The University of Nigeria Alumni is set to honour Abia foremost Agricultural expert and Business man, Chief Israel Amanze (Okeorji Abia) at it’s 65th Founders Celebration and Icons Award 2025.
In a message signed by Barr. Juliet M. Ukoha UNN Alumni National Secretary and Engr. Micheal Nwabueze Chairman Organizing Committee said the Alumni body will be honouring Hon. Chief Israel Amanze with a Distinguished Icon of the University of Nigeria as a result of his achievements both in public and private sectors.
According to the message, the Former Governor of Anambra State Mr Peter obi and Immediate past Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri Prof Francis Eze will be keynote speakers, while Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti is the host.
The 65th Founders Celebration, with the theme “Reviving Indigenous Industry: The role of UNN Alumni in Promoting made-in-Aba excellence” which is to be delivered by Prof. Joe Ezigbo the CEO and Managing Director, Falcon Corporation Limited, while the Managing Director Palmars Hospital Ltd Port Harcourt, Dr. okey Ibeabuchi will chair the ceremony.
The National president Lady Doris Okoroh and the Vice Chancellor University of Nigeria Nsuka Prof. Simon U. Ortuanya will be the host and Co-host respectively.
Hon. chief Israel Amanze popularly known as Izybest, a graduate of Agriculture from the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsuka rose to fame through a dint of hard work, resilience and rare sense of determination.
Hon. Chief Israel Amanze modest beginning today diversified into fertilizer blending and distribution, agro-input supplies and services, in addition to building and civil engineering services and gave birth to a business empire known as Izybest Group .
His Company Izybest Group produces one of the best and popular brand of fertilizer in Nigeria called Agrocare fertilizer.
Hon. Chief Israel Amanze served as the State House consultant to UNDP, PTF, MDG’s.
As a Politician and Technical expert of Agribusiness he served as supervisor in Isiala Ngwa south LGA, Member Board of Directors of Abia Housing Corporation, Honourable Commissioner Abia State Ministry of Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation, Program Manager Abia Agricultural Development Program ADP and Special Adviser on Agriculture to Former Governor T. A Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu where he brought reforms in every stage of his service.
In line with the policy direction of the President Olusegun Obasanjo Administration on Farmer Organization, Hon. Chief Israel Amanze set up an NGO called Nigerian Farmers Association, an affiliate of All Farmers Apex Association of Nigeria ALFAAN and currently known as All Farmers Association of Nigeria AFAN.
Chief Israel Amanze, Founded the maize Association in Abia State and served as the first state chairman, First South East Zonal Chairman, Deputy National president and currently the Secretary Board of Trustees Maize Association of Nigeria MAAN.
Hon. Chief Israel Amanze pet project, Abia Grassroot Movement founded in 2010 with over 33,000 members in Abia state has become a veritable tool for Farmer enlightenment, grassroots mobilization and empowerment through it’s annual subsidized fertilizer distribution and other philanthropic services for over 10 years.
The Izybest Group Chairman has been variously appreciated and nominated for over 95 award, including Okeorji Abia by Former Governor T A Orji for his contributions in agriculture and rural development.
The statement further states that the event is expected to take place on Saturday , October 4, 2025 at Gia Event Enterprise, #5, Aba-Owerri Road, Aba Abia State by 12 noon.
