NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA
There is a big line of difference between ‘social clubs’ and ‘a social club’. In a country where social clubs are often seen as mere associations where members gather to show-off, party, and network: Akuluno United Brothers’ Association has established itself as a trailblazer in the league of social clubs in Nigeria by seamlessly combining powerful business networking, strong solidarity to members, capacity building, philanthropy, community development, and camaraderie.
Akuluno United Brothers’ Association, one of the leading pan-Igbo sociocultural organizations with a focus on the South Eastern part of Nigeria, whose main objective is to propel the economic advancement and development of the local economy by bringing back home wealth creation and job opportunities through sustainable business establishments.
Formed barley one year under the distinguished leadership of a serial entrepreneur and doyen of real estate business – High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu (Onowu Anara Ancient Kingdom), the association has not only achieved significant milestones in capacity building, networking and community-driven developmental projects but has also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to uplifting the less privileged through award of educational scholarships to indigent students and donation of seeds capital to small and medium enterprises.
With a well tailored proposed economic blueprint of intervention areas for the empowernment and development of ala – Igbo which included but not limited to; award of scholarships in vocational skills acquisition, information technology, app development, e-commerce, construction of primary health centers, clinics, hospitals and wellness centers in the South East; sponsorship of organised farmers in the South East to encourage employment and food production; sponsorship of conscious Igbo upcoming artists to reach stardom, strong support to reputable Igbo judges and lawyers to be appointed at the Federal Courts; relating with each other in setting up manufacturing industries in the South East, which will create employments, Akuluno United Brothers’ Association of Nigeria is proving that social clubs can be engines of economic growth and social change.
As its vision expands to include investments, rural developments and scholarship initiatives, Akuluno United Brothers’ Association is creating a benchmark and setting a new standard for what it means to be a modern, development – driven and impactful social club not just in the South East, and Nigeria, but across the sub-Saharan Africa.
In the South East, Akuluno United Brothers Association is setting itself apart not just as a social club but also as a transformative force across different sectors of Nigeria’s economy as it boasts in its membership a roll call of high profile business mavericks, captains of industry, successful entrepreneurs and established names in the production and manufacturing- supply chain, who have come together not only to expand their business network, demonstrate avowed solidarity to members, but also to bring back home the wealth God has richly blessed them with while improving the welfare of their various communities through job creations. A big relief to their various state government, and win to the less privileged.
With a vision firmly built on investments, human capacity building, and development of the South East, the association, under the sterling leadership of Chief Mike Ejiogu, is rewriting the script for how social clubs operate in contemporary Nigeria.
Projecting the South Eastern Nigeria as the most progressive region in Africa within the next 10 years through the robust economic developmental activities of the association, President of AUBA, High Chief ike Ejiogu, during the 2024 end of year party and dinner in Abuja rolled out the interim developmental agenda of the association which included; the establishment of Akuluno Medical School in the South East of Nigeria, awarding B.Sc degrees to develop the capacities of Igbo youths in the medical profession.
The registration and establishment of Akuluno Holdings Company, which will birth Akuluno Microfinance Bank to generate employment for our people and fund initiatives across the region. The special funds of Two Billion Naira mapped out for the two projects through the commitment of the membership fees, urging members of the association to keep working together to create opportunities, promote development, and upflight communities in the South East to its highest level of development.
The Publisher of 4th Estate Reporters, a keen observer of the association’s activities, who also covered the 2024 end of year party in Abuja alongside other media organizations, has maintained that Akuluno United Brothers Association stands out as a most prestigious social club founded by people of Igbo descent and attributed its succes to the intelligence and discipline of the men members, as well as their adherence to the association’s constitution.
Having been ushered into the year 2025, and looking into what the future for the most esteemed association; it is clear that its vision extends far beyond its immediate projects.The proposed medical school, microfinance bank, award of educational scholarships scheme, and supports to creative arts, underscores Akuluno United Brothers Association’s commitment to building a better future for ndi Igbo in particular , and entire Nigeria by extension.
A right square in the right hole, High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu’s leadership (alongside members of his executives) has been instrumental in charting this course, and his pragmatic approach to the challenges ensures that the club remains on track to achieve its goals.
Akuluno is more than a social club; it is a way of life!
Njoku Macdonald Obinna
Media Consultant|Newspaper Columnist|Public Analyst|PR- Expert
Publisher, 4th Estate Reporters
