Chief Thomas Okonkwo of Urualo village, Enugwu-Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government Area has been initiated into the prestigious society of ozonkpu Enugwu-Ukwu Na Umunri.

 

The ceremony held at his compound in Enugwu-Ukwu community was graced by many dignitaries in the community and beyond.

The colourful ceremony commenced with a procession in front of Chief Okonkwo’s house by Ndi nze na ozo Enugwu-Ukwu Na Umunri from where he ushered them into his compound with a special traditional music.

 

While decorating Chief Okonkwo after all the ozonkpu rituals and his initiation have been performed, the Head of Ozo Enugwu-Ukwu Na Umunri, Chief Raphael Okafor assisted by other ozo title holders in the community, called on him to always abide by the rules and regulations guiding the society, which among other things is to be honest at all times and ensure peace and sustainable development of the community.

Chief Okafor described ozonkpu as the highest prestigious title in the community that is given to someone who has the virtues of honesty, good character and must have contributed to the development of the town.

 

On his part, Chief Okonkwo whose ozo title name is “Akuenwebe 1” promised that he will abide by all the rules and regulations guiding the society as well as continue his philanthropy in the area.

In their separate speeches, the President of Ozo Enugwu-Ukwu Na Umunri, Chief Denis Anaekwe and the Secretary of the Society, Chief Jude Ekwunife explained that ozo Enugwu-Ukwu Na Umunri was instituted by the progenitor of the community and giving it to people who deserve it is part of the ways of epitomising and sustaining the ozoship, which they said is the fundamental society bequeathed to them by their father.

 

They described Chief Okonkwo as a great philanthropist who has contributed to the development of the community and touched lives positively.

 

The member representing Njikoka One Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable, Chidi Ibemeka felicitated with Chief Okonkwo and urged him to continue to use his wealth to promote peace in the community and alleviate the sufferings of the downtrodden in the society.

 

Presentation of Certificate of recognition to Chief Okonkwo by the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu Na Umunri, Igwe Ralph Epke was the climax of the ceremony