The newly formed Orluzurumee Patrons and Matrons Council held its maiden meeting at Owerri recently. The event was graciously hosted by His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Okeke (CFR), Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and grand patron of Orluzurumee at Obi Eze Imo on Mbari Street.
The gathering brought together a cream of Orlu Zone’s accomplished individuals, including traditional rulers, political figures, professionals, academics, business leaders and community stakeholders. Their shared goal was to see how to fortify Orluzurumee to be more potent and formidable as a socio-cultural organization, more capable of championing the Orlu people’s ambitions both within the zone and globally.
The atmosphere of the meeting which was more interactive than formal, exuded the prestige, dignity and influence befitting the Patrons and Matrons Council, a body composed of some of the Orlu nation’s most respected figures.
In his opening address, the President-General of Orluzurumee, Rt. Hon. Prince Ugochukwu Nzekwe, conveyed his deep gratitude to Eze Imo for his steadfast support and for hosting the inaugural session. He highlighted the meeting as a crucial step in repositioning Orluzurumee as the apex socio-cultural umbrella for Orlu Zone.
Prince Nzekwe articulated his administration’s vision, emphasizing a commitment to restoring Orluzurumee’s prominence and elevating it from a local entity to a globally recognized institution. He noted that Orluzurumee has evolved into a worldwide movement with a broad network of members and stakeholders.
He detailed the administration’s focus on programs and initiatives designed to foster unity among Orlu people, preserve and promote the zone’s rich cultural heritage, empower youth, drive sustainable development and enhance the organization’s international presence and relevance. He therefore urged the Patrons and Matrons to provide strategic direction, moral backing and leadership to achieve these objectives.
The host, His Royal Highness Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke (CFR), Eze Imo and Grand Patron of Orluzurumee, welcomed attendees and expressed his pleasure at the caliber of individuals present. He commended Orluzurumee’s leadership for establishing a forum that leverages the collective wisdom, experience and influence of Orlu’s distinguished sons and daughters for the zone’s advancement.
The revered monarch took the opportunity to acknowledge the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his significant developmental contributions across the state, particularly within Orlu Zone. He offered prayers for the Governor’s guidance and encouraged continued support from the Orlu people, expressing optimism for the state’s political future. Eze Imo also called upon the newly appointed Patrons and Matrons to remain dedicated to their roles and to the development of Orlu land.
A particularly impactful contribution came from Chief Okey Ikoro, whose insightful and thought-provoking address resonated deeply with participants. He lauded the emerging Orluzurumee agenda and underscored the vital importance of safeguarding the customs, traditions and cultural values of the Orlu people.
Chief Ikoro stressed the need for enhanced unity, sincerity, and commitment among Orlu’s sons and daughters, emphasizing that truth, focus, and principled leadership should guide all organizational decisions. He acknowledged the significant responsibilities of the Patrons, Matrons and the entire Orluzurumee leadership, advocating for a stronger, unified approach to addressing the zone’s challenges. He also shared perspectives on managing security and fostering peace within Orlu communities.
Recounting his experience at a prior Orlu stakeholders’ meeting, he expressed admiration for the unity and caliber of individuals present, seeing it as a testament to Orlu society’s vast potential. He urged members to maintain this momentum and collaborate to strengthen the organization.
Adding to the discussions, Dr. Christian Esiobu (Guber) proposed that Orluzurumee should formally honor the Governor of Imo State with a befitting reception, noting that past governors from Orlu extraction had traditionally received such recognition. This suggestion garnered widespread support.
Following extensive deliberations on the upcoming Orluzurumee New Yam Festival in September, a motion was moved by Dr. Christian Esiobu and seconded by Hon. Ambassador Uju Onwudiwe (Ph.D.) to officially host and honor the Executive Governor of Imo State during the festival. The motion was unanimously adopted by the Council.
Attendees agreed that the New Yam Festival offers a prime opportunity to showcase the Orlu people’s rich cultural heritage, values, achievements and collective identity to the world, while also celebrating the zone’s distinguished individuals.
Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Njoku echoed Chief Okey Ikoro’s sentiments, commending Eze Imo for his unwavering support of Orluzurumee. She urged the Patrons and Matrons to collaborate on forging a more robust and unified Orlu Zone, one that can effectively tackle current challenges and seize development opportunities.
