The Imo community in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, witnessed a historic and joyous event on October 5, 2025, when Hon. Jac Anuli Onyemma emerged victorious in a keenly contested election to become the 5th substantive President of the Imo Kultural and Welfare Union (IKWU), Greater Manchester.

The election, conducted under the supervision of a seasoned and high-powered electoral committee, chaired by Mr. Obinna Amadi, was widely praised for its transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to democratic norms and standards. Members of the Union turned out in impressive numbers, reflecting their unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of the Imo community in the United Kingdom.

Hon. Onyemma secured an overwhelming victory at the polls. The announcement of the results was met with wild jubilation, singing, and dancing by members, who described the outcome as the triumph of vision, purposeful leadership, peace, unity, and progress in IKWU.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Onyemma expressed heartfelt appreciation to members of the Union for their confidence and trust, pledging to serve them with vision, dedication, transparency, and inclusiveness.

“This is not just my victory. It is our collective victory. Together, we shall continue to build a strong, united, and purposeful Imo community that would reflect the true spirit of our people — industrious, compassionate, and forward-looking,” he said, shortly after his victory was announced to thunderous applauses.

A Record of Leadership and Service

Hon. Jac Anuli Onyemma is a leader par excellence, a renowned student leader and activist, and a community builder with distinguished records of service both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

As student leader, Hon. Jac served meritoriously as:

  • Member, University of Uyo Student Union Government (SUG) House of Representatives
  • Chairman, House Committee on Business, Rules and Ethics, (University of Uyo)
  • Board Member, Federation of Igbo Students (FIS) Leaders of Thought (UNIUYO)
  • Chairman, National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS) Constitution Drafting Committee
  • President (Ochiagha), Federated Union of Mbaise Students (FUMS), among others.

Before relocating to the UK, Hon. Onyemma served as the Secretary-General of Umunama Community for eight years, during which he championed administrative reforms and practical community development initiatives.

He also served as the National Publicity Secretary of Mbaise Secondary School Old Boys Association (MSSOBA) for eight years and later became the Vice Chairman of MSSOBA Owerri Branch for six years.

In the diaspora, Hon. Onyemma has continued to demonstrate visionary leadership as Founder and Interim President of Umunama Diaspora Assembly (UDA) – an umbrella body uniting all sons and daughters of Umunama residing outside Nigeria for cultural preservation, unity, mutual support, and community development.

About the Imo Kultural and Welfare Union (IKWU)

The Imo Kultural and Welfare Union (IKWU), Greater Manchester, is a registered non-profit organization operating under the laws of England and Wales (Companies Act 2006).

The Union’s objectives include promoting the rich cultural heritage of Imo State, advancing the welfare and inclusion of its members, and fostering mutual cooperation between Nigerians and the British community.

Under the leadership of Hon. Onyemma, the Union is expected to embark on programmes that would continue to promote the culture of Imo people and welfare of its members, engage in community development, cultural exchange, youth empowerment, social inclusion, collaborative engagements and partnership with other groups that would deepen its impact within and beyond the Nigerian community in the UK.

The election of Hon. Jac Anuli Onyemma marks the beginning of a new chapter for IKWU – a chapter defined by vision, service, steady progress, peace, and unity among Imo sons and daughters particularly in the Greater Manchester area of the United Kingdom.

Signed
Henry Ogaraku
The Public Relations Officer (PRO), IKWU
Phone:+447400627566
Email: ikwumanchester@yahoo.com
Website: www.ikwu.org.uk