The Apex body of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization Worldwide led by it’s President General, His Royal Majesty, Godspower Onuekwa, at it’s 2026 Ikwerre Day Celebration, conferred awards and honours on five of it’s illustrious sons for their contributions to the development of Ikwerre land and Rivers State in general.
Those honoured at the event included a former Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice PNC Agumagu, a Professor of International Law and former Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University (RSU), Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, a former Commissioner in the state, Sir. Owene Wonodi, business mongul and philanthropist, Engr. Grant Offor and the Eze-Omokpirikwu Clan in Elele Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Eze Okechukwu Okah.
Speaking at the event, Eze Onuekwa while congratulating the awardees, said the highly esteemed honours conferred on the awardees was in recognition of their good works, integrity, sacrifices and contributions towards the development and positively projecting the image of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality and expressed the hope that the awrdees will reciprocate the kind gestures of the body.
Eze Onuekwa who lamented the poor conditions of it’s Obiri Ikwerre property, added that over 15 plots of the land area has been successfully recovered since taken over the leadership of the body and appealed to well meaning politicians and other Ikwerre indigenes to assist the body in building a new and befiting Obiri Ikwerre.
“Ikwerre is our tribe, our heritage, and our identity. Let us remain proud of who we are. Let us continue to promote peace, love, unity, justice and development in our land,” the PG declared.
In a chat with newsmen after the event, one of the awardees and former VC of the state University, Prof. Sunday Nlerum Okogbule expressed appreciations to the leadership of the Ogbakor Ikwerre Organization for the award and pledged his commitment to continue to contribute towards the development and promotion of the ideals of the body and the society.
On his part, Sir Owene Wonodi described the award conferred on him as a call for more service to his fatherland and humanity adding that having been singled out from the few lot that was honoured shows that people have been watching his back.
“I do not know the parameters but I know it is about my track records in public service, private service and my service to God and humanity that may have endeared me to this award. It’s a call for service to my people. I am an unrepentant Ikwerre man,” he said.
A lecturer at the Rivers State University (RSU) and the CDC Chairman of Elele Alimini, Prof. Paulinus Woka Ihua who also spoke to newsmen charged Ikwerre people not to forget their cherished identity but to always show interest and participate in all activities that showcase their culture and traditions.
Former branch Assistant secretary of the body, Barr. Vincent Chukwu called for more publicity of the event to create awareness and draw the attention of the various Ikwerre communities in the state.
The National Publicity Secretary of body, High Chief Festus Emehuru told newsmen that the bi-yearly event was put together to showcase the culture of Ikwerre people as a land of cultural heritage. According to him, the significance of the event was to bring the people together in unity, to cherish their identity. He however attributed the low attendance at the event to the ongoing political party rallies and campaigns for the 2027 national elections in the state. Highlights of the 2026 Ikwerre Day celebrations included cultural dance exhibitions, wrestling contests and parades by participating communities in Ikwerre land.
