The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Uli Progressive Union (UPU), Sir Chinweike Ajanobi has highlighted the achievements of his team, one of which is maintaining a good working relationship with the Nigerian Army, the Police , the Department of State Security, the Anambra Vigilante Group, and the Joint Tasks Force which made the atmosphere in the community free from rancour and violence.
At the 2025 Uli Day celebration last Tuesday, Ajanobi expressed gratitude to the operational leaders and the gallant men of the force for their efforts in securing the lives and properties of the kingdom.
The annual event, which took place at St. Theresa’s Field, Uli Centre, served as an opportunity for sons and daughters of the kingdom at home and in the Diaspora to interact with the leadership of the apex socio-political organisation, UPU.
The UPU interim chairman said that the Uli Day offers the opportunity for Uli people to gather to discuss their yesterday and today, and proffer solutions for tomorrow. He stressed that learning from the past has been a time to make meaningful contributions in encouragement, criticism, and financial donations for the way forward.
He also stated that their greater joy and what makes them different from others is Uli cause always takes precedence over every personal issue of every Uli person.
Ajanobi reminded the people that his leadership of UPU was borne out of the decision of the Anambra State Government to replace the former President-General, Mr. Callistus Obinakaba.
He said: ‘It is only who pays the piper that dictates the tune. President-Generals and traditional rulers are controlled by laws enacted by the state government. The state government equally elects them, pays them monthly stipends, and is the only institution that can determine what is assumed as gross misconduct. I accepted this offer, not because I vied for it but because we do not have a traditional ruler at the moment. And our dear town should not be without an Igwe and President-General at the same time. That made me take up the assignment as a bonafide son of Uli from Eziama extraction’.
He equally thanked all the Uli brothers and sisters, who are making individual and collective contributions in that regard, and pleaded with other good-spirited sons and daughters to donate generously to support the efforts towards making Uli safe for business, farming, and the protection of lives and properties, including the VIPs.
In addition, Ajanobi said that the UPU has launched various initiatives to boost agriculture and entrepreneurship in the fight to reduce youth unemployment to the barest minimum within the town. He therefore called on the youths to make favourable use of the opportunities and become useful to themselves and the community.
In the areas of peace and reconciliation, the interim President-General stated that his administration has set up a 17-member committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the removal of the former President-General and recommend the best approach to plead with the state government for his restoration or possibly conduct a fresh election for the position.
On the issue of Ekeagbagba Market, Ajanobi said that, during the meeting of Uli people on last 30 November, it was agreed that the market should be reconstructed on a 60:40 benefit-sharing basis, following deliberations, questioning, and clarifications from the state government delegates. Shop owners and investors are advised to follow the government directives to regain their properties, as no one will lose his or her investment unless there is no proof of acquisition.
Regarding electricity, he expressed concern over the vandalisation of over 80% of transformers in the town as discovered by a three-man delegation from the state Ministry of Power and Water Resources during their tour. He, however, assured the people of Uli tthat the electricity challenges would soon be a thing of the past.
Ajanobi solicited financial support from wealthy sons and daughters, and other good-spirited individuals outside the community to assist in completing the Uli Specialist Hospital and securing lives and properties in the town.
He appreciated Dr. ABC Orjiako’s Foundation for lifting the youths out of poverty through scholarships and skills acquisition programmes, and thanked Engr. Kingsley Ezeruo for his recent youth empowerment initiatives. Ambrose Bryant Chukwuemeka Orjiako
On the Uli traditional stool, he pleaded with Umuoma village to resolve internal issues and present a candidate for the traditional ruler’s position in early 2026.
The Chairman of the 2025 Uli Day Celebration, Rt. Hon. Paschal Agbodike thanked Uli people and donated N2.5 million, while promising N100 million projects annually. Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu thanked Uli people and Orjiako for their support, and promised future discussions.
Barrister Marcel Muoebonam thanked E-money and Kcee for their road construction projects, and announced a N500,000 donation from Uli Council of Chiefs.
Hon. Anayochukwu Orjiako acknowledged past efforts and promised market reconstruction, electricity, and security improvements in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s example.
Ichie Ifeanyi Orjiako praised UPU’s efforts and donated N2 million. Dr. ABC Orjiako advised the people on ignoring social media negativity and donated N100 million to the Uli Specialist Hospital in his unceasing drive to uplift the town.
The event featured masquerade entertainment and free medical services. Dignitaries included Hon. Ifeanyi Ezeaka, Engr. Levi Obiaduo, and many others..
