By Dr. Lawrence C. Anukam.
Greetings, Umu Nnem na Umu Nnam, Nde Ogo Anyi, na Nde Enyi Anyi,
We are encouraged by the level of interest and discussions generated by the Ugwu Ekwema project. We thank
you for your genuine interest and support for the project. We thank Onye Ishi Ala Owere for creating a good
platform for interaction, exchange of ideas, and dissemination of information within and among umu Owere,
and for his efforts in promoting the project.
We are members of the Ekwema Cultural Heritage Foundation (ECHF), a not-for-profit and non-political
organization of umu Owere. One of our primary objectives is to promote peace, harmony, and sustainable
development in the Owerri Municipality. Our core values are hard work, resourcefulness, responsibility,
integrity, empathy, transparency, and teamwork.
As you are aware, the Ugwu Ekwema Cultural Heritage Civic Center (formerly the Owerri Municipal Civic
Center) project had been abandoned for many years. The project was being financed by the Niger Delta
Development Commission (NDDC), as a constituency project during the era of Chief (Mrs.) Chris Anyanwu,
Senator representing Owerri Zone in the National Assembly (2007 – 2013). The uncompleted project has
deteriorated terribly. The site is currently an eyesore, decrepit, and in a deplorable condition. It is a big
embarrassment to all patriotic indigenes of Owere!
But umu Owere cannot sit back and fold their hands while this noble and unity project on our sacred place is
allowed to rot. This informed the decision of Owerri Community Assembly (OCA) to invite ECHF to assist to
facilitate the processes for revamping the project.
ECHF made frantic efforts to obtain a copy of the building plan from any of the former actors involved in the
project, but to no avail. ECHF then set up a technical subcommittee of umu Owere architects and engineers,
and requested them to come up with an improved design of the abandoned project, including the bill of
quantities. They redesigned the project and included several critical elements that were omitted initially.
They have produced all the architectural and engineering drawings of the main building, fully endorsed with
their professional stamps. We salute their professionalism and patriotism.
For now, no Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between ECHF and any person or group of
persons regarding the execution of the project or the management of the project when completed. The Ugwu
Ekwema remains the property of Owere Nshi Ise. Every nwafor Owere is a stakeholder in the Ugwu Ekwema
project. What is very important at this time is to lay the groundwork, and to facilitate the execution of the
project.
The funding for the project is envisaged at three main levels: Self-support from umu Owere (the owners of the
project), their friends, inlaws, and business associates, as well as other private organisations or bodies;
Support from the Imo State Government; and Support from the Federal Government, including the NDDC.
Efforts are being made to explore all these options through umu Owere at various places and positions.
A dedicated project and fundraising account has been opened: Account Name – Ekwema Cultural Heritage
Foundation (ECHF); Account Number – 1026007758; and Bank – United Bank for Africa (UBA). A WhatsApp
fundraising platform has been created to publish in real time all donations in support of the project. Information leaflets about the project have also been produced. On completion of the project, there will be a
marble at Ugwu Ekwema where all the names of those who made donations will be written. A website has
been created to tell our story in our own unique way as umu Owere. The website serves as a veritable source
of information and global platform for our programmes and projects, including the Rebuilding Ugwu Ekwema
Project. By this website, anybody from anywhere in the world can easily access any information he/she needs
at anytime about Ugwu Ekwema Project, and about our Foundation and its membership. Our Website address is www.ekwemafoundation.org
We would like to emphasize that the primary interest of ECHF is to rebuild Ugwu Ekwema Heritage Civic
Center with the genuine support of every patriotic nwafor Owere, and this can only be achieved with common
focus and unity of purpose. ECHF does not intend to be part of any past lingering issues or dabble into any
matter that may create disharmony amongst nde Owere. It is the responsibility of nde Owere and in their
wisdom, to decide on what to do on those issues at the appropriate time.
Everything about this project from beginning to end will be open and transparent. There must be full
disclosure and accountability at all times. ECHF has no pecuniary interest. The pedigree and antecedents of
any key player in this project must be properly scrutinized to ensure probity. ECHF wants to prove a point that
this project is achievable with the highest level of dedication, integrity and uprightness. Our advice to umu
Owere is that we should be focused and must not allow personal interest or ego to scuttle this process.
It will be recalled that there were some wider consultations at the beginning of this initiative. During the
tenure of Hon. Ambrose Nkwodinma as the Municipal Council Chairman, a meeting was organized for
Chairmen and Secretaries of all Age Grades in Owere Nshi Ise at the Owerri Municipal Council Hall where they
were briefed about the initiative. At the Post- Easter Conference organized by OCA and Nde Ebiri in June 2022,
the Ugwu Ekwema project was discussed. ECHF also organized a wider stakeholders’ meeting in collaboration
with the Owerri Municipal Council during the tenure of our late brother, Hon. Christian Nze., Who was then the chairman of Owerri Municipality. At that meeting, ECHF made a detailed presentation on ‘The Journey So Far’. The meeting provided another unique opportunity for all patriotic umu Owere to further make their input.
We are highly encouraged by the positive response umu Owere, both home and abroad, have shown in this
noble cause. All of us must work together to rebuild Ugwu Ekwema Cultural Heritage Centre, the first home
and sanctuary of our founding father – Ekwema Arugo, and our traditional assembly ground for the
celebration of our annual Oru Owere Festival.
For further information or clarifications, please visit the ECHF website: – www.ekwemafoundation.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lawrence C. Anukam