—— Describes him as a youth developer who has touched several lives through empowerment programmes.
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 Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA and Deputy Chairman of ALGON, Enugu State, Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze who was bestowed with the revered title of Akajimba 1 of Nike.
While conferring the chieftaincy title on Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, Igwe Ugwu extolled his virtues, describing him as a grassroot developer, a man that has touched several lives as a youth developer.
“Your integrity and developmental strides, has placed Igbo-Eze South as a model for grassroots economic development in the state. This title is a call to do more for mankind,” the monarch declared before formally conferring him with the title Akajimba 1 of Nike.
Others conferred with chieftaincy titles include Hon. Dr. Harvard Ibenako Onoh, Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area who received the title Ahaejiejemba of Ibagwa Nike; Dr. Stanley Ngene bestowed the title, Akudinaeze of Ibagwa Nike, among several others.
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.
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.