The ancient town of Issele-Mkpitime in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State was agog with celebration on Saturday as the Traditional Ruler of the community, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Sunday Ubaka Ogboli, conferred a chieftaincy title on an illustrious daughter of the soil, Chief Edith Ngbanwa.
Chief Edith Ngbanwa, wife of renowned businessman and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Paul Ngbanwa, was honoured with the prestigious title of Ochiliozua of Issele-Mkpitime in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the community.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Issele-Mkpitime Royal Palace, attracted a large gathering of traditional chieftains, community leaders, political office holders, family members and well-wishers from across the state and beyond. The event was marked by an atmosphere of joy, gratitude and cultural splendour.
Presiding over the ceremony, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Sunday Ogboli, said the conferment of the title on Chief Edith Ngbanwa was a reflection of her selfless service, dedication to community development and commitment to the progress of Issele-Mkpitime. The revered monarch also commended her husband, Chief Paul Ngbanwa, for his unwavering support and contributions to the advancement of the community.
The Obi further called on indigenes of Issele-Mkpitime, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite and continue to support initiatives aimed at fostering peace, development and prosperity in the town.
Dignitaries present at the event included members of the Obi-in-Council such as the Ogene of Issele-Mkpitime, Chief Lawrence Njiokwu; the Isama, Chief John Ikediashi; the Ihama, Chief Benjamin Nwabuzor; the Kpapando, Chief Cynthia Unoma-Udeh; and the Nwadialor, Chief Chukwunweike Azuh.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the traditional capping of Chief Edith Ngbanwa with the Ochiliozua cap by the Obi, followed by her pledge of loyalty and allegiance to the throne and the people of Issele-Mkpitime.
Speaking shortly after the ceremony, Chief Edith Ngbanwa expressed profound gratitude to the traditional ruler, the Obi-in-Council and the entire people of Issele-Mkpitime for the honour bestowed on her. She pledged to remain a worthy ambassador of the community and to continue contributing meaningfully to its development.
She also paid glowing tribute to her husband, Chief Paul Ngbanwa, describing him as her pillar of strength and source of inspiration.
The celebration later moved from the palace to the Ngbanwa family residence, where guests were lavishly entertained in a colourful reception.
Among dignitaries in attendance were the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye; the former Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Chief Krees Njiokwuemeni; the Executive Assistant to the State Governor and former Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon Chief Jaunty Okwudi; leaders of the APC in Aniocha North; renowned chartered accountants, Pastor Bolum Chukwudi and Sir Benjamin Azuh; Past President Generals of Issele-Mkpitime Development Union, Mr. Achomuba Chukwudi and Mr. Oge Okwuka; Councillor representing Issele-Mkpitime in the Legislative Arm of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emeka Chiabua, and the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Celebrity Showcasenews, Deacon Chijioke Williams Ugbolue.
Also present were children of Chief and Chief Mrs. Paul Ngbanwa, as well as friends and well-wishers who travelled from Lagos, Abuja and other parts of the country to witness the historic occasion.
