Isiowulu Day: ₦15m Empowerment Reaches 780 Beneficiaries in Obosi

By Mimi Chiadikobi

The Traditional Prime Minister of Obosi, Chief Austin-Collins Anibogwu (Iyasele of Obosi), has urged beneficiaries of the 2025 Isiowulu Day Empowerment Programme to make judicious use of the initiative to improve their standard of living.
Anibogwu said the empowerment programme is one of the carefully planned initiatives by Isiowulu stakeholders and has continued to yield positive results by harnessing the potentials of the people of the community.
He made the remarks on Monday while addressing journalists at the event held in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Iyasele explained that the Isiowulu clan is made up of three of the nine villages in Obosi—Mmakwum, Uruowulu and Ugamuma—formed with the purpose of fostering closer unity among the people.
According to him, the stakeholders are committed to grooming the younger generation along the right path by instilling in them the traditions, customs, values and culture of the people.
“We, the stakeholders, believe in grooming the younger ones in the right path of tradition, customs, values and culture so that they can tread rightly in life,”
“This family bond can only be achieved when people are united in purpose, show love to one another, and share the burden of supporting those who are economically and socially disadvantaged.
“It is our belief that this will bring people closer, irrespective of social status, and help them understand when and how to support one another.”he said.
Anibogwu disclosed that a total sum of over ₦15 million, contributed collectively by stakeholders and friends of the clan, was expended to reach students, market women and the elderly within the Isiowulu clan.
He added that the clan comprises 13 kindreds, from which a total of 780 beneficiaries were selected for the 2025 Isiowulu Day empowerment programme.
According to him, the alliance’s common goal is the growth and development of Isiowulu, driven by its wealthy sons and daughters, titled men and elites.
Another prominent indigene, Chief Chidebe Umolu, described the event as an opportunity to showcase Isiowulu’s cultural heritage and expose children from different parts of the world to their norms, culture and traditions.
Chief Sunny Egbunam described Isiowulu Day as a forum for identifying and assisting people in need within the clan, without bias, before extending help to others outside the community.
He emphasized that charity begins at home and commended the initiators of the programme, particularly for prioritizing the welfare of the elderly, especially those without family support.
“I am happy that widows, indigent children and youths who want to acquire skills are among the beneficiaries, but the special care designed for the elderly is most commendable,” he said.
Iyom Irene Anibogwu described the event as worthy of sustenance, noting that it provides a broad platform to reach young people and help curb social vices among them.
She said the financial support given to women would significantly reduce hardship in families, as women play key roles in household management.
Anibogwu further noted that the empowerment initiative is also aimed at curbing youth restiveness and social vices associated with idleness, such as drug abuse, rape and burglary.
Similarly, Iyom Ifeoma Umolu commended the initiative, describing it as a platform to educate young people about Igbo values, which emphasize hard work and self-respect.
She added that the forum also helps to clarify misconceptions about tradition and idolatry, stressing that many people are currently misinformed.
“Although the empowerment does not completely alleviate our challenges, it goes a long way in supporting market women, especially in meeting their children’s feeding needs,”
“A diligent woman can use the proceeds from her trade to achieve much at home, while scholarships will keep children off the streets and channel them towards meaningful pursuits.”dhe added.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Nnenna Obichebe, a petty trader, said the Isiowulu people live like brothers and that non-indigenes residing in the clan also benefit from the programme.
Another beneficiary, Miss Mmesoma Mmadubuko, a student, expressed gratitude, saying the scholarship she received had relieved her of the burden of taking up part-time jobs to support herself.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chief Dan Igbokwubuli, disclosed that the event, which was previously held biannually, has now been made an annual programme to enable the clan to reach more people.
He explained that the 2025 empowerment programme was particularly unique because the 780 beneficiaries were carefully selected based on critical needs, including care for lonely elderly persons, petty traders, students and youths eager to acquire skills.
According to him, one of the most attractive aspects of the programme is the support for science students, who have been assured of foreign assistance if they achieve outstanding academic results.