By Uzo Ugwunze

Chief (Dr) Joseph Chimezie Onuorah, popularly known as Deme Deme Na Orumba, has renewed his commitment to grassroots development as Ndiowu celebrates the restoration of its New Yam Festival.

Onuorah, a member of the Ndiowu Traditional Ruling Council, described the return of the festival as a historic moment for the community.

Speaking with newsmen during the celebration on Friday, August 28, 2026, he said the occasion brought him immense joy.

“My heart is filled with joy that we lived to see this day. Since I was born, I have never witnessed this kind of festival in Ndiowu.

“We are grateful to God for making it possible for us to reunite under our new traditional ruler and move our community forward.”

He called on Ndiowu indigenes at home and abroad to support efforts aimed at promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.

Onuorah said he remained committed to contributing to the community’s growth through collective action and the Joseph Onuorah Foundation.

The foundation has undertaken several interventions, including the ongoing Ndiowu Mini Stadium Project, the construction of two modern classrooms at Community Secondary School, Ndiowu, and an eight-room modern toilet facility at St. Lawrence Anglican Church, Ndiowu.

Since 2017, it has also sponsored UTME and SSCE examinations for more than 50 students annually within and beyond Orumba North and South Local Government Areas.

The foundation has further supported skills acquisition programmes and sponsored the Ndiowu Sports Fiesta for the past six years.

Onuorah said his interventions were driven by responsibility rather than a desire for recognition.

“For me, it is not really about giving back. It is about fulfilling a responsibility.

“In our Igbo culture, a person does not truly succeed alone. Whatever God gives you, you are expected to use part of it to lift others.”

According to him, the principle of Onye aghana nwanne ya—let nobody abandon his brother—has continued to shape his approach to community service.

“When I support education, empower young people or contribute to community development, I see it as an investment rather than charity. I am investing in people.”

He also stressed the importance of Igwebuike, the Igbo philosophy that emphasises strength in collective effort.

“A community cannot develop if everybody is waiting for government or somebody else to solve its problems. Those of us fortunate enough to have some capacity must be prepared to take responsibility.”

Onuorah said his greatest satisfaction came from seeing beneficiaries become independent and eventually support others.

“My greatest satisfaction is when I see a young person who received support become independent, build a career, help his or her family and eventually come back to help somebody else. That is the cycle I want to create.”

He urged Ndiowu youths to embrace education, acquire relevant skills and avoid criminality.

“You cannot afford to wait for government, your parents, your community or somebody you know to come and change your life.”

He advised them to develop competence in areas with growing economic opportunities, including technology, agriculture, healthcare, artificial intelligence, construction, finance and entrepreneurship.

Onuorah also warned against fraud, drugs, cultism and internet scams.

“There is no sustainable shortcut to success.”

He urged young people to protect their integrity and reputation, describing one’s name as a valuable asset.

“You may lose money and recover it, but once you lose your integrity, rebuilding your reputation can be very difficult.”

While encouraging young people to think globally, he urged them not to abandon their communities.

«“The world is your marketplace. But while you are building your own future, don’t forget home. Your success should not end with you.”»