By Ezeakukwu Emmanuel Nsoedo
On Monday, December 18th, 2023, at Obi Umuenem palace, the Umuikpe kindred celebrated their unity in a grand style.
The Umuikpe Kindred holds the 5th-ranked Obi in Nnewi. The Obi Umuenem, Chief Afam Obiekosi among the Isi Obi (ruling Chiefs), comes after the Obi Nnewichi. The kindred is also known as Ward 10 because it has the ward exclusively independent of any other kindred.
As part of the end-of-year get-together, the kindred decided to remember some of their sons who served them well. The two categories of awards were posthumous and merit awards.
The Obi Umuenem, Chief Afam Obiekosi, is also the Obi of Egbu village, the Umuikpe kindred, and Dalahize sub-kindred, presented the awards to the selected sons of Umuipke kindred.
The posthumous awards were given to Chief LNE Nsoedo kSM (Ide Nnewi) and Anthony Onyeje (Ononenyi).
Chief LNE Nsoedo was a great Umuikpe son who championed their causes at all levels imaginable. He was an excellent role model for the kindred, and he led them with uncommon leadership skills. Chief Nsoedo ensured that Umuikpe which is a conglomerate of sub-kindreds remained a unit as they are today. The award reads thus:
POSTHUMOUS AWARD
Is, at this moment, given to Chief Hon LNE Nsoedo (KSM, Ide Nnewi) in recognition of your indefatigable service to the Umuikpe Family
Dated today, December 18, 2023
Anthony Onyeje (Ononenyi) led the Umuikpe kindred for twenty years. He held the Umuikpe family as a unit firmly. The kindred refused to allow him to step down for another Chairman to emerge. Ononenyi was so gracious and dedicated to the cause of Umuikpe that he usually obliged the kindred. The award reads:
POSTHUMOUS AWARD
Is, at this moment, given to Mr. Anthony Onyeje (Ononenyi) in recognition of your indefatigable service to the Umuikpe Family
Dated today, December 18, 2023
Four other sons of the Umuikpe kindred who have served in various capacities and some of the awardees are still active in many endeavors received the Merit Award. They are:
1.
MERIT AWARD
Is today given to Mr. Aloysius Ndianefo (Nwachinemelu, Village Headmaster) in recognition of your invaluable service to the Umuikpe Family
Given this day, December 18, 2023
2.
MERIT AWARD
Is today given to Chief Dr. OJ Mbonu (Ozuomee Nnewi) in recognition of your invaluable service to the Umuikpe Family
Given this day, December 18, 2023
3.
MERIT AWARD
Is today given to Chief Charles Onyeka (Ikeora Nnewi) in recognition of your invaluable service to the Umuikpe Family
Given this day, December 18, 2023
4.
MERIT AWARD
Is today given to Hon Chiedu M Nsoedo (Akunaebiokwu) in recognition of your invaluable service to the Umuikpe Family
Given this day, December 18, 2023
Chief Pen Nwosu (Omeifejideofo) assisted the Obi Umuenem in the presentation of the awards.
Following the award presentation, the guests were treated to a lavish entertainment followed with cultural dances. Several masquerades also featured to the delight of the guests.
The Chairman of Umuikpe, Hon Chiedu Nsoedo thanked those that gave time and material to make the occasion so grand. Chief among them was Sir Chris Chikeluba Nsoedo (Uzukpe) who donated a live cow, Chief Benjamin Akamelu (Ugochukwutubelu) Chief Chiedozie Akamelu (Oligholi), Dr. Ogonna Onyeje, Engr Ben Nsoedo, Godfrey Onyeka, Solomon Ndianefo, Abado Onyeka, and several generous donors.
The Chairman and his executive were grateful to Ezeakukwu Emmanuel Nsoedo led-Planning Committee that conceptualized and executed the day’s activities. The secretary of the Committee, Aloysius Ndianefo Jr was recognized for his contribution. The other members were Uzochukwu Ojukwu and Ifeanyi Obiakonwa. “The Planning Committee delivered for Umuikpe Kindred the best end-of-year party ever” the Umuikpe chairman declared.