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Nigeria: Some Igbo Leaders Decorate Buhari With Chieftain Titles
Despite the agitations on the marginalization of their region, Igbo leaders in Nigeria have conferred chieftaincy titles on President Muhammadu Buhari.
The president on his brief visit to Ebonyi state was conferred the chieftaincy title of Ochi Oha Ndigbo (leader of all) of Igboland by the South East Traditional Rulers and Enyi Oma 1 (number one good friend) of Ebonyi State by the Ebonyi State Traditional Council.
In addition to the title conferred on him, the Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, also gave the number one citizen of Nigeria 2,000 bags of 25kg of Ebonyi rice, 2,000 tubers of yam and a white horse that signifies strength.
At the event, which occurred at State Executive Council chamber, Abakaliki, the president also met with several bigwigs of the state.
Among them are; President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, former governors of the state, the deputy governor, founders of the State, speaker of the House of Assembly, Chairman and Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ebonyi State chapter. Secretary to the State Government, SSG, and the State Traditional Council at the Council chamber, government house.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has appreciated Nigerians in the southeast region of the country for their enthusiasm about his visit.
He said: “I thank the people of the Southeast for the enthusiastic welcome they’ve accorded me since I arrived this morning. From Enugu to Abakaliki, I have enjoyed a profuse display of warmth from everyone; political leaders, traditional leaders, citizens. I thank you all. “The welcome also came with two chieftaincy titles: Enyioma 1 of Ebonyi, which I am told means Trustworthy friend of Ebonyi; and Ochioha Ndigbo, which means Leader of Igbo people.
I am a firm believer in the unity of Nigeria. Our diversity should be a source of strength, not weakness. “Let me make this clear: We will deliver on all our promises to you. I said it when I met with Southeast leaders last month in Abuja, in response to the issues they raised about the state of roads and infrastructure in the region. I’m saying it again: We will not let you down.
Let me especially commend Governor David Umahi for his vision and commitment to the development of Ebonyi state. We are united by our unwavering commitment towards ensuring that the lives of our people are made better by our service.”