Special Report

By NEWSCOUNT Team

De Pinnacles International Social Club celebrated its 10th anniversary in Abuja on Sunday, with members, families, friends and distinguished guests coming together for a colourful ceremony to mark 10 years of friendship, brotherhood, mutual support and service.

The celebration featured speeches, presentations, awards, humanitarian activities, the admission of new members, fundraising and entertainment.

Among those who attended were the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, who was honoured by the club, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Uche Ekwunife and Senator Osita Izunaso were also present.

Traditional rulers at the ceremony included His Royal Majesty, Dr. Chinedu Benson Madubuko, OFR, Eze Chinechendo I of Adazi-Ani, and His Royal Majesty, Igwe Peter A. Uyanwa, Ezedike of Ukwulu Kingdom.

The anniversary celebration also focused on the development of the South-East, with emphasis on the need for businessmen and professionals from the region to come together, invest jointly and build enterprises that can provide jobs and create wealth.

The Executive Director, Projects, of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Toby Okechukwu, delivered a presentation titled, “Regional Development, Public-Private Partnership and the Role of Institutions like SEDC in Shaping the Future of South-East Nigeria.”

He said the South-East had many successful businessmen and professionals with the resources and experience to contribute to the growth of the region.

He noted that people from the region were quick to come together for social events but had not shown the same level of cooperation in putting resources together for major businesses.

He urged members of the club to consider collective investment as a means of building bigger businesses, creating employment and strengthening the regional economy.

He also spoke on the need for proper business structures, good corporate governance and succession plans, saying businesses should be able to survive their founders.

He called for investment in manufacturing, production, logistics, specialised markets and other areas that could create jobs and expand economic activity in the region.

He said the South-East Development Commission was established to support development in the region and encourage cooperation between government and the private sector.

He disclosed that the commission was working towards making the South-East a preferred investment destination in Africa by 2035. He also mentioned the South-East Investment Company, agricultural programmes and other initiatives aimed at supporting investment and enterprise development.

The club’s humanitarian work was also recalled during the anniversary.

As part of the activities, members visited the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State. They went round the wards, paid medical bills for some patients and gave assistance to others receiving treatment.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, said the medical visits were part of the club’s effort to help people facing difficult circumstances.

The President, Chief Sir David Nwosu, has overseen the club’s welfare programmes and other activities aimed at keeping members together and supporting those in need.

De Pinnacles International Social Club was incorporated in June 2017 by individuals who came together to promote friendship, brotherhood and mutual support. Its membership has since grown to include businessmen, entrepreneurs and professionals from different parts of the country.

Its activities include social interaction, welfare and humanitarian assistance.

Among prominent personalities associated with the club are Chief Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, Chief Kenechukwu Nweke, Chief Kenneth Ifekudu and Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, among other businessmen and professionals.

New members were admitted into the club during the anniversary celebration, further enlarging its membership.

The award presented to Engr. David Umahi was another important part of the ceremony.

A fundraising session also attracted strong support, with more than ₦500 million realised for the club’s activities and programmes.

The cutting of the 10th anniversary cake by the leadership, joined by guests and dignitaries, provided the main celebratory moment.

Special entertainment followed, with members and guests dancing, socialising and enjoying the evening as the club celebrated 10 years of its journey.