The Enyi II of Onicha-Igboeze Kingdom, His Royal Highness Eze Ferdinand Okoronkwo Nwujor, at the weekend marked his first anniversary on the throne with colourful cultural displays, music, dances and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving sons of the community and beyond.
The anniversary and Ofala celebration, which attracted community leaders, youths, women, business owners and politicians, was held at Onicha Central School, Egunkwo Onicha, in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State—the same ancestral ground where the monarch was elected and coronated in April 2025.
Correspondent reports that the event reflected widespread acceptance of the traditional ruler, whose emergence followed what many described as one of the most transparent, credible and people-driven Ezeship elections in recent times.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of the Central Working Committee, Chief Ndubuisi Eze, represented by Chairman of the Publicity and Protocol Sub-Committee, Chief Ogbonnaya Odabe, said the monarch’s background as a teacher, principal and community leader endeared him to the people.
“His reign has brought remarkable improvement in Onicha, particularly in peace and security. The people therefore resolved to celebrate his one year in office as their traditional ruler,” Odabe said.
He explained that the chieftaincy titles were conferred strictly on merit, noting that recipients were chosen based on their contributions to humanity, especially the less privileged.
“You are not given a chieftaincy title because you are rich or occupy a high government position. You are honoured because of your impact on others,” he stated, urging awardees to sustain their good works.
Among the recipients were Senator Anthony Ani Okorie, Hon. Kama Nkemkama, Evangelist Philip Ogbonnaya Okorie, Chief Felix Igboke, Chidiebere Uzor Awgu, Chief Patrick Njoku, Moses Nwaze, Comrade Uzoh Tochukwu Okorie and Uchenna Igwe.
Some of the awardees expressed gratitude for the recognition, pledging continued support for the development of the community while congratulating Eze Ferdinand on his anniversary and praying for a successful reign.
One of the recipients, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Inter-Party Affairs, Hon. Philip Ogbonnaya Okorie, said he was deeply encouraged by the honour, noting that his humanitarian gestures were never done for recognition.
“I never knew the Eze-in-Council was monitoring these things. I felt reluctant initially because I don’t believe in publicity. Whatever I do for my people is my own way of thanking God,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Chidiebere Uzor Awgu, immediate past chairman of Onicha LGA, described the honour as a source of pride, pledging to continue improving lives in the community.
“It is always good to do good. This is my people appreciating my work. I am grateful because when your own community recognises you, it gives meaning to your service,” he said.
In his remarks, Commander Friday Nnanna Ujor, State Commander of the Special Constabulary, Nigerian Police Force, Enugu State Command, thanked the community for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting development, while commending the monarch for strengthening peace and security.
Earlier, President-General of Onicha-Igboeze, Barrister Eze Ogbonnaya, Eze said the community was proud of Eze Ferdinand’s leadership, pledging continued collaboration to promote peaceful coexistence and improved security.
“Onicha-Igboeze is a great land. As youths and stakeholders, we will continue to complement His Royal Highness in advancing peace, happiness and security,” he said.
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