Professor Florence Emenalo lauded Eze Imo and the President-General for their forward-thinking leadership and dedication to leveraging Orlu’s considerable human and material assets. She specifically emphasized the critical need for moral and cultural recalibration among the youth, asserting that lasting development hinges on guiding and mentoring young people with sound values. Consequently, she called for unified backing of initiatives designed to steer young individuals toward productive endeavours, responsible citizenship and cultural awareness.
Chief Emma Izuegbu (Nnabuenyi) offered a poignant reflection on Orluzurumee’s past as a formidable and respected advocacy group. He noted that while political interference had diminished its influence, the organization is now steadily regaining its standing under the present leadership. He praised President-General Nzekwe for his success in galvanizing and educating Orlu people, both domestically and abroad, and advocated for more frequent gatherings of the Patrons and Matrons Council to foster deeper involvement.
Chief Izuegbu also commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for the ongoing township road construction throughout Orlu Zone, suggesting that Orluzurumee formally express its gratitude via an official letter. He further applauded the Orlu Elders Council, led by Professor F.C. Dike (SAN), for its role in facilitating the current leadership’s ascension. In a special tribute to the Matrons, he described them as remarkable women embodying beauty, intellect, family values, and leadership, urging them to use their influence to advance the Orlu cause. He also acknowledged the Orluzurumee Publicity Secretary for his adept media management and professional communication of the organization’s activities.
Hon. Ambassador Uju Onwudiwe Ph.D. (Igolo) paid heartfelt tribute to all who contributed to Orluzurumee’s revitalization, specifically mentioning the Orlu Elders Council, traditional rulers, the President-General and the executive council members. She advocated for increased engagement with Orlu communities, both at home and in the diaspora, and stressed the importance of identifying capable mentors for the next generation of leaders. Furthermore, she highlighted the need to empower women, particularly in rural areas, through guidance on family values, responsible motherhood, marriage and community leadership. While pleased with the Governor’s development efforts, she noted that while a reception in his honour was fitting, urgent and in fact, almost belated, Orluzurumee must prioritize strengthening its internal structures and foundations.
A significant moment of the gathering was the formal presentation of certificates and the investiture of Patrons and Matrons who could not attend the initial inauguration in Nkwerre. Among those officially honored were Chief Uche Val Obi, SAN (Omenuko of Umuozu, Nwangele LGA), Ogbuagu Kenneth Obiekea, Professor Florence Emenalo and Hon. Ambassador Uju Onwudiwe Ph.D. The newly invested Patrons and Matrons pledged their steadfast support and solidarity with Orluzurumee’s leadership, vowing to utilize their influence, expertise, networks, and resources to bolster the organization and promote sustainable development across Orlu Zone.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to Orluzurumee’s vision, several members made substantial donations towards the organization’s initiatives and programs. The meeting also featured expressions of goodwill and fellowship when Chief Uche Val Obi, SAN, announced the upcoming burial ceremony of his late brother and extended an invitation to all Patrons, Matrons, and members of Orluzurumee to Umuozu Community, Nwangele Local Government Area. His invitation was met with a warm reception and solidarity from the attendees.
As the proceedings concluded, participants expressed satisfaction with the caliber of discussions, the resolutions adopted and the palpable sense of renewed unity. It was announced that subsequent meetings of the Patrons and Matrons Council would be scheduled to build upon the progress made and further solidify the Council’s crucial role in Orluzurumee’s affairs. The meeting culminated in group photographs, fellowship, networking and a celebratory reception hosted by Eze Imo, fostering an atmosphere of warmth, camaraderie, and brotherhood fitting for the historic occasion.
Undoubtedly, the inaugural meeting of the Orluzurumee Patrons and Matrons Council marked a pivotal point in Orluzurumee’s ongoing resurgence. The level of participation, the depth of deliberations, the spirit of unity and the commitment displayed by members collectively signal a promising future for the organization and reinforce confidence in the emergence of a new era of cultural revival, youth empowerment, unity and sustainable development across Orlu Zone.
Signed:
Nnamdi Cos-Ukwuoma
Publicity Secretary, Orluzurumee
