Unity and Progress for Nsukka: A Charge from Esteemed Leaders at the NNDF Colloquium as late Senator Ezea, other iconic leaders bag awards.

Reports by Ike Abonyi

On January 4, 2026, the Nsukka cultural zone in Enugu State emerged as a powerful stage for leadership and advancement, featuring an assembly of the region's most influential minds. This notable event, characterized by the presence of the immediate past Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla rtd, and the newly appointed 16th Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, underscored the urgent need for collective action towards progress.

The Nkpokote Nsukka Development Forum, NNDF, hosted its highly anticipated 2nd Colloquium at the UNN. This grand reception and colloquium were explicitly designed to celebrate excellence and ignite critical discussions on sustainable development. Speakers emphatically urged attendees to rise to the challenges of our times, drawing on the core values that define Nsukka.

Professor Ortuanya passionately called for unity and love among the people of Nsukka, declaring that their collective strength is essential for the region's advancement. At the NNDF Colloquium, held under the theme "Nsukka Rising: Honouring Our Best, Building Our Future," he emphasized that now is the time for the entire community to harness their blessings and potentials for the betterment of Nsukka.

"This moment, welcoming you as the 16th Vice Chancellor of the UNN is both historical and transformative. Just last year, this was not conceivable. But today, after 65 years, Nsukka stands poised for greatness," Ortuanya declared, rallying the community to support one another and recognize that their successes directly uplift the entire region.

Barrister Barth Ugwuoke, President of the Nkpokote Nsukka Development Forum, opened the event with a strong welcome, stressing the forum’s commitment to promoting unity and progress. He honored the distinguished guests whose impressive achievements epitomize the excellence for which Nsukka is renowned.

Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Frederick Eze, Vice President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Enugu State, echoed the call for unity, love, and rightful pride in the community among true Nsukka people.

The keynote address by Prof. Franklin Nnaemeka Ngwu, a distinguished expert in Strategic Management and Governance, delivered a powerful exposition on the overarching theme "Nsukka Rising: Honouring Our Best, Building Our Future." The sub-themes, including "A New Vision for Unity and Achievement" and "Awakening the Giant in Us," were effectively elucidated by Prof. Douglas Nwagbo and Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, while Mr. Chineme Onyeke provided a compelling youth perspective.

A dynamic panel discussion on "Divergent Perspectives on Nsukka Development and Collective Progress" saw Dr. Chinedu Onu and fellow panelists thoroughly engage the audience with thought-provoking insights.

Following the discussions came a heartfelt recognition of community elders, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders, culminating in a grand reception and awards ceremony. Leading the honorees were respected figures, including His Excellency Chief Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Amb. Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, rtd.

In his acceptance speech, Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the people and land of Nsukka, which will continually inspire his endeavours.

The event was attended by numerous award recipients and dignitaries, including Senator Chukwuka Utazi, Chief Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi, Ambassador Fidel Ayogu, Rear Admiral C.N. Aniaku, Dr. Chinedu Onu, Chief Mathias Omeh (who represented His Excellency, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo), His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Uchenna Anikwe (who represented His Royal Majesty Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Igwe Ogadagidi), Hon. Uche Ogalla, the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze North, Prof. Hilary Edeoga, Barr. Sam Otoboeze, Pharm (Barr) Dioka Ejionueme, Journalist Ike Abonyi, Chief Emeka Attamah, Dame (Dr) Sally Adikwu, and members of the NNDF, community leaders, and the UNN community, among others.

Highlights of the occasion included awards presented to several iconic leaders, including Chief William Agbo, Jimoh Rauf Badamase, Chief Festus Oshaba, FEROTEX, Chief (Dr) John Nnia Nwodo, His Lordship Most Rev. (Prof) Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, His Lordship The Rt. Rev. Aloysius E. Agbo, and Professor Iliaysu Usman Onah. Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya was particularly recognized for his outstanding contributions in Religious Leadership and Interfaith Harmony.