P.M.EXPRESS reports that the event witnessed a surge of dignitaries from all walks of life, a confirmation of his fame and popularity as a royal custodian of the Igbo people and heritage.
The occasion was spiced with the display of masquerades and other cultural activities hosted by the classy royal father fondly called Okpoko 1 of Obodoukwu in Imo State by his numerous colleagues, friends and enthusiasts from different parts of Nigeria.
The event was anchored by seasoned moderators with every sense of humour while entertaining the audience with Igbo cultural heritage, which was heightened by the arrival of great Igbo icons and friends of Eze Nwokedi, who arrived in company of their various associates and acolytes.
Among the dignitaries that attended the event included the President of Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State, Chief Sunday Eze, the chairman of Supreme Council of Ezendigbo in Lagos State, Eze Lawrence Nnamdi Eze, President of Peace Ambassadors Initiative, High Chief Cyril Abinonoje, High Chief Sunny Akpaoyibo, traditional rulers across the Local Government areas in the State, captains of Industry, Nollywood actors and actresses, members of Igbo Buru Otu founded by Eze Nwokedi.
The event started with the conferment of the chieftaincy titles at the palace and later awards to deserving Nigerians, who have distinguished themselves in various fields including AIG, Zone 2, business mogul, Ogbuehi Chinedu Asika and many others.
During the occasion, Eze Nwokedi reiterated his passion and commitment to continue to touch lives in the society, which he described as his core calling by God.
He expressed satisfaction as people came to honour him on his first New Yam festival as Traditional ruler and stated that he will be celebrating it every year and at the same time use the occasion to recognize and reward people who have equally touched lives in the society.
On why the event was spectacularly attended, Eze Nwokedi stressed that New Yam festival is a globally known feast of Ndigbo, which his palace traditionally organises every year to thank God for his blessing during the farming season.
He stated that no special innovation was applied to get this crowd but the goodwill and capacity to stand for truth and justice, which will always attract the high, mighty and low of the society to events meant to propagate good causes.
Eze Nwokedi thanked the people for standing by him any time he organized event and stated that it showed that he was trusted by the people as their leader.
He urged the award recipients to continue to be patriotic and philanthropic citizens saying that his ultimate guide and model is God Almighty and they should equally follow the path.
Some of the dignitaries at the event commended Eze Nwokedi for his contributions and Philanthropic gesture to the people especially the less privileged in the society.