NPYA, IMO ARTS AND CULTURE CONFIRMS AKAEKPUCHIONWA 1 OF IGBO LAND TITLE TO HIGH CHIEF, DR, EZEJI NWACHIYAMEREZE OGUAMALAM
…Eze Obioha Presents Coronation Certificate, Urges Him to Hold Firm on Igbo Cultural Heritage Promotions
By Anselem Anokwute
The National Progressive Youth Association (NPYA), in collaboration with the Imo State Tourism Hospitality and Culture under the Arts and Culture Unit, in Mbari, Owerri, has given and conferred the prestigious title of Akaekpuchionwa 1 of Igbo Land on High Chief Dr. Nwachiyamereze Oguamalam, Ezeji 1 of Obohia Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise 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 recognize 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, reemphasised the important role of traditional rulers as custodians of Igbo culture, customs and traditions.
Eze Obioha commended the National Progressive Youth Association (NPYA) for its collaboration with the Imo State Ministry of Tourism Hospitality and Culture on the Arts Exhibition and Cultural 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 High Chief Dr Nwachiyamereze Oguamalam as the Akaekpuchionwa 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 Mbaise and 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 High Chief Nwachiyamereze Oguamalam Ezeji 1 of Obohia Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area is one of the foremost custodians of Traditions and culture in Mbaise as the Ezeji 1 of Obohia.
The celebration attracted participants from different walks of life and further demonstrated his commitment to cultural renaissance, hospitality and the preservation of Igbo Traditions and Culture.
In his earlier 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, 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 High Chief Dr Oguamalam 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 Akaekpuchionwa 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, promotion of arts and culture development in Imo State.
Responding His Royalty, Dr,Ezeji Nwachiyamereze Oguamalam said that the confirmation of the honours to him and the amiable wife has proven surely that hands wouldn’t cover destiny. He promised to continue in his affairs to promote Igbo culture and traditions as a cultural revivalists and a traditionalists with passion to promote peace and unity in Igbo Land.
Some prominent Mbaise Sons and daughters witnessed the event at Imo State Arts and Culture Exhibition Center Mbari Obiri Eze Imo State on Saturday 31 October 2026. Including Dr. Kachi Nwogu Former Special Adviser to the Imo State Government and many others.