BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU, KSM
With 30 days to its maiden Chapter Day, the Imo State University Alumni Association (IMSUAA), Lagos Chapter, is set to return to its roots in Maryland, 16 years after it was formed.
The chapter, popularly known as the Power House, will hold the celebration on November 21, 2026, at Elomaz Hotels, Maryland, Lagos.
Themed “Beyond the Horizon: Celebrating Our Journey and Success,” the event, which will also serve as its end-of-year party, will mark the chapter’s growth from four pioneer members in 2009 to about 100 members today.
Chairman, Dr. Prince Nwaulu, who was recently re-elected for a second term, said the choice of Maryland as venue, with exactly one month to go, was symbolic.
How It Started
The Lagos Chapter is the third to be established in the IMSU alumni association’s history, after Abuja (first) and Imo (second).
It started in 2009 when four alumni converged on Maryland at the instance of the then founding Chairman, Board of Trustees and Acting National President, Prince Chinedu Obi, to fashion out ways of uniting IMSU graduates in Lagos.
Subsequent meetings were held at the National Stadium, Surulere, as more alumni showed interest.
The four pioneer members were Barr. Chinwe Mbakwem, the convener; High Chief Enyioha Chris Anyanwu; Emeka Leonard Achonu; and Dr. Walter Duru.
Mbakwem became the chapter’s first chairman and later the first national president of IMSUAA in December 2010. Anyanwu also served as chairman of the Lagos Chapter before emerging as the third national president in 2014, the first to serve two terms. Achonu was the first Lagos member to serve on the Board of Trustees (2017-2021), while Duru chaired the editorial board that produced the association’s only edition of Star Magazine in 2015. Till date there has not been a second edition.
Why Maryland Again?
Nwaulu said returning to Maryland after 16 years was a deliberate homage.
“It is not by coincidence that we are having our first-ever Chapter Day in Maryland after the four pioneer members met there 16 years ago. It is a way of paying homage to them,” he said.
He noted that while the event could have been held in Victoria Island, Lekki or Ikeja, holding it in Maryland underlines the chapter’s respect for its history.
“Just as they met initially in Maryland and subsequently at the National Stadium, we still do the same. But when we were planning for the Chapter Day, we had to look for a venue in Maryland to show respect for the founders,” Nwaulu added.
According to him, the celebration, now 30 days away from October 22, will provide a platform for members to reconnect, discuss welfare, and explore networking and business opportunities.
“We are doing everything possible to get everyone involved. Alumni in Lagos, those outside Lagos and members of the National Executive Council are expected. Members’ welfare remains our priority,” he said.
Founding Member Reacts
One of the founders, High Chief Enyioha Chris Anyanwu who spoke with our correspondent, lauded the initiative and said the chapter’s sustenance was built on sacrifice and commitment.
“I salute the executive for this initiative and for recognising that the Lagos Chapter Day needs to be celebrated. Several persons have made sacrifices in the past and we need to continue to come together as one body to ensure we keep the flag flying,” Anyanwu said.
He urged the current executive to remain focused, committed and uphold the legacies bequeathed to them.
The chapter’s Public Relations Officer, Sam Anokam, said with the 30-day countdown on, efforts were underway to ensure broad publicity and attract new members.
“We are working to ensure this event becomes an opportunity for new members to identify with us,” Anokam said.
With 30 days to the D-Day, the new executive is looking forward to performing its first public function with a determination to strengthen alumni relationships.