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Royal Honour in Isieketa as Abia Arts Commissioner, Dr. Matthew Ekwuribe, Receives Prestigious Chieftaincy Title ‘Agu Ji Ogu Nke Mbụ’ as Top Dignitaries Grace Installation Ceremony
Royal Honour in Isieketa as Abia Arts Commissioner, Dr. Matthew Ekwuribe, Receives Prestigious Chieftaincy Title ‘Agu Ji Ogu Nke Mbụ’ as Top Dignitaries Grace Installation Ceremony
The Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in Abia State, Dr. Matthew Ekwuribe, has been conferred with a prestigious chieftaincy title in recognition of his contributions to culture, leadership, and community development.
The chieftaincy conferment took place on Sunday, January 4, 2025, at the Royal Palace Square of Isieketa Ancient Kingdom in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State. The ceremony was performed by the First Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman of the Oha Ngwa Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty Eze Nelson Achilefu Mmerengwa, JP, the Eze Isi Ala of Isieketa Ancient Kingdom.
Dr. Ekwuribe was honoured with the revered title of ‘Agu Ji Ogu Nke Mbụ’ la Isieketa Alaeze Ochie, a title that underscores bravery, service, and steadfast commitment to the people and traditions of the Ngwa nation.
The colourful and culturally rich installation ceremony attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, and stakeholders from across Abia State.
Among the dignitaries present were the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Rep. Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe; the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Hon. Dennis Rowland Chiwendu (Caesar); the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas; and Chief Ncheta Omerekpe, the Offor Ndị Igbo.
Also conferred with chieftaincy titles during the event were the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Hon. Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu (Ochake), and Engr. Cyril Ishmael, further highlighting the significance of the occasion.
Following the palace installation rites, the celebration moved to the country home of Dr. Ekwuribe at Umuerim Avor Ntigha in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, where a grand reception was held.
In his appreciation address, Dr. Matthew Ekwuribe, now addressed as Chief (Dr.) Matthew Ekwuribe, expressed profound gratitude to the traditional institution, invited guests, and well-wishers who graced the ceremony. He prayed for journey mercies for all attendees and pledged to uphold the values, responsibilities, and dignity of his new traditional role, assuring the people of his commitment to serving as a worthy custodian of culture and tradition.
The reception was also attended by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Ijeoma Aghukwa; the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi; the Executive Director of United Bank for Africa, Dr. Alex Alozie, as well as numerous other prominent personalities from the public and private sectors.
The event stood as a powerful celebration of culture, unity, and the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in complementing governance and community developm
ent in Abia State.