Respected philanthropist and Founder of Hamilton and Thelma Ezeonu Foundation, High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu, has been honoured with a Chieftaincy title as Ikemba Idemili by the traditional rulers from the 17 communities in Idemili North and South LGAs in Anambra State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the rare recognition, which took place in Abatete community during the Ofala festival of the traditional ruler, brought together prominent sons and daughters of Anambra and beyond.
The Chairman of Idemili North and South Traditional Rulers Forum, Igwe Charles Agbala, who spoke during the ceremony said that the time has passed when chieftaincy titles were bought and handed over to money bags with questionable characters.
He said those selected for the special recognition by the Idemili Traditional Rulers Forum were men of integrity, who have not only being conferred with chieftaincy titles from their respective communities but have over the years, demonstrated their commitment in lifting others to greatness.
The monarch, who is the traditional ruler of Uke community, said the chosen were men of impeccable character without questionable wealth acquisition and have also undertaken various verifiable landmark projects for their community selflessly without political undertone and personal vain glory.
Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu, who expressed gratitude to the monarchs for the special recognition accorded to him, noted that Igbo land is being redeemed by the present crop of traditional rulers in Idemili and Anambra axis, who place values on integrity, service to community and humanity above cash and carry syndrome.
He said the award of Ikemba Idemili will spur him to do more in his life changing programmes which he has continued to showcase in the entire Idemili axis and beyond.
The Renewable Energy Solutions provider and visionary entrepreneur, who is the Managing Director of Hamthel Holdings Limited, said his desire is to see the entire Idemili become great again with various interventions programmes he is embarking on through his Foundation.
“As of last month, we gave out schools bags to all the school children in Idemili North, we are looking forward to cover the entire Idemili South too though that’s just the beginning. We are still working out different empowerment programmes for the women. There are many more to come because we want the entire Idemili North and South to be great again. That’s my mission.”
“We have been consistent in what we do to uplift humanity in the last four years. We have done roads, done schools, about to commission a hospital and with the continued support of my wife, we shall continue to do more. I believe that this is the right way to give out titles. I’ve always frowned at the system in some parts of Igbo land where titles are dished out because the person has money and nothing more. I believe a title should come as way of encouragement for what you are doing for your people. With this correction going on now, I believe Anambra and Igbo land will be great again”
“I dedicate this title to my late father. He is the one who told me to always be kind to people, to uplift others, be true to yourself and allow God to raise you up instead of raising it yourself”
Wife of the recipient, Dr Thelma Ezeonu, described the honour done to her husband as a great one for them. She said they the honour will spur them to do more for humanity.
Traditional Ruler of Nnobi community, Igwe Nick Obi, said the recognition given to Ezeonu by the entire Traditional Rulers in the Idemili North and South is a testament that his positive impacts in the society is being felt and appreciated.
In the same vein, Chief John Ikechukwu Okafor, who is known as Uzo-Chukwu-Meghelu na Ojoto, said that High Chief Ezeonu has remained a source of inspiration to do charity over the years. He praised the traditional rulers for the well deserved honour done to Ezeonu.
A visibly elated High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu harped that all and sundry should key into the aku-luo-uno philosophy since outsiders cannot come and build the land. He equally applauded the Idemili Mayor for the great works being witnessed in the area, which must be allowed to continue, saying that Idemili deserves good governance.