Royal Gala Night Awards: Oba Nureni Alani Akinyemi, Onijegun of Ijegun, honors Eze Chika Nwokedi for his contribution to community development
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Royal Gala Night Awards: Oba Nureni Alani Akinyemi, Onijegun of Ijegun, honors Eze Chika Nwokedi for his contribution to community development
By Naomi Onome
The Royal Gala Night Awards event arising from the array of programs in celebration of the 15th Coronation Anniversary of Oba Nureni Alani Akinyemi, Onijegun of Ijegun, Eze Chika Nwokedi, the Ezendigbo of Ijegun Ijeododo was honored on Friday, May 23rd, 2025, in recognition of his immense contribution to the progress of Ijegun land.
Since the beginning of his tenure in Ijegun, Eze Chika Nwokedi, the Igbo ruler of Ijegun Ijeododo, has stood out among other monarchs for his honesty and capacity to maintain peace, improve security, and foster communal development. In addition to ensuring that street lights are available, he has contributed to the development of his immediate neighborhood with his street road initiative.
His charitable endeavors are reported to extend throughout Ijegun and the surrounding area. Over the years, he has made it his mission to assist widows and the underprivileged in society. He also helps bike-men and petty traders by improving their financial situation so that their operations can function smoothly. He has also gained a respectable and admirable reputation among the Ijegun community due to his altruistic and non-tribalistic approach to helping others.
In an interview with Eze Chika Nwokedi, he described how he became a tenant in Ijegun and how God’s favor enabled him to become a landlord of homes and other landed properties in the same area. He claims that because he feels compelled to return the favor to the land that has blessed him, he is actively involved in community development projects like road construction, streetlight installation, security upgrades, and charitable donations.
Recall that Eze Chika Nwokedi’s intervention prevented an ethnic conflict between the Igbo and Yoruba tribes from erupting during the 2023 national elections. This led Eze Chika to reiterate reassuringly that Ndigbo, regardless of tribe and culture, align with the leadership of their community; they are supportive of a course such as this (coronation) and have gathered in large numbers to demonstrate unity in the awards recognition bestowed on their leader.
However, Eze Chika stated that the honor is dedicated to Ijegun Ijeododo’s Igbo-speaking community for their faith in his leadership to guide them toward peace and advancement. High Chief Toriola Ganiu Omolaja, the chairman of the awards committee, said at the award ceremony that Eze Chika Nwokedi is a formidable force who is deserving of distinction for his cooperation and resourcefulness in matters related to the advancement of the Ijegun land.
In High Chief Toriola Ganiu Omolaja’s opening speech at the royal gala night awards event, he noted that the event is created in honor of the 15th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty Oba Nureni Alani Akinremi Olomititu Ilugefiloye kudeyibu 1. The event, he says, signifies the monarch’s legacy, leadership, and unity.
Excerpts from the opening speech read,
“Fifteen years ago, a new chapter began in the history of our land. His Royal Majesty ascended the throne with the grace, vision, and deep commitment to the progress of our people.”
“Since then, his reign has been marked by peace, development, and cultural renaissance. Tonight, we gather not only to honor that journey but also to reflect on the milestone achieved and to look ahead with renewed hope and purpose.”
“As chairman of the planning committee, I am deeply honored to have worked alongside a dedicated team of passionate individuals who made this celebration possible.”
“Their tireless efforts, commitment, and teamwork have brought us together in grandeur and harmony together tonight.”
“We express our heartfelt appreciation to some important personalities whose presence and support have added great honor to this occasion.”
“To all our awardees, your achievements and contributions have not gone unnoticed. Tonight, we celebrate you as a shining example of excellence and services.”
In his closing remarks, he appreciated the presence and generous contribution of the following dignitaries: The distinguished chairman of the occasion, Chief Kunle Thomas Omisore; Hon. Lasisi Akinsanya, the chairman of Konan Igando LCDA, and his dedicated vice, Hon. Mrs. Mojisola Badmus, also for their consistent contributions to the development of the Ijegun community; the Onijegun Oba-in-Council for his guidance and royal support in the planning and celebration of the 15th coronation anniversary; the sponsors and supporters for their immense contribution; and to all the notable high-ranking individuals in attendance.
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