The highest Traditional institution in Abiriba, the Enachioken in council, has conferred on the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the title of “Nwandugbom Abiriba”.
The Commissioner who was honoured weekend alongside other dignitaries at the 21st Traditional Coronation Anniversary Ceremony of the Enachioken of Abiriba, HRM, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, was conferred with the title of “Nwandugbom Abiriba”, making him the first crowned Nwandugbom from his family.
The event which took place at the Akahaba Stadium in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area, witnessed the presence of political bigwigs,captains of industries, Traditional rulers, including the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt.Hon Ude Oko Chukwu, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Chinedum Orji,the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon Uko Nkole,The Abia SSG, Barr Chris Ezem, among others.
In an interview with Newsmen, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Okiyi-Kalu, said it is a thing of joy to be honoured by the Enachioken in council, being the highest Traditional stool in Abiriba.
According to him, he doesn’t accept honours while in active service, but decided to accept the Nwandugbom title because it came from his ancestral home, people that know him.
Giving insight about his new conferment, the Commissioner said the Nwandugbom title has its bearing from the Abiriba culture which means “An ordinary person God helped, someone that is helped by God and cannot be destroyed by man”.
He revealed that his great grand
father was the first to take the Nwandugbom title, but was never crowned by the Enachioken in council, adding that it was a great privilege to be honoured by the Enachioken as the first crowned, Nwandugbom Abiriba in his lineage.
Okiyi-Kalu further assured his people of more quality representation, commending the Governor of the state for helping to reposition Abia State through his campaign for Made in Aba goods.
He equally appreciated God for the successful event and all those who graced the occasion.
Meanwhile, Chief John Okiyi Kalu was born in Ndi Ukpo wa Anuku compound of Umueso Abiriba. He is a member of Onyiba Age Grade and has served in various capacities under the Dr Okezie Ikpeazu led administration.
He has a Bachelor and Post Graduate Degrees in Applied Biochemistry and Management,as well as many local and international certificates in various disciplines and he is also a Federal Government of Nigeria Postgraduate Scholarship awardee and has served as the Regional Director of Glo Business Solution,a unit of Globacom Telecommunication company before joining public service.
He is a passionate development enthusiast and has awarded several tertiary education scholarships to deserving Abiriba sons and daughters,as well as contributed to community development, including attracting the construction of Ugwuezi road (phase 1 of Abiriba ring road done by the Ikpeazu administration), street lighting project, in addition to other interventions in the community, such as the donation of a vehicle to the Nigeria Police Force Unit in the community, employment of many Abiriba sons and daughters among other interventions.
