Most times the faces and shapes of Families, Societies, States, Nations and world over, have been known to be permanently or irreversibly altered by the ideas, actions, inactions, contributions and deeds of certain individuals and groups. If such ideas or acts are towards positive goals or ends, the recipients or beneficiaries of such ideas or acts tend to evaluate and recognize the actors as their HEROES. If however, the ideas or acts are towards negative ends, then the actors are identified as VILLAINS. Sometimes a Hero is a real person or a main fictional character of a literary work who, in the face of danger, combats
adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage or strength. In the original hero type of classical epics, strong or seemingly wise people undertake such acts for the sake of earning personal glory and honor because of the wealth, pride, and fame normally associated with such acts. On the other hand, in modern times particularly in Umuaka those who perform great deeds or selfless acts for the common good of the community are marked, identified and recognized as HEROES
The New Umuaka Project – Initiative (NUP-I) has carved out clear cut criteria to not only mark, identify and
recognize our Heroes but to CELEBRATE them. It was on that premise that the New Umuaka Project – Initiative
(NUP-I) honours award was developed to honour persons who have made and/or are still making significant
contributions to Umuaka as a whole or to various autonomous communities in Umuaka through their Time,
Talent, and Treasure. It is expected that the identification, selection and recognition of such individuals (The
Honourees) should serve as role models for others to emulate. Such awards are targeted to encourage passion,
compassion, selfless-service and the urge to strive to make Umuaka in particular and the world in general,
better places than we met them . The individuals so honoured must have shown unquestionable consistency in
commendable character and possess unquenchable desire for helping others within their autonomous
communities and beyond and possess uncommon zeal to drive the processes that promote steady and stable
community development
In order to create versatility and growth, the body has classified the awards and categorized them into Eight (8)
NUP-I Honours Awards, namely;

1. NUP-I Platinum Citizen Honours Award
2. NUP-I Gold Citizen Honours Award
3. NUP-I Distinguished Service Award
4. NUP-I Youths Excellence Award
5. NUP-I Hall of Fame Award
6. NUP-I Virtuous Woman Award
7. NUP-I Excellence Performance Scholarship Award
8. NUP-I Posthumous Award
   NUP-I Platinum Citizen Honours Award
   This award is to be likened to someone being knighted by the Queen of England or receiving the Highest
   National Award in any Country, State or Community. It recognizes the individual’s cumulative Services over a
   given period of time, in multiple fields of endeavour including in politics, Tradition, health care, humanities,
   social services, Engineering, Law, etc, for which importance and positive effects to the citizens of Umuaka and
   beyond have outlived or likely to outlive the awardee.

NUP-I Gold Citizen Honours Award
This award is given to Umuaka citizens living or dead who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in
community development. The worth of such contributions must be empirically demonstrated to worth more
than Five million Naira (N5,000,000.00) in total cash, material and/or in leadership selfless-service calculated
over a given period of not less than ten (10) years

NUP-I Distinguished Service Award
This award is specially reserved for Umuaka Citizens who have not only distinguished themselves in their
respective fields of endeavours but have used their elevated positions in the society at large to impact on the
positive development of human capital, humanitarian services and or developmental strides in Umuaka

NUP-I Youths Excellence Award
This warded is given to young adults (male or female) of between 15 and 35 years of age who distinguish
themselves in uplifting the image of the Youths in Umuaka and more importantly presenting themselves
directly or remotely as symbols of encouragement to Umuaka youths by striving higher and remarkable
achievements in their areas of endeavours

NUP-I Hall of Fame Award
This award is for those who have achieved outstanding performance in their fields of endeavours. This can be
awarded to several people at the same time and merely recognizes individuals whose accomplishments have
brought great repute to Umuaka

