By Regina Igwebuike
The Ikeora Age Grade of Amawbia in Awka South LGA on December 25, rolled out the drums in a colourful celebration of excellence, unity, and community service at the Amawbia Town Hall, Eziokpaligwe Square. The event, themed around recognition and honour, brought together dignitaries, traditional title holders, community leaders, and guests.
The ceremony featured live music, inspiring speeches, and the formal conferment of awards and titles to deserving members and sons of Amawbia who have distinguished themselves in various fields. Among those honoured were Rt. Hon. Dr. Chukwuma Pius Okoye, Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, and several other prominent personalities recognized for their unwavering commitment to community growth and support.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Hon. Emeka Nworah, set the tone with warm messages, urging unity and continued development of Amawbia.
One of the Special Guests of Honour, Hon. Prof. Lilian Oby Orogbu, Member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, expressed deep appreciation to the Ikeora Age Grade for the honour and recognition, reaffirming her commitment to the development of Amawbia community.
“Amawbia is truly in my heart, that’s why I am here today. I sincerely appreciate your efforts in driving unity and progress within this great community.”
Prof. Orogbu noted that although she represents 19 communities across Awka North and South, Amawbia continues to hold a special place in her heart. She explained that her signature project for Amawbia has already been approved and signed off by the President General of the community, with work set to begin soon at Union Secondary School, Amawbia.
Highlighting her achievements, she proudly said, “I have installed 60 streetlights across the six villages of Amawbia—10 in each village as part of efforts to improve security and visibility at night.
She further mentioned providing empowerment support and scholarships to many indigenes, emphasizing that though she still has a year and six months left in office, the best is yet to come.
Receiving the Award, the Deputy Speaker said, “I was deeply honoured by my age grade — Ikeora Age Grade, Amawbia with the revered title of ‘Ikenga Ikeora’. This recognition is profoundly meaningful because it comes from my own brothers; men with whom I share a bond of history, values, and a collective vision for progress.
“I accept this title with deep gratitude, humility, and a renewed sense of purpose. It strengthens my resolve to continue standing with my age grade and the Amawbia community in unity, service, and shared growth.
“I remain fully committed to the advancement and development of our beloved town, and to upholding the values that bind us as one people.
“To all members of Ikeora Age Grade — thank you for this powerful gesture of trust and recognition. May God continue to bless and preserve our unity, and may our bond grow stronger as we journey forward together in dignity and purpose.”
Speaking on the upcoming Okpaligwe Amawbia stool election, Rt. Hon. Okoye expressed confidence that the most deserving candidate will emerge.
“I’m confident that the best candidate will be chosen, that is my earnest prayer. This Saturday, we will conduct the election and carefully select a true king and leader. Let us not be swayed by wealth. The throne is not purchased with money, but earned through humility and readiness to serve.”
He emphasized that the role of the king is one of service to the community, not a display of power or affluence.
“After the election, all contestants should come together in unity and support the winner for the progress and development of Amawbia. We must move forward as one people,” he urged.
Hon. Okoye also noted that once a winner emerges, he will be presented to the government for official recognition and conferment of staff of office, explaining that the throne has been vacant and now is the time for it to be filled with dignity, representation, and responsibility.
The Okpaligwe Amawbia contestants who graced the occasion took turns to address members of the Ikeora Age Grade. In their respective speeches, they commended the age grade for their unity and developmental strides, while also soliciting their support and votes ahead of the upcoming election.
Each contestant emphasized their commitment to serving Amawbia with integrity, humility, and a vision for collective progress, urging the age grade to vote not just for popularity, but for capability and genuine leadership.
Mr. Philip Anaemena, Chairman of the Ikeora Age Grade, in his remarks during the event, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Amawbia for their unwavering support.
“This event is proudly organized by the Ikeora Age Grade. We are here not just to celebrate, but to show Amawbia people how far we’ve come together. There are individuals who have stood by us, offering help, guidance, and encouragement, and today, we have chosen to honour them with awards as a token of our appreciation.”
He emphasized the age grade’s commitment to community service and unity, adding that the recognition was also a way of strengthening the bonds that hold Amawbia together.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank everyone present. May the good Lord bless you all abundantly and grant us journey mercies back to our various homes,” he prayed.
Other notable recognitions during the event included the conferment of Mayor and Ambassador titles on distinguished individuals who have consistently supported the growth and initiatives of the Ikeora Age Grade.
These honors were given in appreciation of their unwavering commitment, generosity, and contributions to the advancement of the age grade and Amawbia community at large. Their recognition served as a motivation for continued service and partnership in community development.
Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
