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THE Imo State Towns Development Association, Lagos (ISTDAL), has celebrated its 40th anniversary with calls for unity, peaceful coexistence and continued commitment to the development of Imo State.
The anniversary celebration, held on Saturday at the Basketball Court of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, brought together traditional rulers, town union leaders, titleholders, business leaders and other stakeholders.
Theme of the anniversary was: “Deepening The Unit, Peace And Security of Imo State Through Equity, Justice and Brotherly Love”.
President of ISTDAL, High Chief Chris Ekeocha, said the association was established in 1986 as an umbrella body for registered town unions of Imo indigenes resident in Lagos.
He said the association was created to provide a platform for collective mobilisation of resources and support for development initiatives in Imo State.
Ekeocha said one of the major initiatives associated with the association’s advocacy was the campaign for an airport in Imo, which was eventually realised as the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
He said ISTDAL had remained committed to supporting development projects despite various challenges, adding that the association maintained a cordial relationship with the Imo State Government and other development bodies.
“Our policy thrust is to partner with any government in power in Imo and reach out to develop Imo State,” Ekeocha said.
He also disclosed that ISTDAL had helped facilitate the establishment of Imo South-West Development Associations in Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states.
Chairman of the occasion, Eze Dr Chukwudi Boniface, Founder/CEO, Sonia Giovanna Group, congratulated ISTDAL for sustaining its activities and bringing Imo indigenes together for four decades.
“I congratulate them for keeping the flag flying and for bringing our people together for the past 40 years. It is not an easy task, and I commend the continuity and leadership they have demonstrated,” he said.
Boniface urged members to resolve disagreements through dialogue and understanding, stressing that unity remained essential to the progress of the association and its members.
Senator Anthony Adefuye, who received an award at the ceremony, said his longstanding relationships with members of the association demonstrated that ethnic differences should not prevent Nigerians from living and working together.
“Some of us were born at the same time in Lagos. Some are Igbo, some are Hausa and some are Yoruba, but we are still the same. We hold ourselves as one, and we will always be one,” Adefuye said.
Lady Ada Ofoegbu, JP, Chairperson, Umukaku Town Union and former 2nd Vice-President of ISTDAL, commended the association for its achievements, saying that unity had contributed to its progress.
“We thank God that we have gotten it right. We are doing well, and with togetherness, we can achieve whatever aims and objectives we set for ourselves,” she said.
The anniversary featured categories of awards to reputable Imo men and women, including other personalities who had distinguished themselves in various professions, businesses and other fields, while cultural displays, traditional dances and masquerade performances added colour to the celebration.
Among the awardees were Dr Chukwudi Boniface, Bishop Francis Anunobi, Rev. Mrs Josephine Anunobi, Eze Monday Obi JP, Eze Amb. Nicholas Njoku, Chief Emmanuel Okeke, Mr Innocent Ohagwa, High Chief Anselm Njoku, Dr Chika Nwokedi and Lady Ada Ofoegbu JP.
Others include Hon. Mrs Maureen Ashara, High Chief Uzoma Osinachi, Dr ThankGod Okereh, Barr. Chuks Okeugiri, Prof. Mercy Chigamezu, Nze Edwin Egboka, Chief Moses Nwokoro Ohamadike Ndigbo, Lady Blessing Mbonu, Chief Felix Igboanugo and Mr Uzor Arukwe.
The awardees expressed profound gratitude and continued support toward the development of ISTDAL.
M.P
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