Gov. Hope Uzodimma Set for Presidency As Leo Stan Ekeh Delivers Keynote Lecture For Owerri Club @50
OWERRI, October 20, 2026 — Owerri Club (1976) has unveiled plans for its Golden Jubilee celebration, with technology entrepreneur, Prince (Dr.) Leo Stan Ekeh, scheduled to deliver a keynote inspirational talk, while Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, is expected to be installed as President of the Club.
The announcement was made by the Club’s Chairman, Ezinwa Onyebuchi Obinwa, during a world press conference held on Tuesday at the Club House, Aladinma, Owerri.
The celebration, themed “50 Years of Legacy and Service: Honouring the Past, Building the Future,” will culminate in a grand finale on November 29, 2026.
A major highlight of the event will be the investiture of Prince (Dr.) Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group and Konga Group, as Grand Patron of the Club. He is also scheduled to deliver a keynote inspirational talk titled “The Igbo Man in the 2nd Quarter of the 21st Century: Where Are We Headed?”
According to Obinwa, selected youths from tertiary institutions across Imo State will be invited to the grand finale to draw inspiration from Ekeh’s entrepreneurial journey and insights on the future of the Igbo people.
The Golden Jubilee programme will also feature the installation of Governor Hope Uzodimma as President of Owerri Club, alongside the recognition of distinguished individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the Club.
Founded on June 14, 1976, by 14 visionary civil servants who returned to the area following the creation of Imo State, Owerri Club received seed financial support from Enugu Sports Club and land from the then military government. Its clubhouse was officially opened on September 11, 1978, by the then Military Governor of Imo State, Brigadier Sunday Adenihun (Rtd.).
As part of the anniversary, the Club will establish a Hall of Fame to honour its founding members, past chairmen and trustees, a distinguished living legend, and benefactors whose contributions provided lasting facilities for the Club.
The celebration will also unveil a five-year development blueprint for 2026–2031, covering the remodelling of the Club’s entrance, construction of a modern 1,000-capacity event centre, development of a standard squash hall, and completion of the Hall of Fame.
Other activities include thanksgiving services, sporting competitions, members’ night, a twilight evening and cocktails, a Patrons Awards Luncheon, and the commissioning of legacy projects.
Obinwa described the Golden Jubilee as more than a celebration, noting that it represents a renewed commitment to brotherhood, excellence, community development and the preservation of the Club’s legacy.
He called on patrons, benefactors, corporate organisations and well-meaning Imolites to support the Club’s development initiatives as it looks towards the next 50 years.
The grand finale on November 29 is expected to bring together distinguished personalities, community leaders, members and invited youths to celebrate five decades of Owerri Club’s contributions to recreation, networking and community service.
The Club Secretary, Dr. Ik Ogbonna thanked the journalist for coming and called for continuous collaboration with the media.