It was a day of celebration and Joy as the people of Ugwu Ibere Autonomouss Community, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia States,Top Officials of Government at all levels and numerous friends rolled out drums to appreciate and thank God for the 25th coronation anniversary as well as the birthday celebrations of His Royal Majesty, Eze Prof Sir, Ezeudo Samuel Ifenwanta and his amiable wife Ugoeze Lady Catherine Ifenwanta.
The colourful event which took place at Ibere comprehensive secondary school field, Ahia Orie, Ibere attracted the presence of the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu, Senator Austin Akobundu, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Member Representing South East in North East Development Commission, Chief Sam Onuigbo, Royal Fathers, the Clergy among many distinguished Nigerians and also marked the 83rd and 74th birthdays of the Royal Father and his wife.
Speaking at the event, Governor Alex Otti represented by the Mayor Ikwuano LGA, Dr Anthony Nwaubani commended the leadership style of the Royal Father which he said was largely responsible for the prevailing peace in the community for about twenty – five years now and congratulated him on the celebrations.
In his speech, Senator Austin Akobundu assured that he will be deliberate in attracting projects that will benefit the community, revealing that he is already in discussions with indigenes on projects to be established in the area.
In a brief remark, a Son inlaw to the celebrants and Member North East Development Commission, Chief Sam Onuigbo while wishing the celebrants many happy returns, described Eze Ifenwanta as a rare Leader with exceptional leadership qualities and thanked Nigerians from all walks of life for gracing the occasion.
Welcoming his Guests, Eze Samuel Ifenwanta announced the decision of the community to donate a large expanse of land for the establishment of a polytechnic and appealed to prominent indigenes and government officials from the area to influence the government to accept the offer.
The Royal Father who expressed happiness for the prevailing peace in the community called on the State Government to enlighten community leaders on the Abia State Autonomous community law to prevent the usual conflict between Traditional Rulers and Town union leaders.
The Chairman on the occasion, Engineer Sir Kelechi Ogbonna described Eze Ifenwanta as a valuable asset to Ugwu Ibere and Abia State and wished him well.
Preaching a sermon earlier, the Methodist Bishop of Umuahia East Diocese, the Rt Rev Ikechukwu Nkulor urged Christians to always imbibe the spirit of thanksgiving as a way of appreciating God and described Eze Ifenwanta as a well learned, travelled, Great King who has positively influenced society.
Baring her mind on the celebrants, the first Child and daughter, Pastor Dame Princess Chinyere Ngozi Onuigbo, described her parents as epitome of discipline and God fearing and attributed their attainments to the sincere upbringing.
The event featured conferment Chieftaincy titles and awards on deserving individuals.
