Rhythm Of Retirement As The Oldies Noble Club Brings Joy To Awka Veterans
By Tony Nezianya
Every last Sunday of the month, as the evening sun settles over the horizon in Awka, a quiet transformation is taking place at Hyton Hotels. This event was held on Jan. 25, 2026.
It is not a wedding or a high-stakes political rally; it is the Oldies Hangout, a vibrant monthly gathering hosted by the Oldies Noble Club, Anambra.
Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a non-profit, non-political organisation, the club serves a vital purpose: providing a sanctuary for men and women aged 50 and above to shed the weight of loneliness and rediscover the joy of community.
A Symphony of Nostalgia
The atmosphere inside the venue is pure magic.
The air swells with the soulful sounds of a bygone era—the iconic Highlife rhythms of Chief Osita Osadebe intertwined with global classics like Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, Lionel Richie’s All Night Long, and the smooth grooves of Marvin Gaye and The Whispers.
Adding a local flair to the nostalgia, the Igbamma Cultural Group provides intermittent displays of traditional dance, ensuring the veterans’ heritage remains front and centre.
Over light drinks and shared laughter, these retired civil service veterans — extraordinary men and women who have traded their office files for dancing shoes — celebrate a hard-earned reward: the gift of rest.
The Visionaries
The club is the brainchild of Mr Ifeanyi Chris Uyanne, CEO of Weekend Vibes Entertainment Ltd.
A young son of Awka, Ifeanyi, saw a need to bridge the gap for the elderly, envisioning a space where they could live “worthy and happy lives together.”
Bringing this vision to life is the Club’s President, Engr. Hyco Uyanne, a veteran of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and CEO of Hyton Hotels. Having transitioned from a distinguished career himself.
Engr. Hyco understood that retirement should never mean silence or isolation. He transformed his hotel into a sanctuary where his peers can reunite and thrive.
More Than a Party: A Lifeline
For attendees, this is more than just a social mixer; it is a vital resource for mental and emotional health.
Reclaiming Youth: Members recall their years in service with pride.
Forging Bonds: They build connections over a shared history.
Beating the “Retirement Blues”: Active dance and friendship serve as a powerful antidote to the sedentary nature of ageing.
“Loneliness is a thief,” noted Igwe, one of the attendees. “But a regular gathering of this nature can fill the void. It is a sure guarantee to prolong the lives of the elderly among us.”
Looking Ahead
The Oldies Noble Club is just getting started. The vision includes expanding to Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, and beyond.
In fact, the momentum is already building: club member Comrade Chika Innocent Ozigbo has invited the group to launch the Ozubulu chapter on Feb. 22, 2026.
The distinguished guests:
The most recent gathering saw a prestigious turnout, including:
Emeritus Prof. Eugene Nwana and Dr. (Mrs) Rose Akpashili Nwana, accompanied by their children, Barrister Ifunanyachukwu and Ezinne Nwana.
Ozonma Tony Nezianya, Chief Felly Zontal Akosa, and Chief Amobi Anara with his wife, Mrs Ngozi Anara.
Chief Kenneth Obiakor, Mrs Oby Ilodigwe Elechi, Engr. Tasie Sylvester Ilozionwu, and many other distinguished veterans.
