The Ngodo Ancient Kingdom in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State on Friday conferred the title of Ochiagha Ukwu (Leading Warrior) of Ngodo kingdom on the former Minister of Defence (State) and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Abia Central Senatorial District in the 2023 general elections, Col Austin Akobundu rtd.
The Kingdom also installed Prof Eleazar Uche Ikonne, the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu and the PDP governorship flag bearer for Abia State the title of Nwanne Di Mba.
Speaking while conferring the titles on the distinguished Nigerians, the traditional ruler of Ngodo Ancient Kingdom, HRH Eze Stephen Ihuoma, described the former Minister as a renowned patriot that has served the country in many capacities meritoriously, pointing that the community considered him worthy of the honour.
Similarly, the royal father disclosed that Prof Ikonne was also honoured with the title because of his performance in the positions he held in the past as a public officer and as an academic and believed that if given another opportunity, he will also do well.
In his response, retired Col Akobundu thanked the traditional ruler and other royal fathers who were part of the ceremony for selecting him for the exalted chieftaincy title of the community and pledged to represent the Abia Central zone well if elected as Senator of the Federal Republic.
In his address during the commissioning of some projects built by Hon Jerry Uzosike, representing Umuahia South Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly to mark his third anniversary in the assembly, the President General of Umunwanwa Progressive Union, Mr Uzosike Uzochukwu, assured both Col Akobundu rtd and Prof Ikonne of the community’s unflinching support in the 2023 general elections.
The ceremony was witnessed by the 3rd Deputy Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Godfrey Onwuka and some royal fathers from other parts of the state.
Uche Nwosu is a two time Shell Petroleum PLC award winner in the year 2000;
He won the Shell Award on Investigative Journalism and Environmental Cleanliness.
