History is made today as Ikwuano-Obodoukwu Autonomous Community in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State rolls out the drums to rejoice with their king and traditional ruler, HRH Eze (Arc.) Jude Chijioke Obidegwu (Eze Odenigbo II), as he is conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Chief Vitus C. Uzoh, Nwatakwocha-aka, Onwa Ikwuano-Obodoukwu and president of Obodoukwu Convention of Honorary Chiefs, the award is confirmation of HRH Obidegwu’s sterling qualities, which have endeared him to all and sundry.
He said the community was happy that President Buhari found HRH Obidegwu worthy of consideration for the much adored award.
On why he thinks the royal father deserves the recognition, Chief Uzoh said Eze Obidegwu has been in the vanguard of promoting peace as well as attracting development by encouraging sons and daughters of Obodoukwu in the Diaspora to invest home.
“This measure has made Obodoukwu to become one of the fastest-developing community in Imo State,” he said.
Chief Uzoh added that, in the area of promotion of culture, HRH Obidegwu, through the annual NewYam festival, brings Obodoukwu people home and abroad together. “Our children not only learn and understand our culture, many laudable community projects are also commissioned, thus adding value to the community.”
In the area of youth empowerment, the royal father, who is also a renowned philanthropist, has been able to initiate moves that have resulted in scholarship for indigent students in tetiary institutions and secondary schools. Widows and the less privileged are not left out, as the royal father ensures that they are cared for.
“These are factors that have endeared HRH Obidegwu to the heart of Obodoukwu people home and in the Diaspora,” Chief Uzoh said.