- Four Decades of Sacrifice and Brotherhood Celebrated in Grand Style as Imo Indigenes Honour Their Heroes in Lagos
By Felix Mbata, Lagos state
It was a day of pomp, glamour and deep reflection as the Imo State Towns Development Association Lagos (ISTDAL) rolled out the drums to mark its 40th anniversary in grand style.
The landmark celebration, which drew eminent sons and daughters of Imo State from across Lagos and beyond, was not just a party. It was a festival of legacy, a reunion of pioneers, and a celebration of four decades of sacrifice, resilience and brotherhood.
Themed “Deepening The Unity, Peace and Security of Imo State Through Equity, Justice and Brotherly Love,” the event provided a fitting platform to honour outstanding personalities whose commitment and generosity have sustained the association and projected the image of Imo State positively in Lagos.
Towering above the roll call of honourees was Eze Dr. Chukwudi Boniface Okparaku, the distinguished Chairman of the occasion, whose presence lent royal prestige and moral weight to the historic gathering.
An illustrious son of Amanaogu Autonomous Community, Ihitenansa Clan, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Okparaku is a successful businessman of impeccable reputation and integrity. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of several thriving companies with footprints across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy, including Bonchudi Ventures Company Limited, Southeast Pacific Transport Services, Sonia and Giovanna International Company Limited, Amuruonyenago Farms Limited, and Giovanna and Giovanni Petroleum Company Limited, among others.
Beyond business, he is a renowned philanthropist, peace icon and influential community leader with an enviable record of empowering youths, caring for the elderly, and providing employment to numerous Igbo youths alongside people of other ethnic groups.
In recognition of his patriotic zeal and community development efforts, he has been honoured with several prestigious traditional titles, including Amuruonyenago na Ihitenansa Clan, Orsu LGA, Imo State; Amuruonyenago na Ihiteowerri Ancient Kingdom, Orlu LGA, Imo State; and Bobaselu of Ikotunland, Ikotun/Igando LCDA, Lagos State, among many others.
A multiple award winner locally and internationally, Eze Okparaku was deservedly conferred with the Grand Patron Award of ISTDAL at the 40th anniversary celebration, in acknowledgement of his immense contributions to the growth of the association.
The colourful event attracted the crรจme de la crรจme of Imo State and other states, including traditional rulers, captains of industry, political leaders, town union executives, friends and well-wishers.
Chairman’s Address: A Call For Unity
In his address, Eze Dr. Okparaku expressed profound gratitude for the honour of chairing the 40th anniversary celebration. He described 40 years as a remarkable milestone symbolising sacrifice, resilience, determination and commitment, noting that it is no small feat for an association to remain stable and continue to wax strong without peace and unity.
Recalling that ISTDAL was established in 1986, about two years after he left school, he said it was fulfilling to witness how the association has grown into a formidable socio-cultural institution worthy of celebration.
He defined ISTDAL as the organised apex socio-cultural organisation and umbrella body of all registered town unions of Imo State indigenes resident in Lagos State. He further recalled its historic role as the platform through which the people of old Imo State raised funds for the actualisation of the Owerri Airport project, an initiative of the then Military Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator (General) Ike Oma Sanda Nwachukwu.
That dream, he noted, has today become the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, named after the revered first civilian Governor of old Imo State, Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe, PhD, and now ranks among the busiest airports in Nigeria.
Describing ISTDAL as an organisation flying in colours, he commended its numerous ideas and projects which, despite challenges, have ensured all-round growth for Imo indigenes.
He charged Ndigbo to embrace unity, urging that disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than allowed to escalate. “Unity is strength for progress and development,” he declared.
He concluded: “I thank everybody that contributed to the success recorded here today, and I pray God to bless this day and this organisation. I am so delighted, and I look forward to the next 40 years when we shall all assemble on a greater ground to celebrate ISTDAL at 80.”
Conclusively, ย ISTDAL @ 40 was more than an anniversary. It was a celebration of identity, a tribute to founding visionaries, and a renewal of commitment to unity and progress.
The honour bestowed on Eze Dr. Chukwudi Boniface Okparaku as Grand Patron and Chairman of the occasion aptly captured the spirit of the celebration, rewarding dedication, philanthropy and purposeful leadership.
As the association sets its sights on the next 40 years, the echoes of this historic celebration will continue to inspire present and future generations to uphold the ideals of equity, justice, brotherly love, peace and security for Imo State and Nigeria at large.