Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prof. Chike Anibeze, explained that the theme was deliberately chosen to address gaps in Nigeria’s current education system.

“Education, as currently structured, is producing graduates who often lack practical skills,” he told reporters in Enugu. “Theoretical knowledge without hands-on experience is inadequate in today’s fast-changing world.”

Anibeze stressed that the summit would serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity.

“The 2025 summit will therefore focus squarely on education and skills development — linking ancestral wisdom with modern training to prepare our people for a competitive future,” he said.

The event, the second edition under the auspices of the Agbaja Leaders of Thought (ALT) — an umbrella body uniting Udi, Ezeagu, and neighbouring communities across five local government areas — builds on the achievements of the maiden summit, which identified 12 development areas aimed at improving the standard of living for the people.

Highlighting the impact of the first summit, Anibeze recalled that it attracted direct donor interventions for schools.

“As Chairman of the Education Committee, I personally attended the commissioning of over ten major education projects across Agbaja communities — in Anikwe, Abia, Iwollo, Olo, Obioma and others. Along the way, we discovered a troubling reality: many primary school children lacked basic learning materials like sandals and backpacks,” he said.

This discovery inspired a powerful resolution.

“The 2022 Agbaja declaration stated clearly: ‘No Agbaja pupil will henceforth go to school without sandals and a school bag.’ This simple but powerful resolution has restored dignity to our children and given them confidence to pursue their studies,” Anibeze added.

He further noted that the collective spirit of the people has kept the gains alive.

“Agbaja Leaders of Thought has successfully returned us on the path of prosperity,” he said, praising indigenes at home and abroad for their contributions.

Organisers revealed that the two-day hybrid colloquium would feature expert-led discussions, workshops, and practical training sessions on the first day, while the second day would highlight cultural displays — including masquerades, traditional dances, cuisine, and fashion — to showcase the uniqueness of Agbaja heritage.

Despite these achievements, leaders of the group raised concerns over lingering ecological challenges caused by abandoned coal mines. They lamented the lack of proper mine closures, which has left dangerous pits across the land.

“We are now tracking the various mining routes in order to escalate them to both federal and state governments for support. Proper closure is critical to prevent untoward incidents,” the leaders said.

Prof. Anibeze maintained, however, that the land remains attractive to investors.

“Despite ecological challenges, Agbaja continues to draw attention because of its rich natural resources. The area is open for investment,” he assured