Ofala festival is one of the feasts in Igbo land celebrated by traditional rulers to thank God Almighty for His mercies. The same thing is applicable to us here in Eziagu.

Historically, Nze begat Dara, who begat ten children, with Okparaibekwe as his oldest son. Okparaibekwe in turn, begat his first son, Mbi, to which Igwe Bernard Emejuo belongs.

Igwe Bernard Onwurgbushi Emejuo, the Ebube Agu one of Dara Ancient Kingdom in Eziagu, recorded his earthly emergence into the ruling house of the Emejuos in 1956.

Igwe Emejuo’s father was late Igwe Emejuo Ajagor. Igwe Ajago was acknowledged by friends and foes as a community and human developer per excellence. He demonstrated peculiar penchant for justice, equity and fairness in the discharge of his traditional assignment. He got married to Lolo Margaret Ijendu Emejou (Nee Ezewuzie) of Umucheke village, Umunze.

The infant Bernard exuded a great knack for leadership. He was raised in such a manner as to develop a large heart to absorb the attendant life’s shocks. Thus, we cannot thank God enough for the wonderful gift of Igwe Bernard.

Igwe Ebube Agu had his business apprentice under a notable Enugu-Based man of Eziagu extraction, Hon Nelson Egwuagu, now late. After his apprentice, he left Enugu for Aba. In 1992, Igwe Bernard, relocated to Portharcourt, and formed a business empire, under the business acronym – BENBEE VENTURES.

As the sole founder of BENBEE Business Empire, Igwe Bernard assumed the Chairmanship, and directorship of the business empire, that proudly deals and distributes building materials, manufactures aluminum and steel products, long-span roofing sheets.

Igwe Bernard O. Emejuo is happily married to Lolo Virginia U. Emejuo (Nee Nwokolo). The union is blessed with six children. Igwe Bernard is a staunch Christian of Roman Catholic faith. He is committed to the things of God at his home church – St Michael’s Catholic Parish, Eziagu, and his township church- Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Port Harcourt. Igwe Bernard was inducted into the order of Knighthood of Saint Michael (KSM).

Igwe contributed immensely towards the success of electrification project, which he championed under the aegis of Eziagu Youth Association (EYA). Igwe Bernard values peace to a fault; to the extent that he cannot hurt a fly.

Little wonder, the community was overjoyed six years ago when he was elected to occupy the throne of Dara. In 2000, after the death of immediate past traditional ruler of Eziagu (Igwe John Chukwudike), Igwe Bernard was nominated to be the next traditional ruler of Eziagu.

Governor Willie Obiano presented him certificate of recognition on June 30 2015 and was coronated on December 30, 2015 exactly six years ago. The people of Eziagu have done well by choosing the right, fit, proper and qualified person as the King of Dara.

Igwe Bernard Emejuo has achieved a lot in six years of his reign, including provision of ultramodern infrastructure in our health facility and changing our Health Post to Primary Health Care; construction of ultramodern Orie Market lockup shops as well as building and handing over of Eziagu Community Secondary School to Anambra State Government, among many others.

Today, Igwe Bernard O Emejuo is celebrating his first Ofala festival. May we support and pray for him at all times to enable him expand the frontiers of peace and progress.

Igwe Ebube Agu one, may your reign be long and peaceful ……… Amen.

Long live the king of Dara Land, Long live the people of Eziagu, Long live Orumba, Long live Anambra State, Long live Nigeria!

WRITTEN BY DESTINY OKAFOR

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