UNN Alumni Association Pays Homage to Eze Nwandu, Confers Distinguished Royal Father Award
By Anselem Anokwute
The global leadership of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), led by its Global/National President, Queen Dr. Mrs. Linda Agua Onyekwelu, has paid a courtesy homage to the foremost Mbaise monarch and Paramount Ruler HRM Eze Amb. Dr. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu, LL.B., Akaraka III of Ihitteafoukwu Ancient Kingdom.
The delegation, which comprised national officers of the prestigious alumni association, branch presidents and national delegates, used the occasion to commend Eze Nwandu for what it described as his unique, people-oriented leadership and remarkable development strides across Ihitteafoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ahaizu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State
Speaking during the visit, Barr. Louis Alozie, SAN, an illustrious son of Ezinihitte Mbaise and incoming National President of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, described Eze Nwandu as a rare gift to humanity a philanthropist and a home builder.
Alozie commended the monarch’s commitment to the welfare and development of his people, noting that his leadership qualities had continued to distinguish him among traditional rulers.
Also speaking, the National Financial Secretary of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Dim Emeka Obasi, described Eze Nwandu as an uncommon transformational leader whose contributions to community development and service to humanity deserved recognition.
Responding, Eze Nwandu expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association for the honour and the homage paid to him.
The monarch particularly thanked the association for finding him worthy to serve as the Royal Father of its 112th National Executive Council Meeting.
He pledged to redouble his efforts towards selfless service to humanity, stressing his continued commitment to promoting peace, unity, development and the welfare of his people as a cardinal focus on the people’s need through various women and youth empowerment programmes.
The high point of the occasion was the conferment of the Distinguished Royal Father Award on Eze Nwandu in recognition of his leadership, service and contributions to community development.
The Akaraka III of Ihitteafoukwu Ancient Kingdom was joined in receiving the distinguished delegation by members of the Obi-Oha Royal Cabinet Chiefs, including the Traditional Prime Minister-Designate of Ihitteafoukwu Ancient Kingdom, High Chief Francis Nzenwata; Hon. Chief Tony Anakani, former Sole Administrator of Ahiazu Mbaise LGA; HRH Eze Chibuzor Nwokodikwa, Isi-I of Okirika; Chief Christogonus Ugochukwu Okoro, Agbara Ahuru Gbuo Okuko Na’ala Igbo; Chief Jude Shapume, Opara, Mayor, Ikeduru Country Club; and many others.
The visit and award ceremony further underscored the growing recognition of Eze Nwandu’s leadership and development initiatives within his immediate Ihitteafoukwu Ancient Kingdom and beyond.