NUP-I Virtuous Woman Award
This category of award is wholly dedicated to women, without prejudice to their inclusion in other categories of
awards. Women who did or are doing exceptionally well in the promotion of virtues of womanhood, within and
outside Umuaka. Women who stand out as role models in the assessment of NUP-I. For any woman to qualify
to be given this award the virtue found in her must be seen or attested to have impacted on the lives of majority
of women of Umuaka and in positively shaping the lives of young Umuaka girls tending towards motherhood
NUP-I Excellence Performance Scholarship Award
This is another category of awards that may attract scholarships to deserving primary and secondary school
students, who excelled exceptionally in their studies, as a way of catching them young and inculcating NUP-I
principles, ideals, philosophy consciousness in them

NUP-I Posthumous Award
This award is given to any Umuaka Citizen who merited either of the other awards but could not receive the
award conferment while alive. The Category upon which the award is being awarded posthumously will be
specified.
Engr Sir Vice Onyemepu
Former Chairman, Board of Trustees

I sincerely thank all NUPI members and indeed all Umuaka people for deeming it fit to set aside a day to celebrate our own; the best of the best, Dr Austin Chidi Agbahiwe, PhD.

I am glad that the pioneer GLAD, Dr Agbahiwe with the able leadership of NUPI laid a solid foundation on which we are building on.

When it appeared that the creation of various autonomous communities in Umuaka will put a knife in that which hold us together, Dr Agbahiwe led the charge for the establishment of this noble association. NUPI which is the apex association in Umuaka is a dependable umbrella for all natives of Umuaka to freely commit their talents, time and resources through joint efforts for developmental purposes. It has grown from the proverbial mustard seed to a healthy tree, and still growing.

We in NUPI are very grateful for your dedication and selfless services to lift the association above any other one in our community. This award night to celebrate you is quite remarkable and fitting. I am happy to be associated with it.

During your leadership of NUPI, Umuaka as a whole, made giant progress in bring all the autonomous communities together and in infrastructural development.

NUPI successfully held ground-breaking conventions that brought our people together, organised a highly successful and memorable pan-Umuaka Oghu festival that brought back the sweet memories of yester-years. NUPI led the upgrading of the community electricity infrastructure by the replacement of the injection substation from 2.5MVA to 5.0MVA at no direct cost to any individual or the community. NUPI under your leadership also carried out lots of women, youth and community empowerment programmes, including the education and sensitization of our people during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic on preventive measures and distribution of palliatives to the needy in our community.

The summit of your glorious leadership of NUPI was the acquisition of over 25 plots of lands by NUPI that will serve as our secretariat and our primary development site, going forward. This singular achievement automatically increased the land mass of Umuaka and refocussed NUPI.

I thank all those that worked with you to achieve these feats. As I have assured our members, this is just the beginning. There will be subsequent award nights to recognise and honour other deserving members.

As we will expect, this award is being organised and hosted by NUPI but actually it is an Umuaka award to a worthy son who has touched many lives positively. This can be attested to, by the number of dignitaries from far and near, present here today to honour him.

I do not want to pre-empt the content of the expected torrents of tributes from our members and distinguished guests. Dr Agbahiwe is the Phoenix (bird) of our time. When some disgruntled elements wanted to distract and derail Dr Austin Agbahiwe and NUPI, thinking that the world of the “caterpillar has ended, the caterpillar turned into a butterfly” and is still soaring higher (Proverb).

I thank and celebrate Dr Agbahiwe on behalf of all NUPI members for standing firm even in the face of adversities. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said,” If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavour.” The rain water that is pouring on an eagle is only washing or bathing the eagle (Igbo Proverb)

I thank these distinguished friends, guests and well-wishers, who despite their other commitments, chose to join us in this busy Yuletide season to celebrate a community icon. I am convinced that NUPI will be blessed by your presence and generosity towards the association to fulfil her mandate, particularly the development of our vast land resources. We are ready and willing to partner with any credible individual or organisation to achieve this pressing objective. I am appealing that you seriously consider this my humble request.

I equally thank all NUPI members that make this award night possible and the Youths directorate that led in the organisation of this event.

