By Chukwuka Ugokwe :
The Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana Community, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, has been initiated into the prestigious Ozo Enyi title holders in the community.
Onowu Abagana, is also the Leader of Igbo In Diaspora as well as Senior Adviser For Ohaneze Ndigbo, Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation.
At the ceremonial initiation of Dr Anakwenze into the esteemed Ozo Enyi, at his country home, Umudunu Village, Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area, the nature and glamour of receiving the title were on display.
The colourful event was laced with cultural performances and the sound of Egwu Uvio to signify the arrival of titled men.
Family Members, Friends and Well Wishers from all walks of life came to identify with him on his new status, including Oueen Mother Freda Paulino Sideroff, from the Caribbean, billed to be conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Nneora” by Igwe Mbamalu Okeke.
In Igboland, the Ozo title is regarded as a very prestigious status, and those who hold it demonstrate that they have attained a particular level of social standing as well as being respected and trusted for their contributions.
Ozo title holders are believed to uphold the highest standards of integrity, truth and morality.
Speaking after his Ozo Enyi title rites, Dr Anakwenze expressed happiness for attaining the higher Ozo title,having taken the junior Ozo Uno title.
“I am taking the senior Ozo title today, i have already had the junior title.This is one of the highest titles we have in Igboland.
“I am the Prime Minister of my town which is Onowu, so it is my job to maintain our culture and promote it. We have the best culture in the world.
Dr Anakwenze, a one time Presidential Aspirant under the People’s Democratic party, believes that the ceremony was in line with his role in keeping Igbo traditions alive, which he has been doing in United States of America, where he is based and beyond.
While describing Igbos as most successful tribes in Africa, he estimated that about half of American blacks scattered in over 30 Carribbean countries originated from Igboland.
“Queen Mother Freda Sideroff is one of them and eager to go back to where her fore father’s came from. In November, Eze Aguleri will confer her the title of “Eze Nwanyi” . Igbos outside there are more than Igbos here”
The Guest from Carribbean, Queen Mother Freda Paulino Sideroff, Founder/ President of Garifina International Indigenous Festival, described the event as a big honour to the celebrant having been a crusader of Igbo cultural renaissance.
While congratulating Dr Anakwenze, she noted that he has been very helpful to Igbo Community in the Caribbean.
She pointed out that such a ceremony helps in bringing back the African heritage and appreciated him for being a cultural ambassador even back in the USA and Caribbean Countries.
While affirming her emotional attachment to Africa, having traced her lineage to Igboland, she testified to the uniqueness of their culture as she was delighted to be received with open arms.
Other guests who graced the occasion wished Dr Anakwenze well,noting that he deserved the honour accorded him while urging him to touch more lives.
