Chima Amadi (Mazi Gburugburu) Concludes August Journey with Triumphant Ngor-Okpala Homecoming
As the echoes of celebration swept through the streets of Umuekwunne, Ngor Okpala, Imo state recently, one thing was clear—Gburugburu had returned.
Dr. Chima Amadi (Mazi Gburugburu), revered by many as a beacon of hope, concluded his remarkable journey across Imo State with a homecoming that was nothing short of legendary.
His arrival was not just a return; it was the reaffirmation of a bond between a leader and his people, a powerful reminder that true leadership is rooted in the hearts of those it serves. The August sun blazed down on a community that had waited, not in silence, but in fervent anticipation, for the moment when they would once again embrace their son, their father, their Mazi.
Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi (Mazi Gburugburu) ended his month-long felicitations with Imo State women with a flourish, as he attended the August Meetings of Ntu Autonomous Community and that of his hometown, Umuekwunne Autonomous Community on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.
During the August Meeting of the women of Ntu Autonomous Community, Dr. Amadi addressed the 8,000 women present, urging them to continue their vital contributions to community development and take an active role in Imo State politics to ensure their efforts are not undermined by poor leadership. He also encouraged the female youth to carry on the baton, preserving the beauty of their culture for future generations. In support of their projects, he donated ₦4 million and an additional ₦2 million as a souvenir for all the women present. Following the event, Dr. Amadi paid a courtesy visit to the Eze Oha Ntu III, the traditional leader of Ntu.
On Wednesday, Mazi Gburugburu received a reception fit for a king as he returned to celebrate the August Meeting with the women of Umuekwunne Autonomous Community, his hometown. The pride of Umuekwunne was palpable as his entourage moved through streets lined with cheering residents. The community had undergone a rigorous cleanup in preparation, and the air was filled with the booming of cannons and the melodies of local bands, all celebrating the return of their beloved son.
Despite the grand welcome, Mazi Gburugburu remained true to his humble roots. He first visited the palace of His Royal Highness Eze George Nwosu to pay homage. The Eze warmly received him and then accompanied him to the event at Comprehensive Secondary School Umuekwunne.
At the venue, a breathtaking sight awaited—a crowd of over twelve thousand Umuekwunne women gathered to celebrate the August Meeting and welcome their son. Jubilation erupted across the arena, and it took the concerted efforts of the MC, women leaders and Mazi to restore order.
After the breaking of kola, an elaborate welcome dance, and a march-past parade, Mazi Gburugburu addressed his people. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone present, especially the women and the Eze, for uniting the community. Dr. Amadi spoke about the origins of the August Meeting before the war and how women rose above destruction to drive the development of Igbo land, leading to the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other crucial infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
He lamented that past governments have neglected the development of local communities in favor of personal gains, viewing the people merely as votes. Dr. Amadi reaffirmed his commitment to a new style of leadership—one that champions development through collaboration with the people. Concluding his speech, Dr. Amadi donated ₦7 million to support the women’s impressive development initiatives and an additional ₦3 million to be shared among all women present as an August Meeting gift.
The visit to Umuekwunne marked the grand finale of Dr. Chima Amadi’s statewide show of solidarity with the women of Imo State. Over the course of August, he visited and celebrated with women in more than fifteen communities, contributing over ₦80 million to support and uplift their efforts.
In a month filled with joy and unity, Dr. Chima Amadi (Mazi Gburugburu) did more than just bring smiles to the faces of Imo women—he reignited a movement. His actions spoke louder than words, proving that his commitment to the empowerment of women and the development of society is not just a promise but a powerful reality. As the dust settles on this historic journey, the legacy of Mazi Gburugburu’s August odyssey will undoubtedly echo in the hearts of many for years to come.