NNEWI MONARCH, HRM IGWE ORIZU 111 HONOURS AGBALANZE IFEKUDU WITH CHIEFTAINCY TITLE OF “IFECHUKWU NNEWI.
Activities in the Billionaire City of Nnewi, Anambra State was momentarily brought to a halt as the oldest and longest reigning monarch on the east of Niger, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu 111, OON, the Traditional Ruler of Nnewi, conferred a meritorious, distinctive and distinguished chieftaincy title of “IFECHUKWU NNEWI” on Abuja based National Honour recipient, Business Tycoon, Astute Consultant, Real Estate Titan and benefactor of Benefactors, High Chief Kenneth Ifekudu OFR, Agbalanze Onyekachukwu na Ozubulu, Chairman/CEO Diamond Leeds Limited at the occasion of the 2023 Ofala Festival marking his 60 years on the throne of his forefathers and his 98th birthday celebration.
Nnewi, the billionaire city is the home of Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, the first African Billionaire and the first President of The Nigeria Stock Exchange, Dr. Nwafor Orizu, First Senate President of Nigeria, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Former Biafran Head of State and former Military Governor of the old Eastern Region, Chief Dr. Cletus Ibeto, Chairman Ibeto Group, Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman Innoson Group, Sen. Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, Chairman Capital Oil and Senator Representing Anambra South Senatorial District and a host of other industrialists, manufacturers and renowned men amd women.
Nnewi Ofala festival is a vibrant and significant annual celebration held in Nnewi which showcases the colorful display of Igbo culture and tradition, centered around the Ofala ceremony of the Igwe (king) of Nnewi and serves as a renewal ceremony for the Igwe, symbolizing his spiritual purification and reaffirming his authority and leadership. The Igwe performs specific rituals, including offerings to ancestors and blessings for the community and the festival also celebrates the harvest of new yams, a staple food and cultural symbol for the Igbo people.
The Nnewi Ofala spans several days and brings together Nnewi indigenes from all walks of life, fostering unity and a sense of belonging. It is filled with various activities, including traditional rites and ceremonies, Traditional Igbo dances, drumming, and singing showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nnewi while vibrant and energetic masquerades entertains the crowds with their colorful costumes and lively dances.
The high point of the festival was the conferment of the Chieftaincy title of “IFECHUKWU NNEWI” meaning “Nnewi’s Light of God” on High Chief Kenneth Ifekudu OFR, Agbalanze Onyekachukwu na Ozubulu, Chairman CEO Diamond Leeds Limited for demonstrating exceptional service, and contributions to the development and advancement of Nnewi Town.
