From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Engr. Prince Arthur Eze(OFR),the Managing Director/CEO of Orantum Oils Ltd, on Saturday May 15, added another feather to the several titles he has received globally based on his humanitarian services and philanthropic gestures to mankind.
The traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike , Igwe Emna Ugwu and members of the community exceedingly embraced him as ‘Palace Grand Pillar’ of Okwe Kigdom, Ibagwa Nike ‘community in Enugu East local government area of Enugu state.
The community also built and furnished a one storey building meant to serve as a skill acquisition centre for several unemployed Youths of the community. The center which is named Prince Arthur Eze Skill Development Centre was commissioned by Prince Arthur Eze, the same day he was crowned as Palace Grand Pillar of Okwe kingdom.
The man behind the honours on bestowed onPrince Arthur Eze,HRH Igwe Emma Ugwu,the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike community,who is also the Prince of Okwe kingdom said the honours are the simple ways to appreciate Prince Arthur Eze for his generosity and philanthropy to human race.
Igwe Emma Ugwu disclosed that he served Engr. Arthur Eze for 18 years, stating he learnt the art of giving and helping the poor from him.
He described Prince Arthur Eze as a unique person who hates to see other people suffer and derives joy in helping people.
He stated,” I am a product of a great man whose beauty shines everywhere. I was nurtured by a character whose nature attracts God’s presence. Prince Arthur Eze derives pleasure in making people happy. His life has elevated many. Arthur Eze believes to lose so that others may gain”.
In a citation written by Ibagwa community but read by Mr Charles Nonso Ede, it highlighted that the Prince Arthur Eze Skill Development Centre built by Igwe Emma Ugwu with support from some members of the community is to strengthen development in Ibagwa community.
Nonso Ede stressed that the in the past, the level of poverty in Ibagwa Nike community was nothing to write home about. But Igwe Emma Ugwu since he worked for Prince Arthur Eze changed the fortunes of the community and gave scholarship to many indigent students, just as he empowered many others to stay on their own.
The highlights of the event were the cutting of Igwe Emma Ugwu’s birthday cake, the commissioning of Prince Arthur Eze Skill Development Centre and the unveiling of the royal crown seat of ‘Palace Grand Pillar” for Prince Arthur Eze, all performed by Prince Arthur Eze himself.
The event also featured the induction of many distinguished Nigerians into Okwe Kingdom Hall of Fame. Among those newly inducted were Chief Alex Ogbonnia, the national publicity secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Col Abdulazeez Kasua who led a delegation from Northern Nigeria to the event said late President YarAdua was conferred with a chieftaincy title by Igwe Emma Ugwu in this same palace. He described Igwe Emma Ugwu as emulating the nationalistic and philanthropist lifestyle of his boss, Engr Prince Arthur Eze(OFR).
Prince Arthur Eze who was highly impressed with turn of the events of the occasion, including the choristers assembled by Igwe Emma Ugwu, announced a donation of one million naira for the welfare and further development of Ibagwa Nike community.
