The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, extends congratulations to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their distinguished Igbo chieftaincy titles received at the 32nd Ukpo Ofala celebration in Anambra State.
During the event hosted by His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Robert Chukwudilim Eze (Okofia VI), Igwe Ukpo, and Clan Head of Dunuokofia Ancient Kingdom in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government of Anambra State, President Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, was honored with the title “Eze Udo of Igbo Land,” symbolizing the “King of Peace in Igbo Land.” Simultaneously, Shettima was bestowed with the title “Enyi Ndigbo,” translating to “A friend of Igbo people.”
Hon. Benjamin Kalu, present at the ceremony alongside Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Prince Arthur Eze, and other prominent figures, expressed his delight at this significant occasion.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu underscored the cultural importance of these traditional titles in Igbo customs. He commended President Tinubu’s administration for fostering a sense of inclusion among the Igbo people through key appointments, emphasizing that such efforts would strengthen national cohesion and integration. Kalu celebrated the convergence of these traditional titles with the launch of the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a new peace initiative addressing security challenges and societal issues in the region through non-kinetic approaches.
Optimistic about increased attention to the South East from the current APC government, Kalu encouraged the populace to embrace peace and stand united.
Following the title conferment, Vice President Shettima, in his remarks, affirmed the understanding of the challenges faced by Ndi Igbo by the Tinubu-led government. He pledged diligent efforts towards overcoming these challenges and emphasized the importance of Igbo representation in the mainstream of Nigerian politics.
