From Felix Ikem, Nsukka

It was a day of celebration, honour and of course jubilation in Ugbene-Ajima ancient Kingdom in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State as the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Igwe Batholomew Ezeata Aluma recently bestowed award of chieftaincy title to some prominent indigenes of the state.

The occasion was in celebration of ten years anniversary of his reign as the traditional ruler of the community, held at the community Central School field.

In his opening remarks to declare the event open, Igwe Aluma explained that “the award was borne out of the desire to recognise prominent Enugu state indigenes who have helped in one way or the other in the socioe-conomic development of the community. It was also borne out of the quest to ask them to continue to do more for the community.”

Explaining further, the royal father stressed “it has been years full of temptations and tribulations, but thank God today we are here to celebrate the survival of these storms. There was security challenges but we have been able to surmount all of them.

“In this past ten years, the community under my rulership have witnessed a tremendous transformation in areas of infrastructural development, peace, youths and women empowerment among others. And today’s awardees are instrumental one way or the other to the community achievements and developments,” he said.

Earlier in his sermon during the Holy Mass, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Paulinus Ogara expressed his gratitude to the awardees for their philanthropic gestures towards the development of the community.

According to Fr. Ogara, “no community survives without self sacrifice, self denial and collective efforts of individuals both within and outside the community. We urge you to do more, believing that even if human does not recognise you, God will surely do.”

Fr. Ogara who was also one of the recipients of the Chieftaincy title extolled the virtues of the traditional ruler by deeming it necessary to recognise them.

In his welcome address, the President-General of the community, Mr. Albert Utazi stated that “the reward for good work is more work. Today’s Chieftaincy recognition of so many of our sons and daughters and lovers of out great community is the first of its kind since the origin of men in our community.”

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Narrating the turbulent journey of the community, Mr. Utazi explained that “our journey as a community has not been easy but today, we have every course to thank God for where we are today. I must not forget to tell us that the present town union of Ugbene Ajima happens to be the first in our history to be monitored and supervised by the state ministry of Rural Development, Enugu.

“Today as a community, we are all enjoying a good atmosphere irrespective of our political, social or religious difference. The era of intimidation, molestation and harassment has become a thing of the past,” he said.

The PG thanked the traditional ruler for his good leadership style and for the cordial relationship that exists between the Town Union Executives
and the traditional arm of the community.

Daily Sun reports that twenty two prominent indigenes of the state were bestowed with award of different Chieftaincy titles.

Some of the awardees include the current chairman, Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) Dr. Michael Ajovwu (SAN) who was bestowed with ‘Ike na eche Mba 1’; the former Sun Education correspondent, Chief Sam Otti also received the Chieftaincy title of ‘Ike oha 1’.

Other award recipients include, Rev. Fr. Dr George Abah , a Philosophy lecturer at University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN ( Ohabuenyi 1);
Rev. Fr. Paulinus Ogara, a renowned author and Director with Enugu Post Primary Schools Management Board, PPSMB (Mgbarigba Amaghi Uzo di Egwu 1); Rev. Sr. Dr. Andre Ukamaka Ezugwu Ezike (Sister Omenma 1): Brigadier-General Damian Dieke( Ochiagha) among others.

Speaking to Daily Sun, one of the award recipients, Barr. Dr. Chukwuma Nwande expressed his delight over the recognition.

Dr. Nwande, a renowned legal luminary stated that “I am greatly honoured by this recognition. This award also serves as an assignment to do more work. I personally will continue to contribute my quota towards the progress and development of this great community,” he said

In a chat with our reporter, Chief Sam Otti stated that “I was surprised when the organising committee called me to inform me that I was one of the awardees. In fact, I am exceedingly humbled by the honour.”

Narrating further, he said that “I never knew that the community will find me worthy of this chieftaincy title. In any case I am so happy for this honour. This award to me is an invitation to do more.”

The high point of the occasion was the bestowment of award of Chieftaincy titles and presentation of certificate to the different award recipients.