The sloppy town of Aguluzigbo in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State was a mecca of a sort as politicians, the clergy, traditional rulers and well wishers of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, and the National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, trooped out in solidarity as they were conferred with chieftaincy titles by Anaocha royal fathers. The title of Ikemba Aguluzigbo was conferred on Umeh while that of Nwanne di na mba was conferred on Shinkafi.

The event, held Wednesday (Dec. 24), also had in attendance the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, and his wife, Ebelechukwu.

Speaking after receiving the title, a visibly elated Umeh said that despite the so many chieftaincy titles he had been conferred with in the past, the one given by the latest one remains closest to his heart as it is an honour to be recognised by one’s own people.

In his words, “I feel happy and great. It is said in the Bible that a prophet of God is not without honour except amongst his kinsmen and brethren. Today, amongst my own kinsmen and brethren, I have been honoured with the title of Ikemba of Aguluzigbo. It speaks volumes; it’s an appreciation by my community. This community is a very humble community. I grew up here and I was part of the challenges of this community. I saw it all and when I grew up, I started working very hard to see to the development of this community and I’m happy to say today that this community is no longer what it used to be.

“You come here, we have good network of roads, and we have a lot of people who have benefited from my foundation and scholarship scheme. I have produced people with PhD degrees through my scholarship foundation and today, I have 108 people in tertiary institutions under my scholarship scheme, something that can pass unnoticed.

“My community has been wishing to do this for me for a long time but I chose to work hard for the good of Anambra State, the Igbo people and Nigeria first before accepting the title.

“I have in the past received several chieftaincy titles and this one my community has given me today, while I cherish it, it ranks with many others I have received across Igbo land. My honour is full now in the sense that I have submitted myself for them to confer me with a chieftaincy title.”

In his remarks, Governor Obiano urged the people to go and pick their Permanent Voters’ Cards as that is the only guarantee to voting during the forthcoming general elections. He urged them to vote APGA candidates into office to ensure continuity of development in the state.

Obiano thanked the traditional rulers of Anaocha for the honour bestowed on Umeh and Shinkafi, praying God to also honour them.

Other dignitaries at the event included the deputy governor of the state, Dr. Nkem Okeke, former state chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Joseph Okonkwo, and APGA State Chairman, Chief Mike Kwento.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano speaking, while Umeh, Shinkafi and Kwento listen, during the honouring of Umeh and Shinkafi by Anaocha on Wednesday.

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