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The ancient town of Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State was agog on Sunday, August 23, 2026, as High Chief Christian Okonkwo, popularly known as Ezinwaputaife, celebrated his title as the Lord Mayor of Okija with a colourful thanksgiving and grand reception.
The celebration, which attracted prominent personalities from different walks of life, commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Basilica of St. Peter’s, Okija, where the celebrant, members of his family, friends and well-wishers gathered to thank God Almighty for His blessings and guidance.
The thanksgiving provided a spiritual beginning to a day that later became a major social and cultural gathering in the community.
After the church service, guests proceeded to the palace of High Chief Christian Okonkwo, where a grand ceremony was held in his honour.
The palace was filled with prominent personalities, traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders, business personalities, youths, women and other well-wishers who came to identify with the celebrant.
Among those associated with the occasion were prominent businessman and social personality Obi Cubana; ABIG Nwankwo, Owelle Okija; Prince Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Security; Zenco, Baby Oku, De Imperial Philanthropic Family members; various Igwes and members of the Obi-in-Council, as well as members of the Okija Big Brother Assembly, youths and women of the community.
The gathering was a colourful demonstration of Okija’s rich cultural heritage and strong communal bonds.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to come together in an atmosphere of friendship, unity and goodwill.
For many of those who attended, the occasion was not merely about the celebration of a traditional title but also about recognising the importance of leadership and service to the community.
The title of Lord Mayor of Okija carries significant honour, but it also comes with expectations of responsibility, service and commitment to the advancement of the community.
As Lord Mayor of Okija, High Chief Christian Okonkwo joins other community stakeholders in carrying forward the values of unity, peace, cultural identity and development.
The celebration ended as a memorable gathering that brought together the church, traditional institution, community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders.
It was, indeed, a day of thanksgiving, culture and celebration for Ezinwaputaife and the people of Okija.
