Dr. James Chidiebere Celebrates New Yam Festival, Wife’s Chieftaincy Title and Thanksgiving in Grand Style
Dr. James Chidiebere Celebrates New Yam Festival, Wife’s Chieftaincy Title and Thanksgiving in Grand Style
Rt. Hon. Dr. James Chidiebere (Ozo na King), popularly known as “Onye irom ga asaram efere” (My enemy will wash plates for me), proved once again to be a crowd-puller any time, any day, anywhere.
His popularity within and outside Abia State soared even higher as he marked a three-in-one celebration encompassing the New Yam Festival, the conferment of a chieftaincy title on his wife, Mrs. Doris Hendimma Chinonso, and a thanksgiving service for his recovery from illness.
The well-attended event took place at his Umuakara Umuosi, Isiala Ngwa South country home on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Dignitaries from across and beyond Abia State attended the ceremony, including top government officials, politicians, captains of industry, traditional rulers, traditional medicine practitioners, and the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Hon. Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu, who graced the occasion with his entourage.
Speaking while declaring the event open, Hon. Nwaogwugwu thanked God for the life of the celebrant and congratulated him on the successful celebration.
He described Dr. Chidiebere as a renowned traditional medicine practitioner and philanthropist whose contributions to the development of Isiala Ngwa South and Abia State remain commendable. He prayed for God’s continued protection and blessings upon him and his family.
In his remarks, Dr. Chidiebere expressed profound gratitude to God for restoring his health, noting that it would be ungrateful not to return thanks to Him publicly for His mercies upon his life.
He said that the celebration also provided an opportunity to honour his wife who was conferred with the chieftaincy title of ‘Omasiri Diya’ I, by His Eminence, Eze Paul Nnamdi Okpanku, Ezeudo II of Mbutu Amairinisii Autonomous Community in Isiala Ngwa South LGA, and to formalize his membership of the Okonko group. He appreciated his guests and colleagues for coming to rejoice with him and his family.
In his goodwill message, the Royal Father of the Day, His Eminence Eze Okpanku, underscored the significance of the New Yam Festival as an integral aspect of Igbo cultural heritage, clarifying that the festival has no fetish undertone.
He described the celebrant as a man of wisdom, humility and notable leadership qualities, whose generosity has earned him respect within and outside the state.
The Royal Father wished him long life, good health and prosperity assuring him of his continued support.
On her part, Mrs. Doris Hendimma Chinonso, the newly installed ‘Omasiri Diya’ I of Mbutu Amairinisii’, expressed gratitude to the royal father for the honour and thanked her husband for his profound love and unwavering support.
She expressed optimism that the prestigious title would bring a positive impact to her family and the community.
The Gracious Ladies Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter led by Mrs. Oluchi Esonyeaku, added glamour to the ceremony as members turned out in large numbers to celebrate with Mrs. Chinonso, who is their associate member on her chieftaincy conferment.
The event featured cultural performances by various groups including Dr. Star Nwanma, Aba Ngwa Cultural Masters, Umuosi led by Nwazuo Osuagwu and Nkwa Mgba Joe Nwangwa, the Okonko group from Ubakala, Umuahia led by Chief Kanu Stormy, the renowned Ohafia War Dance (Ikperikpe Ogu), captivating displays by different masquerades among others.
The colourful event climaxed with a grand reception. Guests were treated to an assortment of continental and local dishes including suya freshly grilled on site by Victor Godwin (a.k.a MC Solution), and a steady flow of drinks from a cooling van.
The ceremony ended on a joyful note, with guests departing satisfied and full of praise for Rt. Hon. Dr. James Chidiebere (Ozo na King), whom they described as an illustrious son of Ngwa land and notable philanthropist.
