BY GODWIN OBI
Ukpo community in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State has honoured President Bola Tinubu and the immediate past minister for science and technology, Ogbonnaya Onu and other dignitaries with chieftaincy as the community ruler marked his 32nd Ofala festival.
Performing the traditional rites of conferment on President Tinubu and Onu, the traditional ruler of Ukpo, Robert Eze, described President Tinubu and Onu as great leaders and pillars of hope and peace.
Eze, who is the younger brother of the billionaire businessman, Arthur Eze, said the choice of the beneficiaries was informed by their track records and disposition for peace and development.
While Eze Udo (King of Peace) title was conferred on President Tinubu, former minister of Science and Technology, Onu, was honoured with the title of Dike-Ora Ndigbo (Great Hero of Ndigbo).
President Tinubu was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who was also honoured with the chieftaincy title of Enyi Ndigbo (Friend of Ndigbo).
Speaking shortly after the ceremony, President Tinubu, represented by Shetima, expressed profound appreciation to Robert Eze for finding them worthy of the great honour.
“Rest assured, Igwe Okofia VI, that in addition to my heartfelt joy on this historic occasion, my principal, President Tinubu equally felt humbled and honoured the moment I told him I was coming to receive the titles here in your palace.”
“He directed me to convey his best wishes and gratitude for this conferment. As you celebrate the 32nd Ofala celebration under your reign, we wish you more years of service to God and humanity. May you live long to celebrate annually in good health.
“And to you Arthur Eze (Ozozigbondu), the man with a heart of gold, a great son of Africa who has investments from Namibia to Burkina Faso. Recently you donated billions of naira for sectoral interventions in Anambra State. For all these, we are very proud of you. Thank you so much and may God continue to bless and replenish you.
Also speaking, Onu expressed great appreciation for the honour done to him and said he will double his efforts towards sustaining peace in the country and South East in particular.
Onu said he felt greatly honoured to identify with Nigerian leaders that came to associate with them all the way from Abuja for squeezing out time out of their tight schedules to spend time with them in the zone and for giving Igbo firm promise that will certainly address prevailing challenges and foster renewed socio-political ties across the component regions of the country.
Among other personalities present during the ceremony included governors of Imo and Enugu states, Hope Uzodimma and Peter Mba. Others were All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Umar Ganduje, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Onyekachi Ibezim and Uche Ekwunife, among others.
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2023-12-16