By David Onwuchekwa
Ndiopkalaeze community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State was on Thursday, December 26, 2025, thrown into celebration as its traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Fredrick Chidozie Okoli, Okwaeze IV of Ndiopkalaeze, presided over his maiden chieftaincy title conferment and special merit award ceremony.
The historic event, held at the expansive and majestic palace of the monarch in Ndiolu village, marked a major milestone in the reign of Eze Okoli, being the first chieftaincy conferment since his coronation on December 28, 2018.
In all, 19 distinguished personalities were conferred with chieftaincy titles, while four individuals received special merit awards, drawn from Ndiopkalaeze community and beyond.
The ceremony attracted an array of eminent personalities, including captains of industry, business moguls, senior government officials, traditional rulers from neighbouring communities, professionals from diverse fields and sons and daughters of Ndiopkalaeze from far and near.
Seated alongside his wife, Lolo Uzumma Okoli (Ugoeze Akwaeze), and flanked by members of the Eze-in-Council, the monarch formally commenced proceedings with the traditional breaking of kolanut, following prayers offered by a priest, in line with Igbo customs and tradition.
Speaking at the occasion, the President-General of the Ndiopkalaeze Improvement Union, Hon. Barr. Uchenna Obiora, described the event as a landmark moment in the history of the community.
He noted that although the seven years of Eze Okoli’s reign had not been without challenges, the community had continued to make steady progress.
“Today, Ndiopkalaeze is witnessing visible infrastructural development because the righteous is on the throne,” Obiora said.
He recalled that Ndiopkalaeze was traditionally an agrarian community whose people depended largely on farming, fishing and trading before the advent of Christianity and Western education.
“Today, Ndiopkalaeze has embraced education and has produced prominent sons and daughters in various fields, including the military, police, academia, medicine, law, clergy, engineering, pharmaceuticals, science and technology,” he said, attributing these achievements to purposeful leadership and unity within the community.
The PG congratulated the chieftaincy title holders and award recipients for their contributions to the growth and development of Ndiopkalaeze, while also praying for God’s continued protection and a long, impactful reign for Eze Okoli.
In his address, the monarch explained that the conferment of chieftaincy titles and special merit awards was aimed at recognising illustrious sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves and contributed meaningfully to the development of Ndiopkalaeze, as well as individuals whose positive impact transcends the community to humanity at large.
According to him, the honours were carefully bestowed based on merit, service, integrity and commitment to community development. He personally recited the individual achievements of each recipient as the titles were conferred, drawing applause from the audience.
Among those conferred with chieftaincy titles were Barr. Uchenna Obiora, Dr Sir Chukwudi Okoli, Dr Onyeka Uwakwe, Mazi Promise Onuorah, Mazi Chinuo Okeke, Engr. Sir Emeka Okeke, Dr Dozie Felix Nwosu, Chief Chuba Awagu, Dr Emmanuel Ikechukwu Okoli, Chief Charles Obiekwe, Mr Frank Chukwudera Anis, High Chief Dr Okwudili Ezenwankwo, Chief Christian Uba, Hon. Barr. Mrs Lois Nwankwo, Dr Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi, Sir Kennedy Onyeagwalam, Dr Mrs Kate Ogundemuren, Mr Jeremy Kamm and Pharm. Lady Uche Maduike.
One of the distinguished beneficiaries of the Chieftaincy conferment was Dr Chuba Awagu. He received the title of Akajiugo Okwaeze.
He is a distinguished pediatric dental surgeon, global entrepreneur, philanthropist, and visionary leader whose influence spans healthcare, business, and community development.
Born and raised in Kaduna, he is the proud son of HM Ogbuefi Fred Saja Awagu, the Ezeigbo of Gbayi Chiefdom, Kaduna State, and Late Lolo Beatrice Ngozi Awagu of Egbengwu Village, Nimo Town in Anambra State. His upbringing, firmly grounded in Igbo traditions of excellence, integrity, and service, laid the foundation for the remarkable achievements that define his life and career.
Dr Awagu’s dedication to service shines most brightly through his philanthropic work. He is the Founder and President of the Akajiugo Foundation USA, a humanitarian organization focused on uplifting the lives of the disadvantaged in Anambra State. Through this foundation, he provides educational scholarships, healthcare assistance, social welfare support and community development programmes.
His philanthropic efforts have transformed countless lives, solidifying his legacy as a man deeply committed to humanity and social advancement.
Dr Chuba Awagu
Those who received special merit awards included Mr Chukwudi Abazu, Mazi Chukwuemeka Evans Okoli, Mr Ifeanyi Abazu and Ozo Barr. Duke Ezeonwuka.
Also honoured with distinction is Mr Jeremy Kamm. The Igwe gave Mr Kamm the title of Ikemba Okwaeze.
With nearly a decade of experience in the real estate industry, and almost $100 million in career sales, Jeremy Kamm has established himself as a trusted and dynamic leader in New York City’s competitive real estate market.
As the Director of Strategic Growth at Coldwell Banker Warburg, Jeremy focuses on driving the company’s expansion; strengthening its brand, and supporting agents to achieve their full potential.
This pivotal role allows Jeremy to serve as a business partner and collaborator for the brokerage’s agent, equipping them with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive in this fast, ever-evolving, highly competitive industry.
Mr Jeremy Kamm receiving his Chieftaincy title of Ikemba Okwaeze
Speaking on behalf of the chieftaincy recipients, Engr. Sir Emeka Okeke, who was honoured with the title Udo Kamma, expressed deep gratitude to the monarch for finding him worthy of the recognition.
He said the honour would spur him to do more in service to society and humanity.
Engr. Okeke, who was accompanied by a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Chris Uba, also used the opportunity to shed light on past efforts aimed at addressing infrastructural challenges in Aguata area during the period Senator Chris Ngige served as Governor of Anambra State, noting that the initiative was later aborted.
In a unanimous response, the chieftaincy title holders and award recipients thanked HRH Eze Okoli and the entire Ndiopkalaeze community for the honour bestowed on them.
“Your confidence in us is deeply valued. This recognition humbles us and inspires us to continue serving with dedication, loyalty and integrity,” they said.
The colourful ceremony ended with cultural displays, goodwill messages and renewed calls for unity and sustained development in Ndiopkalaeze community.
