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UMUDORA ANAM — Easter Monday in Umudora Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, was one of contrast, emotion, and renewed hope for education. While crowds of jubilant men, women, and children gathered to celebrate the commissioning of a brand-new six-classroom block facilitated by Hon. Peter “Macpee” Aniekwe, a quieter, more solemn moment unfolded elsewhere in the community — one that left Senator Tony Nwoye visibly moved by emotion.
The eventful day began with the official commissioning of a modern six-room classroom block in Umudora by Hon. Aniekwe, member representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency. The ceremony drew a large crowd, with women and youth leaders singing, dancing, and expressing gratitude for the federal intervention that brought the much-needed facility to life. The new structure stood proudly with its fresh paint, clean floors, and solid roofing — a symbol of progress.
However, just moments later, in another part of the community, a different gathering was taking place — the Easter General Meeting of Umudora men. Present at this more subdued gathering were key political figures: Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Hon. Macpee Aniekwe, the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and Community Affairs, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, and Hon. Patrick Udoba, the member representing Anambra West Constituency in the State House of Assembly.
It was during this all-male general meeting that Senator Nwoye saw the old block of Ezi Anam Central School — once the pride of Umudora, now a shadow of its former self. The site was heartbreaking: roofs gone, walls cracked, floors caked in dust, and the entire block overtaken by bush. Broken desks lay scattered, and some parts of the ceiling dangled precariously.
Unable to hide his emotions, Senator Nwoye said. “This is not just a school, this is history,” he said. “We have failed these children and failed ourselves. This is unacceptable.”
He then made a solemn promise to the community: he would personally ensure the total renovation of the school. According to him, the entire block would be rebuilt to meet national educational standards, complete with new classrooms, “I will take this up as a personal responsibility. Umudora must not be left behind,” he declared, earning loud applause from the men present.
In his remarks, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne commended the Senator’s emotion and sincerity, adding that the state government was equally committed to ensuring that no community was left out in the development push of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration. “We are witnessing a turning point,” the Commissioner said. “This is how responsive leadership should work — feeling the people’s pain and responding immediately.”
Hon. Udoba, himself a native of the LGA, expressed concern over the school’s condition and also pledged to support Senator Nwoye’s plan through legislative advocacy and state-level facilitation.
Community members reflected on the irony of the day — one part of Umudora rejoicing over a new classroom block, while another part revealed the glaring disparity in infrastructure. “It’s bittersweet,” said an Elder. “We thank Hon. Macpee for what he did. But we also thank Senator Nwoye for his honest tears and bold promise. Both are important.”
The President-General of Ezi Anam, Chief Charles Okafor, noted that while women and the broader public celebrated the commissioning earlier, the men’s meeting — though quieter — may have birthed the bigger promise. “Today, we received not just buildings but commitments. And that gives us hope. For the first time in Umudora, all the different categories of representatives assembled in Umudora ”
Ezi Anam Central School is known historically as one of the pioneer institutions in Anam, having produced notable professionals across sectors. Among its alumni are media practitioner and government aide Okoye Romanus, who described the school as “a foundation of dreams,” despite its current decay. “Many of us learned under those roofs when they were whole. Seeing it now is heartbreaking. But if Senator Nwoye’s promise comes through, it will inspire a new generation.”
As the people await for the promised renovation, the spirit of Easter took on new meaning — not just of resurrection, but of restoration, beginning with a tear and a vow.
