Umuigwe Royal Family Reaffirms Legacy of Service At 2025 Mass Return

By Sammie Echi Agbo

The Umuigwe Royal Family of Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area, on December 27, 2025, held its annual Mass Return and General Assembly, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to unity, humanitarian service and value-driven leadership.

The event, held at the Umuigwe Royal Family Compound under the theme “Sustenance of the Virtues of the Umuigwe Royal Family,” brought together family members from within and outside the country, alongside community residents, in a blend of cultural reunion, philanthropy and strategic engagement.

Faith and Medical Outreach

Proceedings opened with prayers and a sermon by Pastor Ejike Nnamani, who spoke on “The Blessings of the Lord,” drawing from Proverbs 10:22. He urged members to pursue God-centred prosperity, warning against shortcuts that bring sorrow and instability.

A free medical outreach followed, offering eye care services, malaria testing and treatment, dental checks, blood pressure screening, free drugs and general consultations to family members and the host community, underscoring the family’s commitment to community health.

Leadership and Accountability

Addressing the gathering, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, TPL Alex Ogbodo, FNITP, described the Mass Return as a platform for strengthening unity, transparency and inclusive leadership. He highlighted achievements under the current leadership, including formal registration of the family name, opening of a family bank account, regular meetings, procurement of administrative assets and the creation of a global family communication platform.

He also acknowledged challenges such as funding constraints, unemployment among some members, low digital participation by some elders and lapses in dues compliance, expressing confidence that collective effort would address them.

Education and Empowerment

A major highlight was the Education Empowerment Initiative, which saw 11 students awarded full university scholarships sponsored by individual family members, including TPL Alex Ogbodo, Chief Paul Agbo, Hon. Sammie Echi Agbo, Mr. Ejimofor Agbo, Chief Chijioke Agbo Jr. and Chief Mrs. Joy Agbo.

Bursaries were also awarded to pupils in nursery, primary and secondary schools, while artisans received financial and material support to strengthen their trades.

Honouring Service

The family presented Meritorious Awards to distinguished individuals, living and deceased, in recognition of their contributions to education, healthcare, leadership and community development. Among those honoured were the late Chief Dennis Igwe, whose scholarship and medical interventions laid the foundation for the family’s philanthropic culture, alongside other notable contributors.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Chief Paul Agbo, President General of the Amechi Development Union, said the recognition would further motivate continued investment in education, youth empowerment and community development. Other recipients described the awards as a call to deeper service. A collective cash donation was made by awardees in support of the family’s activities.

Thanksgiving Service

The programme concluded with a thanksgiving service at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Amechi Awkunanaw, where the family expressed gratitude for a successful outing and renewed its commitment to service and progress.

The 2025 Mass Return reinforced the Umuigwe Royal Family’s role as a consistent driver of community development in Amechi Awkunanaw, Nkanu land and Enugu State, sustaining a legacy built on unity, leadership and giving back.