From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Edit/Photos by Ezeakukwu E Nsoedo
The Royal Father of Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State, HRH, Igwe (Dr) KON Orizu 111, on Thursday celebrated his 60th year on the throne as well as his 98th birthday.
The dual celebrations were encapsulated in the 2023 annual Ofala Festival, held at the palace of the longest-living monarch in the world.
Speaking at the occasion, HRH Igwe Dr. Orizu 111 noted that the industrial town of Nnewi arrived at the current enviable height due to the contributions of the past heroes since he assumed the throne in 1963.
He recalled that Nnewi as it was then was a shadow of the present status of the industrial town, which could only boast of a Post Office and four Secondary Schools.
Igwe Nnewi, however, said that the sons and daughters of the industrial town played pivotal roles in the development that has taken place in the town.
He appreciated the support of people in business and traders in the town who, according to him, are making Nnewi proud.
“Nnewi today is the biggest industrial town in Anambra State. Innoson Motor Manufacturing (IVM)Company, National Technical School Nnewi, emerged as the best public school in 2022.
“The security apparatus is working in Nnewi all thanks to the cooperation of all stakeholders, especially Sen Ifeanyi Ubah. I appreciate all Nnewi people who are supportive of the developmental strides taking place in our town”.
“I thank Prince Chinedu Orizu, who brought the Senate President, Dr Godswill Akpabio, to build the Museum in the palace. I thank President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for appointing an Nnewi person, Emeka Agbasi, as General Manager of FEMA.” Igwe Dr Orizu said.
The highly revered monarch noted that the Nnewi community has been playing her role as an excellent host to non-indigenes, which, according to him, is the reason for the upsurge in the population of non-indigenes in the industrial town.
He congratulated all the men and women of honour who bagged Chieftaincy titles in this year’s Ofala.
The Transition Committee (TC) Chairman of Nnewi North LGA, Sir Engr Chris Obiora at the occasion congratulated the entire Nnewi people over the 98th birthday and 60th anniversary of HRH Igwe Dr KON Orizu 111 on the throne.
Hon Engr Obiora said, as a matter of fact, that Igwe Nnewi is a symbol of unity and a scepter of peace.
He used the occasion to highlight his monumental achievements since he assumed office as Nnewi North LGA TC chairman.
The 2023 Ofala Festival was attended by the political class, Captains of Industries, Royal Fathers from far and near amongst others.