Eze Justin Ezeala hails Agbahiwe over lecture of the century.

Several Umuaka born intellectuals made up of diasporan and in-house Akalites drawn from both public service and the organized private sector  have been commending Dr Austin ChidiAgbahiwe over the historic lecture he delivered during the 2025 Umuaka National Convention held on Saturday August 30, 2025 in Los Angeles USA.  The lecture which the erudite Dr Austin Agbahiwe titled, Individual Collectivism Not Isolationism, the Panacea for Unity, Development and Greatness, had a direct inroad to the emotions of Akalites present at the event. Among others who have commended the Ibele born quintessential intellectual is the royal father of ObinwanneUmuaka Autonomous Community HRM Eze Justin UzomaEzeala. The lecture which Umuaka Times editors have nicknamed “lecture of the century” convincingly drew the attention of the famous Obinwanne monarch who expressed his joy thus:

“I have had the distinct privilege of reading the well-researched and educative key note address delivered by our erudite son and my good friend Dr. Austin Agbahiwe at a recent gathering of Umuaka sons and daughters in the USA.

While I heartily congratulate Dr. Agbahiwe, on his well-known intellectual and Akah-centric positions, I wish to align myself with the overwhelming theme of his views that the people of old Umuaka can best thrive as a united force.”

After the commendation, His Majesty used the opportunity and warned Akalites all over the world not to allow what he called “community independence” to destroy the collective strength of the community. “While recognizing that all the former ten villages of old Umuaka are now autonomous, we must not let the feeling of “community independence” defeat the strength of our cultural affinity and brotherhood that we have all shared for generations. We are stronger when we act together and have each other’s backs.”

The Obinwanne monarch further recommended some vital areas where he wants the entire Umuaka autonomous communities to work closely with togetherness.

“We should come together in areas of security, education, skills acquisition, poverty alleviation, health (especially maternal and children’s care). Infrastructure and urban renewal. The government cannot do everything for us. Most modern communities adopt a sustainable system of self-help. It’s everyone’s responsibility.”

The OnyeEze as he is frequently addressed by close associates, used the opportunity and reiterated his call for Akalites to establish an endowment fund.

“So it is with every sense of urgency and on the back of the eye-opening and thought-provoking lecture by Dr. Austin Agbahiwe that I renew my call and appeal for Umuaka to come together and establish the “One Billion Umuaka Development Fund” with each of the 10 communities contributing N100 million each. I propose that when established, the funds would be managed by a Board of Trustees and financial experts. I have seen this work in other communities, and I know we can do it. The people of ObinwanneUmuaka Kingdom stand ready to do their part and play their role.”

The call by the Obinwanne monarch received a high level of support and as usual generated some controversies among Akalites on the information super highway last week.