By Anastasia Agunwa
The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has described the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, as a monarch enjoying the special grace of God, whose reign has brought honour, development, peace and prosperity to his people and Anambra State.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Speaker’s Senior Special Assistant and Chief Press Secretary, Rev. Emma Madu, and made available to journalists on October 29 in Awka.
Udeze, who conveyed his felicitations to the monarch on the occasion of his 101st birthday anniversary, described him as a highly revered traditional ruler whose exceptional longevity, wisdom and exemplary leadership have continued to inspire the people of Nnewi, the Igbo nation and Nigerians at large.
The speaker noted that Igwe Orizu’s exceptional longevity and remarkable mental alertness at over 100 years were special blessings from God, adding that the monarch remained a respected custodian of culture and tradition.
Recalling the monarch’s remarkable experience during a Christian pilgrimage to Israel in 2009, Udeze noted that Igwe Orizu climbed Mount Sinai at the age of 84, astonishing fellow pilgrims from different parts of the world with his strength and determination.
According to him, the accomplishment further demonstrated the monarch’s exceptional physical strength and the special grace of God upon his life, describing him as a source of pride to Anambra State and a worthy representative of the traditional institution.
The speaker called on the federal government to immortalise Igwe Kenneth Orizu III by naming a prominent public institution after him, noting that such recognition would honour his exceptional contributions to traditional leadership and his status as one of the world’s longest-serving living monarchs.
Udeze further urged the Igbo people to accord the Nnewi monarch the respect and honour he deserved, describing him as a symbol of cultural heritage, unity and continuity within the traditional institution.
He prayed God to continue to bless Igwe Orizu with good health, wisdom and longevity, enabling him to sustain his exemplary leadership and continue discharging his traditional responsibilities for the benefit of his people.
Anastasia Agunwa is of the Anambra State Ministry of Information and Value Reformation
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