The Executive Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Dr. Anthony Nzeribe Nwaubani, FCA, FCIB, has presented a proposal by CITIRYZE GLOBAL RESOURCES LIMITED for the establishment of a world-class educational institution in Inyila Ibere, a development initiative aimed at positioning the area as a major educational destination in Abia State.
The proposal was formally presented on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the palace of Eze Professor Ifenwata, in the presence of the traditional ruler and other prominent community stakeholders. The proposed project, which is envisioned as a private-public partnership (PPP), is expected to commence with the establishment of an international-standard secondary school, with the long-term ambition of developing into a university.
Speaking during the engagement, Mayor Nwaubani explained that the initiative was part of his broader vision to attract strategic investments capable of transforming Ikwuano's educational and socio-economic landscape. Drawing inspiration from the concentration of educational institutions in Umudike, including Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, research institute and Abia State University, he expressed the desire to see Inyila Ibere emerge as another significant centre of academic excellence.
The Mayor recounted the challenges encountered in previous attempts to secure suitable parcels of land for development projects in other communities, noting that the disposition of some community leaders had frustrated efforts to attract investors. He, however, commended Eze Professor Ifenwata and the leadership of Inyila Ibere for their accommodating disposition, progressive outlook and willingness to embrace initiatives capable of advancing community development.
Providing further details, Nwaubani disclosed that approximately 50 hectares of land had been identified for the proposed educational project. He explained that the immediate requirements included formal written consent from the host community, confirmation of the land's availability and identification, as well as an official letter from the local government affirming its support for the investment and providing the necessary assurances regarding security and the absence of land disputes. He added that the relevant documentation would be presented to the Abia State government and other government authorities for the requisite endorsements.
According to the Mayor, the proposal would subsequently be forwarded to the company's prospective financiers and investment partners in Qatar for consideration. He further explained that the terms governing the investment, including compensation, community benefits, profit-sharing arrangements and other obligations of the parties, would be clearly articulated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) before the project proceeds. He emphasised that the proposed development was expected to operate within a clearly defined legal and institutional framework.
In response, Eze Professor Ifenwata thanked the Mayor for his visionary leadership and love for Ndi Ibere. He expressed satisfaction with the proposal, describing it as a comprehensive and realistic initiative with considerable prospects for the future of Inyila Ibere. He acknowledged the potential of the proposed institution to stimulate educational advancement and create opportunities for the community, while assuring the Mayor that he would convene relevant community stakeholders to examine the proposal and determine the necessary steps towards its consideration and approval.
The traditional ruler further disclosed that the community was prepared to participate actively in the proposed partnership, including through representation on the governing board of the institution. He also indicated that community lawyers would be engaged to provide professional guidance during subsequent negotiations, stressing the importance of protecting the interests of the landowners and ensuring that all agreements were properly documented. He assured the Mayor that the community would give the proposal the attention it deserved and expressed appreciation for his efforts to attract meaningful development to Inyila Ibere.
The meeting was attended by the President-General of the community, Hon. Onyebuchi Isaac; Chief Engineer Ejikeme Onyejiuwa; Chief Chukwudi Chinke, Village Head; Chief Chinatu Okedinko, Village Head; Elder Moses Mpamah, Home Branch Chairman; and Mr Odiwonma Okehi, Home Branch Secretary, among other stakeholders. Further consultations with relevant government authorities, community leaders and prospective investors are expected as the proposal advances to the next stage.