Let us relax and enjoy the events of the day. NUPI is very prepared for you all and I am with you in spirit.

Dr Uche Oguike, BDS, MPA, MHPM, MFDS, RCS (Eng), MSc
NUPI Global Administrator
29 December 2022

Since its inception in April 2017, NUP-I has stood as a testament to the power of collective action. The idea was born from a desire to leverage technology and bring Umuaka indigenes together, with a singular focus on bettering our society during our lifetime, irrespective of autonomous communities.

Meetings held at Dr. Austin Agbahiwe’s country home in Ibele Umuaka became the birthplace of NUP-I, and from there, the organization has evolved into a dynamic force for positive change.

NUP-I’s roadmap is not just a set of goals; it’s a commitment to a new paradigm of progress. It envisions a Umuaka where trust is the cornerstone, where deliverables are met uniquely, and where collective well-being is the compass that guides our actions.

The aims and objectives of NUP-I are expansive, touching on every aspect of Umuaka life. From welfare advancement to policy development, from mediating disputes to fostering unity, NUP-I’s scope is as vast as the potential of our community itself.

As we embark on this journey towards a prosperous Umuaka, we invite you to join us in embracing this vision. Together, let us write a new chapter in the history of our beloved community – a chapter defined by unity, progress, and the unwavering belief that the best is yet to come.

Through workshops, festivals, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange, NUP-I ensures that the unique identity of Umuaka continues to thrive. Their role as a center of consultations on matters affecting Umuaka’s customs further solidifies their dedication to upholding our rich legacy.

In a rapidly changing world, the preservation of our cultural heritage becomes not just a duty but a vital source of strength and identity. NUP-I recognizes that the traditions that have shaped Umuaka for generations are a source of inspiration, wisdom, and unity.

By fostering an environment where the stories of our ancestors are cherished, where traditional practices are honored, and where the vibrancy of our culture is celebrated, NUP-I is sowing the seeds for a future where Umuaka’s legacy continues to flourish.

Join us on this journey of preservation and celebration. Let us stand together in gratitude for the traditions that have shaped us and in anticipation of the vibrant cultural tapestry that our community will weave for generations to come.

Through voluntary contributions of time, resources, and skills, NUP-I members are actively shaping the landscape of Umuaka. From mentoring programs to infrastructural projects, the impact of their collective efforts resonates throughout the community.

In the spirit of empowerment, NUP-I’s 3Ts philosophy extends beyond physical transformation. It is a testament to the belief that each individual possesses a unique set of skills and resources that, when harnessed collectively, have the power to drive meaningful change.

By investing in the potential of its members, NUP-I is not only building a stronger Umuaka but also cultivating a culture of self-reliance and resilience. Through workshops, skill-building programs, and mentorship initiatives, they are nurturing a community that is not only prepared for the challenges of today but also poised to shape the opportunities of tomorrow.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of empowerment that courses through the veins of Umuaka, embodied by the tireless efforts of NUP-I and its members. Together, let us continue to invest in a future where every individual’s Time, Treasure, and Talent are valued and utilized to their fullest potential.

Since its inception in April 2017, NUP-I has tirelessly worked towards the betterment of our beloved community. Through the dedication and commitment of its members, NUP-I has become a driving force behind initiatives that have touched the lives of countless Umuaka residents.

From infrastructure development to cultural preservation, NUP-I’s influence is felt far and wide. Their innovative approach to problem-solving and unwavering belief in the power of unity sets them apart, paving the way for a brighter future for Umuaka.

The vision of NUP-I extends beyond short-term gains; it is a strategic endeavor to create sustainable, long-lasting change. By harnessing the collective energy and talents of Umuaka’s residents, NUP-I is building a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.

As we reflect on NUP-I’s journey, we invite you to explore the stories of impact, the faces behind the initiatives, and the dreams that continue to fuel this remarkable organization. Together, let us embrace the promise of a united Umuaka, where progress knows no bounds.