Udefi Clocks 50, Advocates Strengthening Of Age Grade System for Sustainable Grassroots Development
Chief Samuel Udefi, the President General of Igwebuike Anam Age Grade Worldwide, has called on governments across the Southeast to strengthen the age grade system as a vehicle for sustainable development.
Udefi made the appeal while speaking on the occasion of his 50th birthday celebration, organised in his honour by his age grades in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
Udefi whole the traditional title of ‘Ọnwa N’ eti eti 1 na Anam’ appreciated age mates for hosting his golden jubilee birthday.
He described himself as fortunate to lead what he called the most organised, 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.
“We have also 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 said..
Udefi said the numerous socio-economic development initiatives executed by the group over the years were a proof that much could be achieved through an organised age grade system.
He said Igwebuike age grade had executed several impactful projects.
He said some of the projects included provision of solar lighting for eight communities across Anam, rural electrification, medical outreach and the empowerment of indigent members.
He urged state and local government authorities across the Southeast to work closely with age grades and town unions to drive impactful development at the community level.
According to the PG, a structured partnership between the government and these traditional institutions will accelerate grassroots progress and foster a sense of shared responsibility among the people.
“Our age grade has shown what unity and organisation can achieve.
“If governments collaborate with us, the pace of development in our villages will be unprecedented,” he said.
