NPYA, IMO ARTS AND CULTURE CONFIRM OZURUIGBO 1 OF IGBO LAND TITLE TO CHIEF EGBUJUO
Eze Obioha Presents Coronation Certificate, Urges New Title Holder to Promote Igbo Heritage
By Anselem Anokwute
The National Progressive Youth Association (NPYA), in collaboration with the Imo State Arts and Culture Unit, Mbari, Owerri, has confirmed and conferred the prestigious title of Ozuruigbo 1 of Igbo Land on Chief Chibueze Basil Egbujuo, Agunechemba I of Ezenaomi Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
The colourful coronation ceremony, which attracted traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts, community leaders and other distinguished personalities, was part of the association’s efforts to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion, preservation and advancement of Igbo culture and traditions.
Presenting the coronation certificate to the award recipient and other beneficiaries alongside their spouses, the Traditional Ruler of Umuago Urualla Autonomous Community in Ideato North Local Government Area, HRH Eze Amb. Ogbonna Obioha, emphasised the important role of traditional rulers as custodians of Igbo culture, customs and traditions.
Eze Obioha commended the National Progressive Youth Association for its collaboration with the Imo State Arts and Culture Unit, describing the initiative as a significant contribution towards preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
He noted that traditional rulers would continue to support genuine efforts aimed at promoting cultural values, adding that the recognition of deserving individuals was an effective way of encouraging more people to contribute to the development of Igbo land.
The royal father subsequently confirmed Chief Chibueze Basil Egbujuo as the Ozuruigbo 1 of Igbo Land, urging him to justify the confidence reposed in him by demonstrating exemplary leadership, integrity and commitment to the unity and cultural advancement of the Igbo nation.
Other traditional rulers present expressed their support for the initiative, calling on the newly honoured personalities to sustain the promotion of Igbo traditions and ensure that the cultural heritage of the people does not go into extinction.
They further encouraged the award recipients to use their respective positions and influence to inspire younger generations to appreciate, preserve and promote the customs and traditions of their communities.
It would be recalled that Chief Chibueze Basil Egbujuo Agunechemba recently celebrated the 2026 IriJi (New Yam) Festival in grand style at his Ezenaomi Autonomous Community in Ikeduru LGA. The celebration attracted participants from different walks of life and further demonstrated his commitment to cultural renaissance, hospitality and the preservation of Igbo traditional heritage.
Speaking at the ceremony, one of the invited guests, Comrade Chimezie Godfrey Ewunonu, owner’s of Goflinks Investments Owerri described the conferment of the Ozuruigbo 1 title on Chief Egbujuo as a recognition of his contributions to cultural development.
Ewunonu observed that Chief Egbujuo had consistently demonstrated passion for the promotion of Igbo culture and traditions, irrespective of the resources and sacrifices required.
Describing him as a bosom friend who believes in doing things the right way, he recalled the successful celebration of the 2026 Iri Ji Festival in Ezenaomi, where participants were warmly received and treated with love and hospitality.
According to him, the festival reflected Chief Egbujuo’s genuine commitment to cultural preservation and his determination to keep Igbo traditions alive.
In his remarks, the President of the National Progressive Youth Association, NPYA, Apostle Declan Anyanwu, explained that the ceremony formed part of the association’s annual cultural celebration organised in collaboration with the State Arts and Culture Unit, Mbari Obiri Eze Imo on 31 November 2026, in Owerri, under the Imo State Ministry of Arts, Hospitality and Culture.
He disclosed that the 2026 celebration was designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people while recognising individuals who had made meaningful contributions to the association and their respective communities through cultural promotion and preservation.
Speaking specifically on Chief Chibueze Basil Egbujuo’s recognition, Apostle Anyanwu said the recipient was found worthy of the prestigious honour following his demonstrated integrity, good character, leadership qualities and commitment to the advancement of Igbo culture.
He prayed for a peaceful and successful reign for the new Ozuruigbo 1 of Igbo Land, expressing optimism that the recognition would further strengthen unity, peace and progress among the Igbo people.
Also speaking, the former Chief Executive Officer of Imo State Arts and Culture and Special Adviser SA Arts Hospitality and Culture, Chief Mrs. Assumpta Ebere Akujobi, who represented the Commissioner , Rt. Hon. Ernest Ibejiako (Nwandaa), expressed satisfaction with the partnership between the ministry and the National Progressive Youth Association.
Chief Mrs. Akujobi, who currently serves as Special Adviser to the Imo State Commissioner for Arts, Hospitality and Culture, said she was particularly delighted to witness the positive results of the cultural initiatives which the ministry had supported over time.
She recalled that the relationship between the ministry and the association began during her tenure sustained by the former Commissioner, Barr. Jerry Egemba, and had continued under the present Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Ernest Ibejiako.
According to her, the ministry had consistently encouraged the association through support, patronage and collaboration because of its commitment to cultural promotion and preservation.
She described the 2026 cultural celebration as a fulfilment of long-standing expectations and an indication that the partnership was yielding positive results.
Chief Mrs. Akujobi further conveyed the Commissioner’s message of solidarity, assuring the association that he remained firmly committed to supporting its activities and strengthening the existing partnership for the continued growth and development of arts and culture in Imo State.
She commended the leadership and members of NPYA for sustaining the cultural initiative and urged them to remain steadfast in their efforts to preserve the people’s heritage.
The event ended with renewed calls for greater collaboration between traditional institutions, cultural organisations, government agencies and individuals to ensure that the rich cultural identity of the Igbo people remains relevant to present and future generations.
