Ezeagu leaders pledge support for Agbaja Summit 2025
By Jeffrey Agbo
Leaders of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State, have thrown their weight behind preparations for the forthcoming Agbaja Summit 2025, pledging full support for the mobilization of communities towards the landmark event.
The assurance was given on Tuesday when the Agbaja Summit Planning Committee (ASPC), led by its Chairman, Prof. Chike Anibeze, paid a working visit to the area.
At separate meetings held at the Council Headquarters in Aguobu Owa, the delegation met with the Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Council, Dr. Vita Ndu, and traditional rulers drawn from various communities in the area.
Prof. Anibeze, in his remarks, described the Summit as a platform for unity, cultural renaissance, and socio-economic advancement across Agbaja land. He emphasized that the 2025 edition, scheduled for November 25 and 26, would build on the successes of the 2022 Summit and urged the Council Chairman to mobilize the people of Ezeagu for active participation.
He said “The maiden edition in 2022 broke new ground: it produced a development blueprint, restored cultural pride, and birthed the famous “Agbaja Declaration” — a commitment that no child in Agbajaland would go to school without sandals or a school bag. That single decision restored dignity to young pupils and gave them confidence to learn”.
Responding, Dr. Ndu, who was joined by the Council Secretary, Mr. Innocent Okozor, pledged the administration’s commitment to the initiative. He recalled his active involvement in organizing the 2022 Summit prior to his election as chairman, noting his familiarity with both the challenges and opportunities the project presents. He expressed delight that the Summit particularly focuses on empowering the youth, whom he described as the custodians of Agbaja’s future.
In a separate meeting with the area’s traditional rulers, Prof. Anibeze told the rulers that the impact of the first Summit is already visible. “Over ten education projects have sprung up across Agbaja communities with benefactors directly funding scholarships, school infrastructure, and learning resources.”
The monarchs, led by their Chairman, Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, Akokwu I of Umana Ishigwu, lauded the success of the 2022 edition and assured that royal fathers would spread the message to the grassroots to ensure widespread participation.
Day One of the Summit will feature a colloquium and workshops while Day Two will be a cultural fiesta — with music, masquerades, dance, and the full richness of Agbaja tradition and culture lighting up the Coal City of Enugu.
Prof. Anibeze was accompanied on the visit by the Committee Secretary, Ozo Emeka Odenigwe, and subcommittee chairmen, including Chief Sheddy Ozoene (Media/Publicity), Ozo Okey Igbonekwu (Protocol/Venue), and Chief Charles Nwokike (Community Mobilization).
