By Victor Nwegede
The Amike Autonomous Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has conferred a prestigious chieftaincy title on a renowned legal practitioner, philanthropist, Chief Barrister Tochukwu Ogalegu, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to human capital development, youth empowerment, and community transformation.
Ogalegu was honoured during the second coronation anniversary of the traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Highness, Eze Michael Nwankwo (Ezeudo II of Amike Izhia), held at the royal palace in Amike Izhia in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State.
At the colourful ceremony, Ogalegu was bestowed with the title Ohabuenyi I of Amike Kingdom, marking what community leaders described as a reward for his sustained commitment to education, employment generation, infrastructure development, and social welfare.
Decorating the awardees alongside his wife, Lolo Victoria Nwankwo, the monarch urged them to remain steadfast in touching lives positively.
He announced that the coronation anniversary would henceforth be celebrated annually to promote the culture, unity, and development aspirations of the Amike people.
Chairman of the occasion and former Ebonyi State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Barrister Emmanuel Onwe, described the event as symbolic, stressing the importance of entrenching values of hard work, selflessness, and benevolence in society.
In his address, the President-General of the Amike Development Union, High Chief Godwin Ishiali, said the occasion marked a historic milestone for the community.
He commended Eze Michael Nwankwo as a people-oriented and detribalised monarch whose leadership has restored peace, unity, and accelerated development in the kingdom.
According to him, within just two years of Eze Nwankwo's reign, Amike has emerged as a socio-cultural and political force in Izhia, gaining recognition as a development hub and a major pillar of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
Speaking on Ogalegu’s impact, the community described him as more than a lawyer and businessman, calling him a “life-changer, door-opener, and hope-restorer.”
NATIONAL PANEL gathered that Ogalegu was born and raised in Ngbo in Ohaukwu LGA, and attended Central School Ezzangbo and Ecumenical Community Secondary School, Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo.
He obtained his law degree from Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, and was called to the Bar after graduating from the Nigerian Law School, Yola Campus.
A former President of the National Association of Ebonyi State Students (NAESS) and former Student Union Government President of Ebonyi State University, Ogalegu has remained deeply committed to public service beyond campus life.
Through the Zelunjo Empowerment Foundation, he has empowered thousands of youths and women through scholarships, education support, employment opportunities, and economic empowerment initiatives.
He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Garden 22, Abuja, Managing Director of Zelux Hotels and Suites, Zulex Farms Ltd, and a seasoned general contractor and merchant.
Speaking after receiving the chieftaincy title, Ogalegu pledged to expand his empowerment programmes across Amike Izhia and the entire Ohaukwu LGA.
Ogalagu disclosed that he has facilitated employment for over 500 youths into the Federal Civil Service, sponsored free WAEC registrations, and awarded scholarships to indigent students.
He further announced that he is currently constructing a 2.5-kilometre road in Amike Izhia, assuring the community that the project would be completed by February 2026.
Calling on well-meaning individuals to embrace a culture of giving, Ogalegu emphasized that meaningful youth engagement remains critical to addressing insecurity and achieving sustainable development.
He urged leaders and citizens to support government efforts by engaging young people through education, sports, and employment.
Former Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Barrister Clement Omekannaya Odah, described Ogalegu as a philanthropist whose impact cuts across families in the area, noting that nearly every household in Ohaukwu has benefitted from his generosity.
The ceremony attracted a massive turnout, with community groups and stakeholders celebrating Ogalegu’s recognition as a well-deserved honour for a life dedicated to service and human capital development.
