APC Stalwart, Chief Chima Nwulu-Okoroafor Conferred Ezi-Uche Title

APC Stalwart, Chief Chima Nwuju-Okoroafor Confered With EZI-UCHE Title

By Amaechi Chidinma

“Hon. Chima Nwuju-Okoroafor has consistently supported the Orji vigilante group since the era of Engr. Richard Opara aa Orji President General (PG) to date. He is the former secretary of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Orji Division, and the Publicity Secretary of APC in Owerri North LGA.
He is also a member of the Media and Publicity subcommittee of Ahiajoku Lecture 2025 and the head Protocol, Contact and mobilization of IRI Ji EZE ORJI FESTIVAL 2025 among others.” – Chief Chukwuma Egbuokporo, Cabinet Secretary of Eze-Ugo of Orji.

In appreciation for his efforts towards community, human, and capital development .
The respected son of Orji community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State , Chief Chima Nwuju-Okoroafor was recently Confered with a prestigious Chieftaincy title “EZI-UCHE 1 of Orji”

The conferment ceremony, which was enshrined with the 2025 Iri ji Eze Orji (New Yam festival), was graced by high-profile Persomalities from the nooks and crannies of Nigeria and in diaspora who witnessed the event.

Responding to the honour given to him after the event , Chief Okoroafor expressed delight that his modest efforts in community service is being recognized, he said ” “This singular honor is a testament to the fact that one’s service to the community doesn’t go unnoticed. I am truly grateful to be part of this noble community.”

I am particularly grateful to Your Royal Majesty, (HRM) Eze Dr. Innocent Opara, Eze-Ugo 2 of Orji, for your wise leadership and peaceful disposition towards all.

To the Cabinet, Chieftaincy Advisory Committee, and the entire Orji people, I thank you for this great honor. I am committed to upholding the values and traditions of Orji and contributing to the community’s growth and development,” Chief Okoroafor concluded..

Chief Okoroafor maintained that the title is a reminder of the responsibility for dedication and integrity in the affairs of the community, as he pledged to continue being an instrument for development in Orji Community.
Speaking on the essence of the New Yam Festival in Igboland , Chief Okoroafor said that “man is a cultural being and a product of his environment.” He noted that they gathered to celebrate a timeless tradition that binds the people to their roots and ignites their vision for a united and prosperous future.

He reiterated that the festival is more than a harvest, but also a sacred moment to give thanks to the Almighty God and their ancestors for the bountiful yam harvest, being the backbone of the people’s sustenance and abundance.

According to Chief Okoroafor “New Yam” festival is also a time to reflect on our journey as a people, to honor our past, and to renew our bonds of brotherhood and commitment to a prosperous future for Orji Community. As we break the new yam together, let us remember the values that bind us “Nriko Na Njiko, Fostering our cultural heritage” in line with the theme of the year’s event.

Orji community, he said, has worked tirelessly to fulfill their constitutional aims including promoting socio-cultural growth, fostering peace and supporting their illustrious sons and daughters, stressing that they have mediated conflicts, and honoured those who uplift their community.

Chief Ezi-Uche, urged indigenes of Orji to rededicate themselves and commit to the growth of the community and to contribute to their collective strength and together, they can build roads, empower their youth and preserve their architecture.” He also urged youths to shun drug abuse and embrace the enabling environment to be productive members of the community. He commended Orji women as epitomized by the resourcefulness of Prof. Mrs Esther Ben-Onyeneke for their invaluable roles in sustaining their families, culture, and tradition.

He appreciated the indigenes for their wisdom and preserving their cultural identity and fostering peace, according to him, “As we share in this feast, let it be a pledge to uphold equity, justice and peace” May this New Yam Festival bring blessings, prosperity and harmony to every household”

Performing the “Iwaji the traditional ruler HRM. Eze Dr. Innocent Opara ” Eze Ugo 11 of Orji” showered blessing on Orji Community , wishing the indigenes well in the new season as he commended. the unique Iriji (New yam) cullture , he highlighted that Iriji is the cultural identity of Igboland.

Also, in his welcome address, the chairman, 2025 New Yam festival Central Planning Committee, Sir.Barr Emma Okey Egenamba
noted that the celebration is not just another festival on the Imo State cultural calendar,

Barr Egenamba recalled that for generations, their forefather tilled the fertile soil with sweat and dignity, feeding communities and preserving a legacy that continues to define them, stressing that iri-ji (New Yam Festival) is not only a thanksgiving for bountiful harvest but also a reaffirmation of their cultural pride, unity and enduring benevolence of the socioeconomic life of Imo State and Nigeria.
The chairman of the occasion, Chief CY Amadi, ably represented by Arch. Chiwuike Ohale thanked the planning committee for a job well done. He expressed delight on the theme of this Year’s occasion, which is encapsulated in a peaceful coexistence among Orji people. He further elucidated that it’s worthy of note that there is only one traditional ruler, the person of HRM Eze Dr. Innocent Opara, the Eze-Ugo 2 of Orji autonomous community who is the symbol of Orji pride, unity, and authority, he concluded.