From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Dignatries from all walks of life yesterday, Saturday, May 3, stormed the palace of the Nnaji Royal family of Nike Kingdom’, in Enugu East local government area of Enugu state to celebrate with His Royal Majesty,Igwe Dr.Julius U Nnaji, the ‘Odezuluigbo 111 of Nike Kingdom’ as he marked his 25 years kingship of Nike Kingdom and 50 years of marriage.
The event, which attracted creme de la creme of the society, was attended by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state, the former Governor of old Anambra state, Senator Jim Nwobodo and a former Senate President from Enugu state, Senator Ken Nnamani, among other illustrious sons of Nkanu land, friends of Senator Gil Nnaji and Hon Cornelius Assembly, both of whom has served at the National Assembly in their political career.
Governor Mbah represented by the state Commissioner for Local Government,Hon.Deacon Okey Ogbodo,commended the sterling leadership qualities in HRM Dr.Julius Nnaji and called on other tradional rulers in the state to emulate his leadership virtues.
Deacon Ogbodo stressed that utmost peace which is a critical catalyst to socio economic development has been existing in Nike Kingdom’ as far back as 1976 when the royalty of Odezuligbo kingship was established.
He extolled HRM Igwe Julius U Nnaji,the Odezuligbo 111 of Nike Land for his resilience in sustaining peace in Nike Kingdom’ amidst challenges.
He disclosed that Governor Mbah would have come by himsellf if not for the international marathon race that was holding same day in Enugu.
At different times, Senator Ken Nnamani and his entourage joined in the celebration. Senator Jim Nwobodo with his wife, Mrs Patricia Nwobodo and his well wishers also joined in the celebration..
Other prominent sons of Nkanu land who carved out time to celebrate with Igwe Nnaji and the rest of the family were two ex governorship aspirants prior to the 2023 Enugu governorship election, Chief Evaristus Nnaji and Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa, Hon. Anayo Edeh, Hon.Offor Chukwuegbo, Hon Frank Anioma and Hon.Paul Nnajiofor.
Others include the Enugu East Council chairman, Pastor Engr.Beloved Dan Anike, the Nkanu East Council chairman,Hon.Sydney Okechukwu and the Isi Uzo Local Government Chairman,Hon.Obeagu.
HRM Igwe Dr Julius Nnaji, the Odezuligbo 111 of Nike Kingdom’,utilized the opportunity of his celebration to bestow titles to some eminent Nigerians, for their various achievements geared towards uplifting humanity and development of the society.
Among those bestowed with title were Enugu based industrialist, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, the CEO/Managing Director of Juhel drugs manufacturing company and Juhel Oil services Ltd, Chief Nana Ogbodo, Mrs Ann Aligwe,a commissioner in Ebonyi state, Hon.Alex Ugwu, a former chairman of Enugu East Local Government area, among others.
Earlier on, a high mass to mark 50 years of tieing nuptial knots with his wife,Lolo Maria Nnaji was conducted.The high point was their renewed commitment to each other and exchange of rings..
