By Brown Chimezie

It was a moment of joy and laughter recently in Cotonou, Benin Republic, as people from all walks of life converged on the palace of Eze Ndigbo Benin Republic, Eze Josephat Ebuka Onunkwo, to  mark the second year of his coronation as Eze Ndigbo Gburugburu in that country.

As part of the event, Eze Onunkwo attended a peace meeting organised by the Christian association in that country, where stakeholders and leaders of thought met and exchanged banners as a symbol of  peace in the Igbo community in Benin. During the event, which was graced by Igbo leader, Chief Okereke Uneke, and other representatives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and dignitaries from Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states, Eze Onunkwo charged them to promote Igbo culture by living upright lifes free of dishonesty.

 On hand to add colour to the event were members of the Eze-in-Council, who were clad in white robes and red caps, with walking sticks to match.

In his address, Eze Onunkwo commended Ndigbo in Benin Republic for maintaining peace and unity among them and urged them to continue on that path until the Igbo got to the ‘Promised Land.’

 Recounting his achievements since he was crowned Eze Ndigbo Gburugburu two years ago, Onunkwo said that he had restored the dignity of Ndigbo in Benin.

“Today our people can walk with their shoulders high as they are held in high esteem by our host country,” he said.

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As a testimony to this fact, he said that the Nigerian ambassador to Benin Republic, Mr.  Emmanuel Oguntuashe, recently, at a function to send off an Igbo leader who had attained retirement age, had described the Igbo as organised people who made his job easier in Benin Republic.

Furthermore, Eze Onunkwo explained that through his foundation, he had been able to empower many jobless youths. He cited the example of the new Misebo Market, where he committed his resource to ensure that Ndigbo who lost their shops after the old market was demolished were adequately taken care of and given new shops. He said that some of them received financial assistance to start a new life in the market, adding that, when the market was razed and people lost their wares to the inferno, he quickly came to their aid by directing the market head to come forward with a list of victim whom he promptly provided with financial assistance to start a new life.

Eze Onunkwo recalled that, in his village, Ihembosi, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he holds the titles of Ihe of Ihembosi and Odoziobodo of Ihembosi, he had annually paid SSCE, WAEC and NECO examination fees for indigent students from the community. According to him, recently, he took a step further by establishing a lubricant plant in Ozubulu, adding that this singular effort had generated employment for thousands of his kinsmen and other Nigerians.

 Speaking on why he decided to establish the multi-million naira project in Ozubulu instead of Lagos, Eze Onunkwo, who is also known as Eze Chimdum, said: “It is my belief that we should think home. I like to lead by example. Today, I am glad to announce that the lubricant plant is providing jobs for many Nigerians.”

In his remarks, Chief Okereke described Eze Onunkwo as a visionary leader whose generosity has continued to serve as a source of inspiration to Ndigbo in the Diaspora. He called on Ndigbo at home and abroad to emulate the monarch’s virtues.

 Speaking in a similar vein, the Ochendo in Benin Republic, Chief Innocent Adimachukwu, said that Onunkwo’s acts of kindness had changed the lives of many Nigerians in Benin for good.

In recognition of his promotion of bilateral cultural relations between the Beninoise and Nigerians, a paramount ruler of Alada Rio Kpodegbe Lanmafan, Benin Republic, during his 25th anniversary, invited Eze Onunkwo to be part of the cultural fiesta. During the festival, Onunkwo promised to do all he could to promote the culture of both countries.

To cap the week-long event, Eze Onunkwo organised a gala night, where loyal customers of his company, Seahorse Lubricants, were rewarded with various gifts. An Igbo league football competition was also organised to promote sportsmanship among Ndigbo in Benin. At the end of the competition, Ndigbo in  Abomey  Calavi defeated Team Abia State by 4-1 to lift the  Igbo League Trophy  sponsored by Eze Ebuka Onunkwo.