It was a double celebration for Chief Chiemezie Ibeanu of Umudioka village, Neni, in Anaocha Council Area, as he marked his 70th birthday during which he received two prestigious awards, namely; “Defender of Ozo Okpala Traditional Title” and “Royal Cultural Ambassador of Igbo Nation and Traditional Values”, from Freenews Magazine, a Port Harcourt-based media outfit.
Correspondent, Emmanuel Okonkwo reports that in his remarks, Chief Ibeanu, who holds the Ozo title; “Okpala Somabunaeze I of Neni Kingdom”; which earned him one of the awards, expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life, and thanked Freenews Magazine for recognizing his efforts in promoting the Igbo language, culture and traditions, encouraging Ndi Igbo to take pride in their heritage as it remains the core of their identity.
Presenting the awards, the Chairman of Freenews Magazine, Mr Obinna Mbonu, noted that Chief Ibeanu was honoured for his recent bold stance and unwavering commitment to preserving Igbo traditions, particularly in Neni community where he advocated for the recognition and equal relevance of other Ozo titles such as Ozo Okpala, Ozo Eze, Ozo Ikwele, Ozo Ozala, and Ozo Enyisi alongside the more prominent Ozo Ezeana title, a move members of the community said has made the titles more accessible to average wealthy indigene of Neni, urging him to continue his good works for God and humanity.
In separate interviews, friends and well-wishers, including Barrister Kaninenechukwu Ananwune, Chief Timothy Muoto, Mr Emenike ghabo and Mr Obini Onuchuwu described Chief Ibeanu as a good man who never relented in fighting for the less-privileged in the society, and prayed God to continue to protect and keep him alive and healthy.
