Traditional ruler of Ohum-Orba community in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Everestus Onah, on Saturday, held his first Ofala Festival and conferred on the Deputy Governor of Enugu state, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, with a chieftaincy title.
of “Nwanne di na mba ” of Ohum- Orba .
The title which means “A brother in a distance land”, was given to her in realisation of her contributions to the development of Ohum-Orba community.
Others honoured with chieftaincy titles include Speaker Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, Member representing Igboeze North and Udenu Federal Constituency, Engr. Simon Atigwe,Task Team Leader,
Agro-Procesding Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project, World Bank, Asiwaju (Dr) Adetunji Adeleke and the Head of Procurement Fraud Section at Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chief Ambrose Ngwu.
among others.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ubosi received the “Ezesinachi 1 of Ohom Orba”, Hon. Atigwe was honoured with the Chieftaincy title of Muoneme1 of Ohom Orba while Prof. OdoEdeoga, Chief Onu and Engr. Onwuegbu were recipients of “Ojide Onye Ibe 1 of Ohom Orba, Omenanwata 1 of Ohom Orba and Ezi Oyi Ohom Orba respectively. Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Ejike Itodo received the title for Chief Festus Onu on his behalf.
Speaking at the event, Igwe Onah said that the Ofala festival was aimed at thanking God for preserving their lives, attracting people to assist in the development of their community, thanking God for making their son, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, governor for eight years as well as serving as a unifying factor for people of Ohom-Orba.
“It is with great joy and deep sense of humility and thanksgiving to Almighty God that we are here today.
“We wish to use the festival to recognise and award titles to deserving men and women who had imparted so much on humanity and Ohom Orba community.
“This is very significant because it is my first Ofala and I want thank God who sustained us so far,” Onah said.
The Royal Father thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his support and impactful leadership, describing the governor as “a worthy son of Ohom” and the “Udulekenyi I of Orba Udulekenyi”.
He disclosed that the governor was the cornerstone on which the event was built.
“May God bless him and guide him even as we pray for his movement to a higher service in Nigeria”, Igwe Ona prayed.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Ugwuanyi congratulated the Deputy Governor, Hon( Lolo) Ezeilo, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ubosi, and other awardees for the honour done them by his community in recognition of their meritorious service to the state, country and humanity.
The governor thanked all who graced the occasion and prayed God to bless them abundantly.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ubosi, appreciated Igwe Onah, Gov. Ugwuanyi and the entire people of Ohom Orba for the great honour, stressing that “it was a rare privilege that we are in your community to receive these Chieftaincy titles.”
He said that they will not take the honour for granted, and assured that it will spur them to continue to impact positively on the people of Enugu State and Nigeria.
The festival began with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Vicar-General ,Nsukka Catholic Diocese, Rev.Fr. Gregory Nnamani.
In his homily, Fr. Nnamani urged the traditional ruler to use his exalted office to ensure that truth prevails all the time.
“Stop fearing men and remove whatever that will hinder you from saying the truth, saying that many Christians lack conviction to follow truth”, the cleric said.
