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From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Akwaihedi community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State has honoured an Nnewi-born don, Professor Clement Chigbo for contributing to knowledge and learning worthy of recognition.
The traditional ruler of the community,retired colnel Igwe C. C. Onebunne gave Prof Chigbo the chieftaincy title of Okammuta, a distinguished man in knowledge and learning in appreciation of his contributions to education in society.
Chigbo, a Prof in law, who has travelled to so many overseas countries as a law lecturer and consultant, said he was elated to receive the chieftaincy award from the Akwaihedi traditional ruler having considered him worthy to be so honoured.
“The traditional ruler of Akwaihedi, His Royal Majesty, retired colnel Igwe Onebunne deemed it fit to award me a chieftaincy title. When the letter came to me, I was surprised and I’m not quite familiar with our culture and tradition because I did not live the greater part of my life in our environment. I also had to consult extensively and widely about the chieftaincy award.
“The people I consulted strongly advised me to accept it, that it was a mark of honour and recognition of contributions I have made in society. I am conferred with the title of Okammuta 1 of Akwaihedi. I accepted it with humility. I think I’m worthy to receive the award for my contributions to knowledge and learning.
“That community, Akwaihedi has become of profound interest to me because much as I’m from Nnewi, my Nnewi community has not recognized or offered me this kind of award or recognition. I have absolutely no ill feeling about my town, but if it has to come from another community who recognized me, I think I now have strong bond to that community and I will use my endeavour to seek to bring infrastructural development in Akwaihedi.
“I will find a way to strategically influence the government both at the State and Federal level with the little contact I have. I will also try to influence the international community to make some strategic investment and infrastructural development and other things. I will bring development to that community,” he said.
On Anambra State, Prof Chigbo said the State has been blessed with good leadership from the time of transition to civil rule to the present democratic system. He noted that the State has been led by competent and result-oriented Governors, from Governors Chris Ngige; Peter Obi; Willie Obiano to Charles Soludo. He said they have done well but more needed to be done.
