Community Development and Human Resources in Akpo: A Historical Reflection by Nze Paul Mokwe

This paper briefly dwells on historical facts about the Akpo/Igbo man’s character, socio-cultural, religious, and economic values—values that sustained the Igbo people despite numerous obstacles. This background is intended to aid a better understanding of these humble submissions.

THE IGBO VALUE SYSTEM (PRE–BIAFRAN WAR)

The Akpo and Igbo man of old believed strongly in:
• Human resources development  
• Economic and socio-cultural values  
• Security of lives and property  
• Community development and togetherness (Onyeaghananwanneya)

These values were built, protected, and supervised through hierarchical leadership systems starting from:
Nuclear families → Extended families (Imennes) → Kindreds (Umunnas) → Villages (Ogbes) → Town Unions → Igbo Nation.

These structures served as the administrative and governance channels of the Igbo people before the Nigerian Civil War. Following the 1966 coup and the Civil War, regional constitutions were abolished and replaced with centralized military decrees. Igbo town unions, socio-cultural organizations, and leadership structures (including ADA and similar bodies) were proscribed.

This deliberate suppression weakened cohesion and slowed development in Igboland through denial of critical infrastructure such as seaports, airports, gas pipelines, and independent power generation.

As a result, over 70% of the Igbo population now live outside Igboland. Many post-war youths lost touch with Igbo cultural values, resulting in weakened cohesion, moral decline, and social instability.

CENTRALIZATION OF POWER AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

The imposed centralized system—alien to Igbo republican culture—introduced governance by a few individuals rather than collective consensus. This system, rooted in non-Igbo political traditions, has entrenched corruption, abuse of power, and a “get-rich-quick” mentality, especially among the youth.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF AKPO

Akpo Town has from time immemorial been blessed with patriotic citizens. Through the age-grade system—from Akataekwe age grade to Ngbenabia—Akpo recorded milestones in community development, security, education, religion, and boundary integrity.

KEY PRE–CIVIL WAR ACHIEVEMENTS

1. St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Akpo, was dedicated between 1957–1958. It was among the first modern church buildings in the old Onitsha Archdiocese. Rev. Fr. O’Neil chose St. Paul’s Akpo to celebrate his mother’s memorial Mass in 1963/64, hosting priests and religious from the entire Eastern Region.

2. Akpo Town Hall was constructed and commissioned in 1962/63—one of the first in Aguata Division—later renamed the Hall of Peace in the early 1990s.

3. Akpo jointly sponsored overseas education for two eminent sons:
   • Prof. Steve Orajaka  
   • Barrister G. Offor  
   Both were warmly received by the entire Akpo community on their return in 1962/63.

4. Amaife Catholic Community (CMO – Nzuko-Nka-Eke) established a revolving loan system in the mid-1960s, benefiting several sons before the Civil War.

5. Apprenticeship (Igbo-boyi) and skills transfer systems flourished across trades.

ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Sir J.C.I. Okpalanaechedo was the pioneer and mentor who trained Akpo’s first generation of civil engineers, including:
• Ichie Christopher Okpalobi (Ichie Ohiehi I of Akpo)  
• Pius Ezeobi (We We Nwaezeobi)  
• Sir Norbert Okpalalupuo  

Subsequent generations of Akpo civil engineers passed directly or indirectly through these men.

TRADING AND DIASPORA PIONEERS

Kano Sector:
• Chief C.D. Jones Okpalaejiaku  
• Jupa Dim  
• J.K. Okpala  
Kano became the earliest Akpo diaspora hub.

Jos Axis:
• Fredrick Dimakunne  
• Emmanuel Obika  
• Clement and Cletus Dubu Obika  

Onitsha:
• Ichie Benson Okpalezechaa  
• J.A. Nwangwu  
• Jonathan Okpala  
• John Umezinwa  

Port Harcourt:
• Sir A.A. Dim  
• Surveyor Goddy Ezeonyebuchi  
• James Okpalaunegbu  

Akure:
• Nze Fidelis Umennaka  
• Bernard Ezeorizu  

Lagos (First Generation):
• Sir F.M. Obidinma – pioneer Akpo patriot and prominent Igbo leader in Lagos.

POST–CIVIL WAR REBUILDING

After the war, Chief C.D. Jones Okpalaejiaku convened a general meeting at Akpo Town Hall in early 1970, motivating idle and traumatized youths to venture out, assuring them that the war had truly ended.

SECOND DISPENSATION OF DIASPORA EXPANSION

Benin City:
• Nze Emmanuel Obi (E. Marshall) – pioneer in building and plumbing materials  
• Sir E.O. Emeh – retired as Super Permanent Secretary in Bendel State  

Yola:
• Chief Anthony Anyika – first Ezendigbo in Yola and Adamawa State  

Lagos (Second Generation):
• Nze Simon Ezeomedo  
• Ichie Cletus Ezechiedo  
• Nze Anthony Cletus Ezeanosikwa  
• The Mazi Brothers  
• Anthony Ejimkonye Ume – oil tanker transport  

THE FOUR WISE MEN OF AKPO (LAGOS)

• Chief Alfred Okechukwu (Chinemere)  
• Nze Oremus Ugokwe  
• Stephen Umenze  
• Chief Vincent Anudu (Ikenga – Late)  

These leaders pioneered Akpo dominance in plumbing materials trade nationwide.

AKPO DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ADA)

By 1976–1983, ADA was formed and executed landmark projects:
• Community Water Project (ADA-mmiri)  
• Electrification Project (ADA-oku / AREP)  
• Roads, erosion control, health, and educational initiatives

CONCLUSION

Akpo remains one of the most development-conscious communities in Aguata and Anambra State. Despite achievements, more work remains—especially in education, skills acquisition, and human capital development.

Akpo’s Development Constitution assigns clear duties to families, kindreds, villages, and town union organs. With committed leadership and unity of purpose, Akpo can sustain progress.

We believe the newly elected ADA executives are equal to the task.

Paul Mokwe  
Amaife, Akpo  
Lagos Branch