HRH Igwe Dr KON Orizu III CON JP continues a blessed life that can only be earned through a devine mandate, celebrates 101 year old. As part of this year’s ceremony, the palace in partnership with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) hosts a maiden lecture on behalf of Igwe Nnewi Royal Majesty.
The maiden international lecture which was streamed to every nook and cranny of the world, was anchored by Chief Ben Etiaba (Ifennnaya Nnewi). It was indeed a great rendition to a world class monarch, whose devotion to his people is comparable to none among his peers.
The event was held at the Igwe Orizu III ICT Center at NAUTH was attended by an assemblage of men and women with distinction in their various fields of endeavor.
The Chairman of the occasion was Chief Nnia Nwodo, the emeritus President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who led the Igbo apex cultural organization with dignity and decorum befitting the Igbo race.
Following the Kolanut ceremony performed by the Crown Prince of Nnewi, Dr Obi Orizu, he also proceeded to welcome the guests, and explained the purpise of the lecture and the anticipated outcome going forward.
The Crown Prince said that the lecture is intended to x-ray the tradition and culture of our people vis avis the confusion injected into beliefs system of Nnewi people and to orrect some of the wrong impressions created by the colonial masters. This is not say that there will be a whole sale rejection of knowledge gained from the colonial masters.
Dr Obi Orizu pledged that the lecture on HRH Igwe Dr KON Orizu III will continue beyond his lifetime of his Majesty.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Nnoa Nwodo spoke on the qualities Igwe Nnewi possesses, which had enabled him to manage the affairs of Nnewi people. He equally spoke on the special quality of Nnewi people as the leaders in trading, businesses and industries.
He said that these achievements could not have been possible if not for the amiable and assuring character of HRH Igwe KON Orizu III. He said that Igwe’s longevity and experience are gifts from God. He prays for continued and even better cooperation betwen Igwe and his subjects, as he deploys the the blessings and wisdom God had given him.
Nwodo used the forum to advise the youth to listen to their parents to learn how to live a better life. “That was what we did with our fathers and mothers. Today, we are saddened we no longer experience such relationship”. Nwodo thanked the Nnewi people for their successes in Nigeria and Africa.
Prof Kingsley Muoghalu: spoke of the family connections between his father and Igwe KON Orizu III. He noted that Igwe has done great things for the community. He said that Igwe Orizu was a catalyst to the continued success Nnewi people enjoy. He remembered the special relationship between his father and Igwe Nnewi. He said that Igwe Nnewi extended the same love to him.
Professor Muoghalu saidvtgat Nnewi people are fiercely independent and work so hard to achieve success in everything they do. He recalls that the first individual of Igbo extraction to own a car was Orizu I (Ezeugboanyamba), who was the traditional of Nnewi. The first Nigerian multi millionaire was the Late Sir Louis Ojukwu.
Professor Muoghalu said that eventhough Nnewi people lead in commerce and manufacturing, many people forget that they were puoneers in civil service, and have served in many critical areas. He recalled the exploits of Francis Nwokedi, one of the Nigerian foremost accomplished civil servants.
He warned young people to know that good value system and character, are drivers of success. There are no short cuts.
Prof Emejulu, the Provost of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical college and Professor Joseph Ugboaja decorated Chief Etiaba with a gown as Associate Professor before he delivered his lecture on traditional leadership, confluct resolutions, and relationship with government.
Also present at tge lecture was Senator John Mbata, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, First female Governor in Nigeria, Dame Virgy Etiaba, and His Excellency, Governor of Anambra state, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.