Abia: Traditional Ruler Honours Indegensmes for Developmental Contribution

As part of the activities to celebrate the 35th anniversary and 89th birthday of the paramount ruler of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha held at Ohafia local government secretariat, the traditional ruler handed out awards of recognition and appreciation to deserving indigenes of Ebem, as well as some non indigenes who have in one way or the other, contributed to the development of Ebem community.

Each of the recipients was decorated with unique chieftaincy title, in correspondence with his or her roles in Ebem’s years of progress and peace.

One of the recipients was an Umuahia based popular media guru, Ifeanyi Okali, the Founder and Director of ABN media group comprising TV, Radio, Online and Public Relations management.

Okali was honoured with the Chieftaincy title of Okwuruoha 1 of Ebem Ohafia, for his tireless efforts in publicising the activities of his community.

He was applauded by the traditional ruler for always using his media company to launch the affairs of his people into the global corridor.

Chief Okali, was also recognized by Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha for always bringing the needs of Ebem people to the attention of Abia State and the Federal government, and also for promoting the culture of his people, including new yam and other festivals.

Apart from the above, the ABN Director was acknowledged for being the mouthpiece of the people, including the downtrodden people in the society.

” I cannot stand here to count what this young man Ifeanyi Okali has done for this community. The same way his father worked for us, that is the same way Ifeanyi is doing, through his media house. From today, he should be addressed as the Okwuruoha 1 of Ebem Ohafia” said Ezie Ukoha.

In his speech at the ceremony, the traditional ruler of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha thanked God for preserving his life to witness his 89th birthday and for guiding him to lead his people from the throne for 35 years.

He appreciated all sons and daughters of Ebem for their support to him and his council of chiefs, declaring that his community had witnessed peace, development and transformation under the 35 years of his leadership.

He praised Governor Alex Otti for his uncommon love for the people of Ohafia, particularly for Governor Otti’s life- saving projects at Igwu River (Omenuko Bridge) and Ugwu Okoro along the Bende-Abam-Ohafia Road.

“These two bad spots claimed the lives of several people. But Governor Otti has intervened and fixed the dangerous places thereby saving our people from dying in accidents, ” he said.

He made it clear that the Chieftaincy titles were not sold or given to raise money as may be done in some other communities but explained that all the awardees have made an impact in the progress of the Ebem Ohafia community.

In his speech, the new Chief, Ifeanyi Okali appreciated the Monarch and his entire kinsmen for finding him worthy, explaining that he had in the past, rejected more than 32 Chieftency titles.

The event witnessed the display of several dancing groups and other cultural performances.