Fides Media Living the Faith
By Ifeoma Ezenyilimba
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as Okpotokpo Adaigbo Niile Worldwide (OANW), has installed the traditional ruler of Ukpo Ancient Kingdom, HRM Igwe Dr Robert Chukwudilim Eze, Okofia VI, Eze Ukpo, Dunukofia, as the South East Grand Patron of the organisation.
The honour, which OANW said it was in recognition of Igwe Robert Eze’s wealth of experience, as well as his contributions to human and community development, was conferred on him on the occasion of his 84th birthday celebration at the Palace of Eze Ukpo last Tuesday, June 8.
Grand Patron, OANW, Anambra State, Igwe Dr Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, Okebo II of Umueri (2nd from right), conferring the honour as Grand Patron, OANW, South East on Igwe Dr Robert Chukwudilim Eze, Okafia VI of Ukpo (1st from right), on behalf of the organisation. L-R: Zonal Coordinator, ONAW, South East, Mrs Uche Akpuafor; Acting Vice President, OANW, Hon Uche Amunike (who led the delegation) and Chairman, Ukpo Ceremonies Committee, Ichie Sir Izuchukwu Nwabueze, KSC, Palace of Eze Ukpo, June 8, 2021.
The Acting Vice, OANW, Hon Uche Amunike, who led the delegation in her address, noted that the honour was a unanimous decision of the World Governing Council, the World Advisory Council and the National Executive Council of Okpotokpo Adaigbo Niile Worldwide.
Hon Amunike also represented the Founder and President of the organisation, Iyom Chinelo Cynthia Nwokolo, Adaejiejemba I of Ukpo.
The Anambra State Grand Patron of OANW, HRM Igwe Dr Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, Okebo II of Umueri, who presented the award plaque to Igwe Dr Eze on behalf of the organisation, congratulated Okofia VI on his installation, describing it as a call for added responsibility.
According to the information made available to the public, Igwe Dr Robert Chukwudilim Nweke Eze, will clock 30 years on the Ukpo Throne by December, 2021. The Ukpo Throne, which is the second oldest throne in Old Awka District after Nri, is currently 229 years old.
Okofia VI was said to be an accurate historian, a resolute administrator, a lover of education and a lover of hard work, who had a good sense of ecumenism.
Fides gathered that Okpotokpo Adaigbo Niile Worldwide, a humanitarian and socio-cultural organisation has women who were indigenes of the five Igbo States (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo) and four Igbo speaking states (Delta, Rivers, Benue and Kogi), as members. The mission statement of the organization is to become the voice of all Igbo women worldwide, fostering unity, independence and progress.
The acting vice president was accompanied by some executive and members of OANW, Anambra State Chapter. They included the Coordinator, who doubles as the South East Coordinator, Mrs Uche Akpuafor; the Deputy Coordinator, Mrs Uche Obi; the Secretary General, Mrs Ngozi Okekearu and the Publicity Secretary, Lady Ifeoma Ezenyilimba.
Among others that graced the 84th Birthday celebration were the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, who led in the opening prayer for the reception, and the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop, Diocese of Awka, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim, who led in the Holy Communion Service for the celebration.