Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
Awkuzu people resident in Abuja have rolled out the drums to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of Awkuzu Progressive Union, APU, in the capital city.
The event which also launched for the fifty million naira fund for ICT Centre and completion of Obinetiti Health Centre was an opportunity to recognise indigenous and non indigenous members of the community who had contributed to the good of the community.
The award was in three categories recognising the recipients for their service to humanity, excellence in their fields of endeavour and for long standing service to the people.
Some notable recipients of the awards include the traditional ruler of Awkuzu, Professor Charles Anikweze, who was one of the pioneer leaders of APU in Abuja, the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Senator Stella Odua, the member representing Oyi and Ayamelum in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Vincent Ofumelu, the YPP candidate for Oyi and Ayamelum Federal Constituency, Sir Okay Billy Okoye, Honourable Uchenna Okafor, Dr. Lawrence Ojemeni, Sir. John Omesili who led to the establishment of APU Abuja and two time chairman of the Union, the current Chairman of APU Abuja branch, Chief Gabriel Obiegbu among others.
Speaker after speaker at the event harped on the need for twenty first century youths to take charge of their destiny and become the hope of their community.
According to the traditional ruler, Professor Anikweze, if youths sit closer to the elders, they will learn what will lead them to become better citizens who promote the ideals of the community through their everyday life.
He charged citizens of the community to become good ambassadors of the community wherever they find themselves, for this, according to the traditional ruler, is the only way Awkuzu can be projected globally.
The Chairman of APU Abuja branch, Chief Gabriel Obiegbu, said the essence of the ICT Centre to be established by the branch is to ensure that youths of the community acquire skills that will keep them busy and empowered and as a result, desist from all vices especially the use of “mkpulu mili”.
He called on youths of the community resident in the FCT to become active members of the union as they will learn more about the traditions and cultures of Awkuzu people better if they start associating early with those who know better.
The Chairman on the occasion, Dr. Chris Okafor expressed joy at the achievements APU in Abuja had recorded over the years and thanked the administrators for keeping the flag flying.
For the mother of the day, Chief Mrs. Kaima Udeonu, who was full of praises for Awkuzu people and administrators of APU, lent her voice to the call on youths to leverage on the good foundation already laid for them to better citizens.
The event was marked by fund raising for the projects, unveiling of the community’s compendium and cutting of the anniversary cake. 
