A Reward For Selfless Service: Eze Engr. Aloysius Ahize Becomes ISTDAL Patron
Felix Mbata, Lagos state
When the roll call of illustrious Igbo sons whose lives exemplify distinction, benevolence and visionary leadership is made, the name Eze Engr. Aloysius Ahize, Eze Ugo I of Ikate Surulere, resonates with resounding admiration.
A paragon of humility and excellence, a titan in engineering enterprise, a devout pillar of the Catholic faith, and a revered traditional institution, Eze Ahize stands tall as a colossus of community development and selfless service.
It was therefore no surprise, but a well deserved coronation of honour, when the Imo State Towns Development Association Lagos (ISTDAL) conferred on him its prestigious Patron Award during its grand 40th Anniversary celebration held at the Basketball Court, National Stadium, Surulere, on Saturday, 19th September, 2026.
The epoch-making event, themed: Deepening The Unity, Peace and Security of Imo State Through Equity, Justice and Brotherly Love, was chaired by Eze Dr. Chukwudi Boniface Okparaku, Amuru Onye Na Ego of Ihitenansa, a celebrated peace icon, traditional luminary and renowned philanthropist. The ceremony attracted eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in service to Ndigbo, Lagos, and Nigeria at large.
Celebration of Heroes
The conferment of awards on great Igbo heroes in Lagos and across Nigeria, alongside distinguished personalities from other tribes, formed one of the most colourful highlights of the anniversary. Among these towering figures, Eze Aloysius Ahize glowed with exceptional brilliance.
In an exclusive chat with The Unique Model Magazine, the newly honoured Patron unveiled the quintessence of a lifestyle worthy of emulation. His remarkable sojourn in the installation, repair and importation of transformers has not only earned him global acclaim but has also positioned him as an industrial pathfinder and employer of labour.
As Nze, Ezeugo and Ugwumba, and the newly crowned Nze of Umuezike Amaopkara in Amanaogu Autonomous Community, Ihitenansa, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, he remains deeply rooted in tradition while passionately championing modernity and progress.
Pillar of Faith and Philanthropy
Eze Ahize is a pride of Ndigbo and a steadfast pillar of the Catholic Church. A trained engineer of repute, he serves as one of the project engineers of St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos, where his expertise in infrastructure and structural expansion is matched only by his generosity. His welfare interventions, including palliatives during the Covid-19 pandemic, remain indelible in the hearts of beneficiaries.
In his hometown of Ihitenansa, Orsu LGA, Imo State, his philanthropic footprints are monumental, earning him profound reverence and affection.
A Political Bridge Builder
Beyond tradition and business, Eze Ugo I is a formidable sociopolitical force. As a highly influential stakeholder of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, he was instrumental in galvanizing grassroots support that ushered in Chief Leonard Okafor, Oba Ojoto, as President. He remains an eloquent advocate of peaceful coexistence, equity and purposeful governance, with firm support for the continuity of President Bola Tinubu and the future leadership aspirations of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat in Lagos State. He is also a relentless voice for infrastructural rejuvenation in the South East, particularly the deplorable Ihiala to Orsu road.
His Response:
In his acceptance speech, a visibly elated Eze Engr. Aloysius Ahize expressed profound gratitude to the leadership and entire members of the Imo State Towns Development Association Lagos (ISTDAL) for finding him worthy of the prestigious Patron award.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured by this recognition. I thank the President General, the executives, and all members of ISTDAL for this great honour. This award is not for me alone, but for all who believe in unity, service and the progress of Imo State,” he said.
Eze Ugo I further pledged his continued commitment to the ideals of the association, promising to do even more for humanity.
“By the grace of God, I will not relent. I promise to do more for Ndigbo, for Imo State, for Lagos, and for Nigeria at large. I will continue to support youth empowerment, community development and the work of God,” he affirmed to thunderous applause.
Eze Engr. Aloysius Ahize, Ndigbo have a rare gem, a monarch whose crown is service, whose sceptre is integrity, and whose throne is the hearts of the people. His conferment as Patron of ISTDAL is not merely an award, it is a resounding affirmation of a life nobly lived in the service of humanity, tradition and God.
Indeed, Eze Ugo I is not just a title holder, he is a legacy in motion.