You’re Honoured In Recognition Of Outstanding & Consistent Contributions To Development – Igwe Ekpeh Tells Amb. Onyeagba

“THE CONFERMENT OF THE CHIEFTAINCY TITLE OF IKE ENUGWU-UKWU NA UMUNRI JI DI EBUBE IS IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR OUTSTANDING AND CONSISTENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL IN OUR COMMUNITY AND THE LARGER SOCIETY!” 

… His Royal Highness, Igwe Ralph Obumneme Ekpeh, declared the above as he conferred the prestigious Chieftaincy title of Ike Enugwu Ukwu and Ugochinyeludiya on His Excellency Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba PhD and His wife Lady Udo Onyeagba respectively.

 The Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi was over the weekend bestowed with the prestigious Chieftaincy title by the Traditional ruler of Enugwu Ukwu, His Royal Majesty Igwe Ralph Obumneme Ekpeh (Onona Mkpume Agu Aro) during the annual Igu Aro Festival 2022 of the Enugu Ukwu na Umunri  kingdom.

 Igu Aro festival is a prestigious ceremony in Igbo land; celebrated in the community to flag off the annual planting season. The Aro Festival also called the “Igu aro” is one of the most colourful and celebrated festivals in Igbo land. The festival is particularly important to the people due to the economic benefits arising from the Igwe’s prayers for bountiful harvests and for peace upon the land. 

The festival, which is the eleventh during his reign as the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, also provided the opportunity to recognize outstanding and deserving individuals, who across various walks of life have sacrificed enormous resources and talents for the development of the society and human capacity building. 

Decorating His Excellency Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, PhD, as the Ike Enugu Ukwu na UmuNri (Meaning the Strength of Enugu Ukwu) and his amazing wife, Lady Udo Onyeagba as Ugochinyeludiya (meaning the ornament of her husband), His Royal Majesty described the Nigerian diplomat to the Republic of Burundi as a rare gift God gave to his community, Enugwu-Ukwu. 

 “Your conferment of this Chieftaincy title is in recognition of your outstanding and consistent positive contribution to human capital development in our community and the larger society. We are proud of your giant strides across the continent, in Anambra State and also right here at home. We are privileged to have you as the first son of Enugwu-Ukwu to be appointed as an Ambassador by the President of our great country, Nigeria.Your giant contribution towards the growth of our nation, Nigeria, within a few days in office shows dexterity and intellectual resourcefulness! Your contributions to our community even before you were elevated to this position remain indelible! On behalf of the Igwe, Council and the entire Enugwu-Ukwu Community, I, Igwe Ralph Obuneme Ekpeh, Ono na Mkpume Agu Aro 1 of Igboland, hereby confer on you the traditional title of Ike Enugu Ukwu ji di ebube and also upon your wife Ugochinyeludiya. Accept our congratulations!” 

Accepting the prestigious Ozo Chieftaincy Title, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba described Igbo culture as a unique gift our forefathers bestowed on us. According to him, this Ozo title conferment will act as catalyst to motivate him to do more for the society.

 He described the festival as the biggest cultural event in the community, promising more efforts in showcasing  the Igbo cultures and festivals to the global community. 

Friends, members of the  Diplomatic Community, political associates and members of Igba ka Igba Political Movement were present to felicitate with Nigerian Ambassador to Burundi.

Amongst them were High Chief Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo (Onwa Umuchu, Ifedichie), Sir Chidi Mbanefo (Ugodinobi Nnewi), Hon Obinna Chidoka, Member representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Senator Ikechukwu Abana, Rt Hon Tim Ifediorah (Member Representing Njikoka 1 Constituency, Ànambra State House of Assembly), Chief Tochukwu Metu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Dr Uche Nworah (Ezeudo) and many other important personalities and Captains of Industry.