo country in 1980 known as Nwanyi Ma Obi Di Ya. That award winning and enterprising cultural musical group was led by Madam Rose Nzuruike and Mrs Maria Anokwuru.
In philanthropy, perharps, one man who stands out and who can be measured head – to – head with the late MKO Abiola humanitarian services is Engr Emeka Udokporo. Udokporo, an industrilist, farmer and business mogul, as the most prominent Ihiagwa man alive today, has trained more graduates than one could imagine. He has assisted in community development, helped traders, youths and artisans more than ever credited to him. He is a philanthropist par excellence.
Udokporo met with His Excellency, The Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, CON, KSC, Omenkeahuruanya, last Saturday, December 20, 2025. It was at the occasion of Ezinnwa Ray and Uche Ahumibe’s 30 years marriage anniversary and meritorious rest from banking profession, held at St Michael Catholic Church, Ihiagwa. Both men looked at each other and went into a one minute aside chat.
That over, the congregation that had just trooped out of the church surged towards Ihedioha for pleansantries. Ever humble and socially inclined, Ihedioha acknowledged cheers momentrily and hopped into his car.
There and then, the people of Ihiagwa, in their hundreds, gathered in groups and started discussing about the Nekede – Ihiagwa Road project that Ihedioha started but has been abandoned by the current administration.
One of them said, “Governor Hope Uzodimma has done the Owerri, Orlu Road till Banana Junction; he has done the Owerri, Mbaise Road; and he has completed the Owerri, Okigwe Road. So, why has he abandoned this our Nekede, Ihiagwa Road”?
A contributor among them provided an answer. He said, “It was the archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Owerri, Most Rev, Anthony Obinna, who said that this administration does “impressionistic projects just to impress the guallible members of the public” and I agree with him. I want you to tell me which community road Uzodimma has built? Everything is in Owerri. Go to Mbaitolu, visit Ohaji, Egbema, take a ride to Ihitte Uboma, Ezinihitte, Ngor Okpala or even Owerri North, all the roads have completely collapsed. And this is the same fate that has befallen us here in Ihiagwa”.
Yet, another discussant added: “I give credit to Uzodimma on the roads he has done. But I wonder why he has refused to focus on community roads, particularly the Nekede, Ihiagwa Road.
“That road leads to FUTO. And many non Imolites even non Igbo make use of it. Imagine the wrong and negative impression they usually have about us as a people each time they access that road. Again, you can see the huge commercial activities going on along that road, it in millions of naira. However, the moment the rains start, the entire area is flooded and all the businesses are shutdown. I appeal to the governor to kindly come to our rescue before the next rainny season”.
Before all the conversation as indicated above, Ihedioha had nice moments with His Excellency, Chief Ikedi Ohakim. They smiled at every moment of their discussion. A’so, Ihedioha made jokes with Sir Jude Ejiogu as well as Hon Alex Emeziem Jr. The deputy governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekemaru was also a part of the august event held in December.
Two bishops were in attendance – the auxilary bishop of the Archdiocese of Owerri, Most Rev Moses Chikwe and his Aba Diocese counterpart, Bishop Echema.
It was indeed a wistful longing moment for all who were at Ihiagwa for that colourful ceremony.
