Strengthen Age Grade System for Sustainable Grassroots Development – Engineer Udefi

By OOlisemeka Obeche

The President General of Igwebuike Anam Age Grade Worldwide, Chief Engr. Samuel Udefi, has called on governments at all levels in the South-East region to strengthen the age grade system as a vehicle for sustainable grassroots development in Igbo land.

Engr. Udefi made the appeal while speaking during his 50th birthday celebration, which was organized in his honour by his age grades in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The celebrant, who praised his age mates for the honour of hosting his golden jubilee birthday, described himself as fortunate to lead what he called the most organized, peaceful, and development-oriented age group in Igboland.

“I consider myself very lucky to have been chosen to lead this special group of people across eight communities in Anam.

” Igwebuike age grade is unique because we are the first and only age grade that bears the same name across Anam, and we had built the bond of unity, peace and love through these years which has made it possible for us to achieve so many things in Anam.

He stressed that the numerous socio-economic development initiatives executed by the group over the years serve as strong proof that much can be achieved through an organized age grade system in the region.

‘Ọnwa N’ eti eti 1 na Anam, as Udefi is traditionally addressed, noted that Igwebuike age grade has executed several impactful projects, including the provision of solar lighting for eight communities across Anam, rural electrification, medical outreach programmes, and the empowerment of indigent members.

He urged state and local government authorities across the South-East to work closely with age grades and town unions to drive impactful development initiatives in local communities.

According to the President General, a structured partnership between the government and these traditional institutions will accelerate grassroots progress and foster a sense of shared responsibility among community members.

“Our age grade has shown what unity and organization can achieve. If governments collaborate with us, the pace of development in our villages will be unprecedented,” Udefi said.