In a grand celebration marking his 98th birthday and the 60th Ofala Festival, the Igwe of Nnewi, HRH Igwe Dr. K.O.N. Orizu III, praised the impressive strides of Nnewi, proudly declaring that the town had flourished without significant government intervention. The notable event, held on December 28, 2023, highlighted the town’s journey of self-development.
Igwe Orizu, in his speech, expressed gratitude and joy for the milestone, acknowledging the role of past heroes and the collective efforts of Nnewi’s residents. He emphasized the need for residents to celebrate the town’s achievements, considering it a Diamond Jubilee celebration.
“We did not arrive at this stage of Nnewi alone. We are here today because of the labors of our Heroes past and the cooperation of all Nnewi people,” Igwe Orizu stated.
Reflecting on the town’s history since 1963, Igwe Orizu recognized the contributions of past Obis, including D.G.U. Obi, Nnamdi Obi, Z.B.O. Okafor, Umudim, and I.H.O. Onyekaba. He paid tribute to individuals such as Chief M.C.K. Ajuluchukwu, Dr. A.A Nwafor-Orizu, Chief D.E Ulasi, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, Chief L.N.E Nsoedo, Chief A.E Ilodibe, Chief P.J.O Ilechukwu, Chief C.O Obienu, Sir L.P. Ojukwu, Chief Emma Izundu, Chief J.N.O Okoli, Chief Z. C. Obi, Chief Ben Nwosu, and General Momah.
Highlighting the transformative journey of Nnewi, Igwe Orizu mentioned the development of roads, the Agbo Edo market, and the establishment of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. He credited Nnewi’s industrialists, businessmen, and traders for the town’s progress, emphasizing the significance of industries such as Innoson vehicle industry.
“Nnewi is now a center of excellence in medicare, not only for Nnewi but for all neighboring states and towns. Nnewi could not have been what it is today without the input of our industrialists, businessmen, and traders,” he declared.
The monarch encouraged Nnewi’s younger generation to pursue education, public service, and careers in the uniformed forces. He concluded by expressing gratitude to individuals and organizations contributing to Nnewi’s development and wished everyone a safe journey back home and a prosperous new year in 2024. The celebration showcased the rich culture and achievements of Nnewi, capturing the essence of the town’s independent growth.