Dr Ekuma was honoured during the 2026 Ndinweze Day celebration held at Ndinweze Agbaja Primary School in Izzi Local Government Area, an event that combined cultural affirmation with renewed calls for community development.
The celebration commenced with a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Livinus Obijiofor, who urged the people to remain grateful to God and committed to service-driven leadership. He described the gathering as a symbol of unity and collective responsibility, noting that selfless service often attracts divine remembrance and communal honour.
Speaking after the Mass, Dr Ekuma said the chieftaincy title was bestowed in recognition of his appointment as Commissioner for Health, attributing the honour to the confidence reposed in him by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. He expressed gratitude to the governor and pledged continued loyalty and support to the administration.
Crowned Ugo-Mba I of Ndinweze, the commissioner assured the community of his commitment to attracting more development projects, stressing that peace and unity remained the foundation for sustainable progress.
He highlighted benefits already recorded under the state government’s People’s Charter of Needs, including improved road access and enhanced healthcare facilities.
Dr Ekuma also commended Governor Nwifuru for ongoing infrastructural projects in the area, notably road construction and the development of a community health centre, describing them as evidence of people-focused governance.
The lawmaker representing Izzi West State Constituency, Mr Godwin Abiri, described the honour as an affirmation of the governor’s inclusive leadership style.
He called for sustained community support for the administration and pledged to provide a borehole for Ndinweze community before May 2026.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr Francis Azuku, praised the peaceful disposition of the people and their culture of recognising service. He announced that Ndinweze Day would henceforth be celebrated annually to promote unity, peace and development.
Traditional leaders, including the Village Head of Ndinweze, Mr Nwamini Nwofeigbo, and the Traditional Ruler of Abofia Mgbo Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Paul Nwofe Alieze, described the chieftaincy titles conferred on Dr Ekuma and his wife as well deserved.
Decorated as Lolo Ugo-Mba I of Ndinweze, Chief Mrs Ekuma appealed for increased government support in agriculture, particularly the introduction of economic trees to empower women, widows and the elderly.
Highlights of the celebration included the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals, outreach to widows and persons living with disabilities, and renewed calls for government intervention in education, water supply, electricity and bridge construction.
Other dignitaries at the event, including the Chairman of the Revenue Appeal Commission, Right Hon. Augustine Nwankwegu, and the Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr Chukwuemeka Ofoke, described the occasion as a reflection of peace, unity and grassroots development in Ebonyi State.
Earlier, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Engr. Ifeanyi Ekuma, thanked the state government for its people-oriented leadership and outlined key developmental needs of the community, reaffirming Ndinweze’s support for the present administration.
