From Ijeoma John, Nnewi
It was an atmosphere of celebration as the traditional ruler of Nnewi community, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, conferred prestigious chieftaincy titles on deserving members of the community and beyond in commemoration of his 100th birthday.
Over 40 eminent personalities were honoured at the historic event held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, who were selected on merit after a meticulous search.
His Royal Highness, who is the longest serving monarch in Igbo, Igwe Orizu III said the awardees were honoured in recognition of their outstanding service, leadership, and philanthropic contributions to the growth and wellbeing of the community.
“His Royal Highness, Igwe Orizu III conferred chieftaincy titles on notable members of Nnewi community, including Professor Okey Chidolue, who was given the title of “Oduma Nnewi”, and Rt. Hon. Ben Chuks Nwosu, who received the title “Ogbalike Nnewi”, as part of the Igwe’s centenary birthday celebration.
According to a titled Chief who spoke to our Correspondent at the palace, the criteria for conferment of titles in Nnewi and other Igbo communities are well spelt out.
“Distinguished service and contributions to the development and progress of the community is one of the criteria. The recipients must have made efforts to improve the lives of community members through charitable work.
There should be demonstrated leadership skills and ability to inspire others as well as active participation in community activities and initiatives.
“The merit award, therefore, was in recognition of individual achievements and accomplishments in various fields.
“These criteria may vary depending on the community and the traditional ruler conferring the titles. In some cases, titles may be conferred based on specific achievements or contributions, while in others, they may be awarded based on a person’s overall impact on the community, “he added.
Igwe Orizu III conferred chieftaincy titles on notable members of Nnewi community, including Professor Okey Chidolue, who was given the title “Oduma Nnewi”, and Rt. Hon. Ben Chuks Nwosu, who received the title “Ogbalike Nnewi”, as part of his centenary birthday celebration. The titles were conferred in recognition of awardees’ outstanding contributions and service to the community.
Speaking on the considerations for the award of Chieftaincy titles in Nnewi and Igbo land, one of the titled Chiefs said: “Generally, the criteria for conferment of titles in Nnewi and other Igbo communities include distinguished service and contributions to the development and progress of the community.
There should be efforts on the part of the recipients to improve the lives of community members through charitable work and demonstrated leadership skills as well as ability to inspire others.
Active participation in community activities and initiatives are considered among the factors for recognition of individual achievements and accomplishments in various fields.
These criteria may vary depending on the community and the traditional ruler conferring the titles. In some cases, titles may be conferred based on specific achievements or contributions, while in others, they may be awarded based on a person’s overall impact on the community.
Speaking after receiving the title, the elated Professor expressed profound gratitude to Igwe Orizu and the Nnewi traditional council for the recognition.
“This honour is a call to greater service. I am deeply humbled and inspired to continue working for the betterment of Nnewi and society at large, ”he said.
Community members and well-wishers commended the choice of Prof. Chidolue, describing him as a man of vision, compassion, and integrity whose impact continues to elevate the image of Nnewi.
The conferment ceremony formed part of the grand activities marking Igwe Kenneth Orizu’s centenary celebration, a landmark event that attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, celebrating a monarch whose reign has become synonymous with peace, progress, and unity in the Nnewi kingdom.