NNA EMETU MBA
The first known ADU president in the 1920s was Nna Emetu Mba. He was one of the early traders that settled in Calabar. He was reported to be a well-respected and articulate man who earned the respect of all as the Union President. He was assisted by Nna Ucheji Uduma.
THE VERY REV. AWA UGBAGA
The very Rev. Awa Ugbaga was one of the Pioneer members of ADU, though not the President at inception, but later became the president of ADU for many years. In 1917, he was recommended by Rev. Robert Collins for training as ordained assistant minister at Hope Waddell Calabar. Even though the training lasted for only six months, his presence in Calabar was a big boost for ADU. By presiding over the affairs of the Union for a long time, he exhibited leadership skills as president of ADU at the same time also serving as Rev. minister in many parishes of Presbyterian churches. He always pursued the part of peace in spite of the divergent and sometimes militant postures of some members. He was a leader with humane disposition whose legacies are still being felt long after his demise. Rev. Awa Ugbaga has written his name in the annals of Amaekpu history.
D. N. DIKE
Mr. D.N. Dike was the Secretary General of ADU for over Eleven years. From 1938-49, D.N. Dike held sway as the Secretary General of ADU. He was also a student of Hope Waddell Institute and a teacher for many years. The history of ADU will not be complete if D.N. Dike is not recorded effusively as a great son and one of the pioneer leaders of ADU. His hospitality was legendary. Every encounter with him was a lesson in humility. He had this uncommon attribute of being at home with everyone regardless of status and symbols. On 22nd May, 1985, during our discussion on the above subject matter, he had so much to say that practically left me in awe.
He was so intelligent; reeling out facts and figures about ADU. He had such courage of conviction as well as Spartan principle. According to him, everything was selfless during their time as Union officials. He walked through bush paths with others to visit newly established branches, sometimes spending the night at such lonely places just to make their hosts feel at home. The early ADU officials played special roles in forming and sustaining the existence of ADU in spite of the numerous challenges facing the union at inception.
NNA JACK ARUA
Nna Jack Arua was the provost of ADU at inception. He was a disciplinarian who took exception to late coming and absenteeism. It is on record that he paid unscheduled visits to absentee members, admonishing & sometimes using the cane on them even in the presence of their families. The fear of Nna Jack was the beginning of wisdom to many of such members. It was only one of the measures to strengthen the Association, and not in any way, ascribing him as a bully. ADU has no choice but to eminently acknowledged him as indisputable true son of the soil.
Amaekpu can only say he and others deserve the crystallizing badge of honour they wore even after their demise.
NNA EKE ARUA
Nna Eke Arua also served as the Secretary General of ADU at some point during the early years of the Union. A teacher of great repute who played a very prominent role in the stability of the Association.