—— Says He is an illustrious son committed to the development and empowerment of youths.
The ancient town of Ibagwa Nike in Enugu State was agog on Saturday, 13th December, 2025 as His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Emmanuel Ugwu (Okwe I of Okwe Kingdom, Ibagwa Nike), conferred prestigious chieftaincy titles on prominent personalities during the 2025 Ofala Festival.
Among those honoured was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ugwuanama Farm Ltd and Chairman of Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji, who was bestowed with the revered title of Ofia Diuru I of Nike.
While conferring the chieftaincy title on Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji, Igwe Ugwu extolled his virtues, describing him as a detribalised Nigerian committed to human capital development and service to humanity.
“He is a man of goodwill. I know in your person you do not seek celebration, but God has honoured you. This title is a call to do more for mankind,” the monarch declared before formally conferring him with the title Ofia Diuru I of Nike.
The ceremony commenced with opening prayers by Igwe Dr. Emmanuel Ugwu, who prayed for peace, honour and progress in Nkanu land, Enugu State and Nigeria at large, while expressing gratitude to God for life, protection and divine steadfastness.
Earlier In his welcome address, the monarch described the Ofala Festival as a moment of profound joy and thanksgiving, appreciating dignitaries and guests for identifying with the kingdom.
He thanked the Governor of Enugu State for appointing him Chairman of the Enugu East Senatorial Zone Council of Traditional Rulers, and also commended the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Pastor Beloved Dan Anike, for his visionary leadership and strong partnership with the Ibagwa Nike Kingdom.
Others conferred with chieftaincy titles include Hon. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, who emerged as Akajimba I of Nike, and Hon. Dr. Harvard Ibenako Onoh, Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, who received the title Ahaejiejemba of Ibagwa Nike, among several others.
The Ofala Festival and chieftaincy rites attracted an array of dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Hon. Deacon Okey Ogbodo, who represented the Governor of Enugu State; the Igwe-elect of Mburubu; Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mba, Founder of G.17 and Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Matters; Oba Abdulaziz Adebayo of Yorubaland; HRH Igwe Cyril Amaedu; HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu (Ogadagidi I of Ibagwa Ani), Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers; and Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly.
The event showcased rich cultural displays, reaffirming the unity, heritage and enduring relevance of traditional institutions in promoting peace and development across Enugu State and beyond.