WRITTEN BY NATHANIEL ATU-ANIGBO
The ancient town of Agulu, credited to have killed an elephant with machete, will stand still tomorrow for the eightieth anniversary of the formation of Agulu Peoples Union (APU).

Precisely on October 13, 1937 a few Agulu people that resided at Onitsha, led by Late Chief John Etolue, decided, for the first time, to convene a meeting with a view to charting a road map for the growth and development of Agulu. The leadership of this group later fell on Late Chief Dennis Onyekwelu (Omenyili)
When the group finally brought the meeting home, the baton of leadership was handed over to Late Chief Stephen Ukoh of Nkitaku Village, who later handed over to late Chief John Ukoh of Amatutu Village until 1980 when the meeting was baptized and given the name Agulu Peoples Union (APU).
The union had a constitution and the first President-General, Late Chief Emmanuel Ilo Okoye, emerged. He handed over to Late Chief Ambrose Ejeagwu in 1983, who handed over to Hon. Sylvester Nwobu-ALor, who handed over to Late Chief A. C Uzokwe. Uzokwe handed over to Chief Mike Ozo Okoli who handed over to Ichie (Sir) Edwin Uboh and then to Chief Anthony Oguejiofor
Before the end of Oguejiofor’s Administration, the APU had a leadership crises which brought in Chief Oliver Afamefuna  in 2002 as Chairman, National Transition Committee till December same year when Professor Ifeanyi Ezeaku took over as President-General. He handed over to Architect Emeka Aguluka who handed over to Chief Sir Azubike Okoye.
The constitution of APU was amended during Chief Azubike Okoye’s tenure and the tenure of President-General was amendment from three to four years. Okoye was the first to serve for four years. He handed over to Chief Paulinus Aniagbaoso, who handed over to the incumbent, Chief Andy Orakwelu. Agulu Peoples Union has recorded several achievements. The present leadership, in consultation with the National Executive Council of APU, has slated tomorrow to celebrate this great ship which has brought enormous growth and development to the community Tagged “APU at 80”. The history and peaceful coexistence of Agulu cannot be complete without the good working relationship between the town Union and the traditional institution. The first Igwe of Agulu, Igwe Ofojebe Obiekezie, was succeeded by Igwe Emmanuel Ejidike and later the incumbent traditional ruler, Igwe Innocent Elochukwu Obodoakor.
The cooperation of the women at all stages of administration can never be over emphasized. The women wing of APU has been very supportive and has achieved meaningfully towards the development of Agulu. The current head of the women wing of the Agulu Peoples’ Union is Mrs. Theresa Akubueze.
The jinx of the maxim that a prophet is not recognized in his own town will be broken tomorrow as Ndi Agulu honour some people, including former Governor Peter Obi, CON (Okwute Ndigbo), who will be bestowed with the highest honour of “Hall of Fame” by the community.
Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area needs little introduction because of the socio political, economic and educational viability of its people. Ndi Agulu are well known across Nigeria and the West African sub region for their industry and adeptness in bakery and supper market enterprises. No wonder a popular Ministerial singer in Igbo land, Late Chief Ozoemene Nsugbe, in one of his albums, stated figuratively that “Nigerians will die of hunger if Agulu people withdrew their interest in bread production”.
Historically, Agulu people are believed to be the descendants of Agulefo, the father of twenty villages that make up the town. According to a legend, Agulefo is one of the children of the Biblical Abraham.
Apart from the former Governor Peter Obi, Agulu is blessed with other prominent Nigerians such as, Dr. Ifeanyi Eric Okoye (Juhel) Prof. J.O. Ogbuagu, Hon Justice T. U. Oguji, as well as two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Livinus Okpoko and Emeka Okpoko among other personalities.
The occasion, which will be presided over by Dr. Chike Akunyili, will have Governor Willie Obiano as the Chief Guest of Honor, while the Traditional Rulers of Agulu and Mbaukwu, Igwe Innocent Obodoakor and Igwe P.N Anugwu are Royal Fathers of the day. The event, which will hold at Saint Peters’ field, Agulu by 12 noon tomorrow, is expected to attract personalities from all walks of life, including the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, who will hoist the Anniversary flag while Senators Uche Ekwunife and Joy Emodi are expected at the occasion as the Special Mothers of the day.
The President-General of Agulu Peoples Union, Chief Andy Orakwelu wishes Ndi Agulu happy Mass return and prosperous New Year.

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