Okwudor Marks First Coronation Anniversary of Monarch with Celebration of Unity and Development Gains
By Rita Onuoha
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The people of Okwudor in Imo State recently gathered in a vibrant display of culture, tradition and solidarity to mark the first coronation anniversary of their traditional ruler, the Obi of Okwudor, His Royal Highness, Eze Ben Onuora.
The celebration, held at the newly developed Obi Durugbo Palace, attracted a wide array of traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders and professionals from within and outside the state, reflecting the growing prominence of the community under the monarch’s leadership.
The event provided an avenue for residents and stakeholders to assess the first year of the monarch’s reign, particularly his developmental initiatives and efforts toward community cohesion and progress.
In a festive atmosphere, sons and daughters of Okwudor, alongside invited guests, commended the monarch for what they described as a purposeful and people-centred style of leadership that has fostered peace and development.
The anniversary celebration featured rich cultural displays, including masquerade performances and traditional music, highlighting the deep cultural heritage of the community, while guests were treated to local delicacies such as roasted cashew nuts.
A key highlight of the occasion was the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished indigenes and friends of the community who have contributed significantly to its development.
Among the honourees was Professor Bernard Jiburum of Imo State University, who was installed as Ikenga I of Okwudor. He is a Professor of Surgery and Anatomy and a former pioneer Provost of the College of Medicine at the university.
Also honoured was Professor Fidelis Oditah, SAN, KC, a renowned legal scholar who previously lectured in Commercial Law and Insolvency at University of Oxford before attaining prominence in international legal practice.
He was conferred with the title of Omelora I of Okwudor in recognition of his professional achievements and contributions.
Several speakers at the event commended the monarch for blending traditional authority with development-focused leadership aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
Princess Ngozi Duru praised the monarch’s leadership style, describing it as marked by wisdom, humility and commitment to peace and progress.
Similarly, Ichie Akukwesiri I of Okwudor, Chief Chidi Nwaka, applauded the monarch for his achievements within one year, noting that his administration prioritised rehabilitation of existing infrastructure over costly new projects.
He explained that funds from the successful Okwudor Day celebration held on December 31, 2025, were channelled into community projects with immediate impact.
According to him, over 10 community roads were graded and reopened, significantly improving access for farmers, traders and transport operators across the area.
He further noted that the intervention has enhanced agricultural productivity by easing the transportation of farm produce and improving inter-community connectivity.
On water supply, he added that the administration rehabilitated several boreholes, improving access to clean water and reducing potential health risks associated with unsafe water sources.
The pragmatic approach of restoring existing facilities rather than initiating new ones, he said, has been widely commended as a cost-effective strategy for sustainable development.
Chief Raphael Oguike, the Udu Ako Mmiri I of Okwudor, also described the monarch’s reign as one characterised by wisdom, peace and purposeful leadership.
Barrister Emma Okah further noted that the community was fortunate to have the monarch, describing him as consistent, dependable and committed to unity and progress.
Other community members, including Mr Eddie Efekoha and Mr Bertram Odazie, echoed similar sentiments, praising the monarch’s leadership qualities and impact on social cohesion and development.
The Chairman of the Obi of Okwudor-in-Council, Chief Anthony Uzonwune, also commended the monarch, describing his reign as peaceful and progressive, with notable strides in unity and development.
In his address, Eze Ben Onuora highlighted key achievements recorded during his first year on the throne, noting that his administration remains committed to building a more prosperous and united community.
He disclosed that resources generated from the Okwudor Day celebration were invested in critical infrastructure projects that delivered direct benefits to residents.
The monarch further confirmed that more than 10 roads were rehabilitated and reopened, improving transportation and economic activity within and around the community.
He also stated that several boreholes were restored to improve access to potable water across the area.
In the area of youth empowerment, he introduced the Okwudor Free Apprenticeship Scheme, which currently supports more than 45 youths undergoing vocational training in various trades including welding, plumbing, electrical installation, tailoring, catering and hairdressing.
The programme, according to him, is supported by volunteer artisans and aims to reduce unemployment while equipping young people with sustainable skills.
On peacebuilding, the monarch said traditional arbitration panels were established to handle disputes within the community, helping to strengthen conflict resolution and promote harmony.
He added that agricultural development also formed part of his agenda, with hundreds of improved palm seedlings planted in schools and health centres to support environmental sustainability and future economic growth.
Looking ahead, the monarch announced plans to distribute 1,000 improved palm seedlings to widows, youths, teachers and other deserving residents as part of continued empowerment efforts.
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