. SHOWCASES IMO’S RENEWAL IN TORONTO
– Owerri Zone Community Toronto President, Chiedu Megwa, Commends Uzodimma for Reviving Ahiajoku Lecture Series
Toronto, Canada
The Director-General of the Ahiajoku Centre, Owerri, Hon. (Nze) Ray Emeaña, has commended the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for what he described as the remarkable transformation of Imo State through strategic investments in infrastructure, security, technology, culture and economic development.
Hon. Emeaña gave the commendation while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Annual Cultural Day of the Owerri Zone Community (OZC), Toronto, Canada, themed “Bridging Generations through Culture and Traditions.”
He said Governor Uzodimma’s administration has restored confidence in Imo State and created an enabling environment that is attracting renewed interest, investment and engagement from Ndi Imo both at home and across the diaspora.
According to him, the return of peace, stability and economic confidence in the state was evident during the last Christmas season when unprecedented numbers of Imo indigenes returned home to celebrate with their families in a secure and welcoming atmosphere.
He attributed this renewed confidence to the governor’s deliberate efforts in rebuilding critical infrastructure and strengthening security across the state.
Hon. Emeaña highlighted some of the landmark projects executed by the administration, including the Owerri–Orlu Road, Owerri–Umuahia Road, Owerri–Port Harcourt Road, Owerri–Aba Road, Mgbe–Akokwa Road, the Assumpta Flyover, the Imo Digital City Project and other strategic interventions designed to position Imo as a leading destination for investment and innovation.
He also praised Governor Uzodimma for implementing one of the most worker-friendly wage policies in Nigeria through the payment of one of the highest minimum wages in the country, describing the initiative as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers and citizens.
“The ongoing transformation in infrastructure, security and economic renewal in Imo State reflects purposeful leadership and a commitment to rebuilding confidence in our homeland,” Emeaña stated.
The Ahiajoku DG further showcased the cultural renaissance being championed by the Uzodimma administration through the Ahiajoku Centre. He highlighted the revival and expansion of the Ahiajoku Lecture Series, the repositioning of the Centre as a modern platform for the promotion of Igbo civilization, the Ahiajoku Compendium Project, youth heritage initiatives, cultural exchange programmes and the proposed Ahiajoku Digital Memory and Curation Project.
The event attracted distinguished members of the Igbo diaspora from North America, Europe, Africa and other parts of the world, as well as prominent government officials and community leaders.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow; the Ontario Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety, Hon. Michael Kerzner, MPP for York Centre; Hon. Vince Gasparro, MP for Eglinton—Lawrence and Parliamentary Secretary on Combatting Crime; representatives of law enforcement agencies including York Regional Police Sergeant Michelle Foster; Dr. Johnson (JJ) Emeka Amaechi, Ahiajoku Centre Ambassador to North America; Lolo Ngozi Agu; and Mrs. Francesca Ukwuoma, Grand Matron of the Owerri Zone Community.
One of the highpoints of the celebration was the conferment of the honorary cultural title of “Ada Owerri Zone” on Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Lolo Ngozi Agu in recognition of their outstanding contributions to multiculturalism, diversity, community development and support for the Igbo community.
The ceremony also recognised the service and contributions of Sergeant Michelle Foster to community engagement and public safety.
In his remarks, the President of the Owerri Zone Community, Toronto, Mr. Chiedu Megwa, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Hope Uzodimma for appointing Hon. (Nze) Ray EmEmeaña as Director-General of the Ahiajoku Centre.
He described the appointment as a masterstroke, noting that Emeaña has brought renewed vision, energy and dynamism to the Centre, repositioning it as a foremost institution for the promotion of Igbo culture, scholarship and heritage.
Mr. Megwa specifically commended Governor Uzodimma for reviving and sustaining the prestigious Ahiajoku Lecture Series, which he described as one of the most important intellectual and cultural platforms in Igboland.
He noted that the governor’s support for the Centre has strengthened efforts aimed at preserving Igbo language, culture, history and identity for future generations.
The OZC President further praised the extensive infrastructural transformation taking place across Imo State, stating that the developments have improved the state’s image, enhanced investor confidence and renewed the interest of the diaspora community in reconnecting with and investing in their homeland.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Owerri Zone Community in Toronto to partnering with the Ahiajoku Centre and the Government of Imo State in promoting Igbo culture, heritage and development across the world.
The colourful cultural celebration featured traditional music, dance performances, cultural exhibitions, awards presentations and community recognitions, reflecting the enduring commitment of the Owerri diaspora to preserving their cultural identity while building bridges across generations and continents.
The event ended with renewed calls for greater collaboration between the diaspora and institutions at home in advancing the cultural, economic and developmental aspirations of Imo State and the Igbo nation.
