UDAN Lagos Branch: Dirioha Hands Over ₦1.36m, Debt-Free Accounts, Permanent Site to Okafor
Mr. Dirioha Christopher Onyeji and Mr. Kennedy Eugene Okafor
The outgone Chairman of the Uturu Development Association of Nigeria (UDAN), Lagos Branch, Mr. Dirioha Christopher Onyeji, has handed over the leadership of the association to the newly elected Chairman, Mr. Kennedy Eugene Okafor, with ₦1,361,776.93 in cash and bank balances, a debt-free financial position and a permanent branch site in Iyana-Oba, Lagos.
The newly sworn in executives of UDAN Lagos
Dirioha disclosed this on Sunday, September 27, 2026, during the association’s handover ceremony, marking the end of his four-year tenure, which began in September 2022 under the administration’s mantra, “Together for Greater Heights.”
He described the administration’s four-year journey as challenging but said it recorded several achievements through the support and cooperation of members.
According to him, the outgoing administration recovered all outstanding empowerment funds owed to the association by some members for more than eight years and redirected the recovered funds towards the development of the association’s permanent property at Iyana-Oba.
He said the branch had not only completed the fencing of the property but also installed an iron gate, sand-filled the premises, constructed a temporary structure, provided chairs and tables, and built a wooden bridge across the adjoining gutter.
“Let it therefore be on record today that UDAN–Lagos Branch moved to her permanent site under this outgoing administration. Consequently, we can now boast of a permanent address,” Dirioha said.
Another major highlight of the administration, he said, was the branch’s unprecedented performance in the Uturu Football Association (UFA) Cup.
The branch’s Target Shooters FC won the competition in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, making UDAN Lagos the first branch to win the tournament four consecutive times since its inception in 1982, according to Dirioha.
He attributed the achievement to the commitment of the club’s management and players, led by Skipper Richard Nwachukwu, Charles Ezenwa and Coach Onyinye Raymond Ebede.
Dirioha also disclosed that the administration inherited financial obligations to UDAN National and the Abia State Town Unions Association (ASTUA), but subsequently cleared the outstanding debts,strengthens its national and ASTUA standing.
He said the branch had remained up to date with its dues and levies and had regained relevance within ASTUA.
The development, he added, enabled members of the Lagos branch to participate more actively in ASTUA activities, while one of its members contested an elective position during the 2025 ASTUA election.
He further noted that four of the seven ancient village unions of Uturu in Lagos had registered with UDAN Lagos during his tenure.
The outgoing chairman also highlighted the branch’s welfare intervention, particularly its financial support of nearly ₦2 million to a member whose shop was completely destroyed by fire in 2024.
He said the assistance was intended to help the affected member return to business.
The administration also established an association bringing together the chairmen and secretaries of the seven ancient Uturu village unions in Lagos to encourage cooperation and exchange of ideas on matters concerning the development of Uturu.
Dirioha said his administration also amended sections of the association’s constitution dealing with finances and members’ rights to reflect changing economic realities.
The administration, he added, honoured some members and prominent Uturu indigenes for their contributions to the community and the association.
Among them were immediate past president of udan,Chief (Pharm.) Benedict Chidi Uturu Ogbaegbe, who received a Meritorious Leadership Award, and Honorable Member representing
Isuikwuato/ umunochi at house representative,Chief (Hon.) Amobi Godwin Ogah, who was presented with a souvenir.
He also recalled the administration’s involvement in efforts concerning the development of Abia State University (ABSU), including participation in the committee that prepared memoranda for the Abia State Visitation Panel.
Despite the achievements, Dirioha acknowledged areas where the administration fell short.
He regretted that the proposed Iri-ji 2025 celebration could not take place, while also identifying poor meeting attendance, failure by some members to meet their financial obligations and habitual lateness to meetings as challenges that should be addressed by the new administration.
He also apologised to members who might have felt offended by actions taken by members of his executive in the course of carrying out their responsibilities.
Dirioha urged the incoming administration to sustain the association of chairmen and secretaries of the seven ancient Uturu unions in Lagos, describing it as important to the collective development of Uturu.
He also recommended that future elections be held in March, with inauguration in April, arguing that September inaugurations put new executives under pressure because of the volume of activities during that period.
The outgoing chairman expressed appreciation to members, benefactors and supporters who contributed financially and materially to the administration’s programmes.
He specifically acknowledged individuals who supported the development of the Iyana-Oba property, sports activities and welfare initiatives.
The handover formally transferred the leadership of UDA Lagos Branch to the newly elected executive headed by Kennedy Eugene Okafor, bringing Dirioha’s four-year tenure to an end.
The newly inaugurated
Chairman, Mr. Kennedy Eugene Okafo in his speech thanked members of UDAN Lagos Branch for the confidence they have voting him to lead .
According to him,he will disappoint the confidence entrusted on him by the good people of Uturu in Lagos.
He assured of promoting every action that will make most united and speak with one voice.
Okafor promised to sustain the legacy of the past administration and improve on them .
