ELU OHAZU AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY PRESENTS EZE-ELECT AMID JUBILATION
It was jubilation galore as the people of Elu Ohazu Autonomous Community in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State formally presented their Eze-elect, Chief Evangelist Chinonyerem Nwakwue, to the public.
The historic event, which brought together the three villages that make up Elu Ohazu – Umunmesuru, Umunwogu and Umuonumaku – was held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Elu Ohazu Autonomous Community Council Hall.
The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer led by Catechist Obioma Evurulobi, followed by the introduction of dignitaries and guests.
In his welcome address, the President General of Elu Ohazu, Hon. Chris Akwara, expressed profound gratitude to God for making the event possible despite the challenges that trailed the selection process.
He commended the people for maintaining peace, unity and decorum throughout the period of contest and litigation, noting that their maturity had preserved the harmony of the community.
Hon. Akwara described the Eze-elect as a good, forthright, generous, peace-loving and God-fearing man, assuring that he would not disappoint the confidence reposed in him.
He expressed optimism that the reign of Chief Nwakwue would usher in enduring peace, stability and sustainable development in Elu Ohazu, urging the people to support and sustain him.
The profile of the Eze-elect was later read by his Personal Assistant, Mr. Joseph Chibuike Akwara, who formally introduced him to the gathering.
According to the citation, Chief Evangelist Chinonyerem Nwakwue was born on August 20, 1953, to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Enyinnaya Nwakwue.
He attended primary school at St. Cyprian’s School Ovim-Amaba in 1965 and obtained his School Certificate from National High School, Aba, in 1975.
After his secondary education, he worked as a teacher at Nenu Primary School, Obingwa Local Government Area, and later taught at Mgboko Umuanunu Community Secondary School between 1977 and 1979.
His professional career spanned several establishments. He worked for British Hotel Management Consultants contracted to run Crystal Park Hotel, Aba, as an internal auditor and assistant accountant from 1980 to 1984, and later served Israel Nwaobilo & Co (FCA) Chartered Accountants Aba.
A successful entrepreneur, Chief Nwakwue ventured into the cold room business and established outlets at Ohabiam, Ogwe, Ogbor Hill, and Ekeakpara between 2000 and 2010.
Chief Evangelist Chinonyerem Nwakwue is a registered member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and also holds a Diploma in Marketing from the Manchester Institute of Business.
His work experience further included service as General Manager at His Stripes (Nig.) Ltd as General Manager, employment at CHEMIRON International (Pharmaceutical) Company in Lagos as East Area Accountant, and later with Info and Brothers Group of Companies (Nig.) Ltd from 2003 to 2009.
In 2009, he answered the call of God to the office of Deliverance Ministry as an Evangelist and Founder, Freedom in Christ Jesus ( Evangelical and Deliverance ) Ministry.
The Eze-elect is happily married to Mrs. Gold Chinonyerem Nwakwue since 1984, and the union is blessed with four children – two males and two females – all graduates.
After the citation, Chief Nwakwue went round the arena acknowledging cheers from jubilant community members.
He was formally presented by the people of Umunmesuru village to the President General, who in turn presented him to the Traditional Prime Minister of Elu Ohazu, Chief Sunday Nnata (Dikeakolamba).
The Prime Minister handed him over to the oldest man in the community, Elder Hezekiah Akwara, for traditional capping, prayers and blessings for a peaceful and prosperous reign.
Thereafter, the Eze-elect was formally presented to the entire community amid thunderous applause, jubilation and canon shots.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Evangelist Nwakwue expressed deep gratitude to God and the community for entrusting him with the mantle of leadership.
He pledged to rule with the fear of God, fairness, humility and respect for all.
“Today marks a new chapter for Elu Ohazu. I stand before you not as a ruler above you, but as a servant of God committed to the welfare of every son and daughter of our community,” he declared.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Umunmesuru village, Engr. Obinna Nwogwugwu, described the presentation as a dream come true.
He said the Eze-elect emerged as the people’s choice, stressing that he never lobbied for the position.
“He is well-educated, humble, generous and God-fearing. We are confident that he will pilot the affairs of our community to enviable heights,” he stated.
Also speaking, the pioneer Youth President of Elu Ohazu Autonomous Community, Osondu Akwara, recalled the long and challenging process that led to the emergence of the Eze-elect.
He noted that despite prolonged litigation and stiff contest, justice eventually prevailed.
“Our Eze-elect is a good man. I am very happy. We will continue to support him for the progress of our community,” he said.
The event attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, political office holders and residents from within and outside Elu Ohazu.
Prominent among those present were HRM Eze Onyebuchi Ugwuzor, Chairman of Aba South Council of Traditional Rulers; his predecessor, HRM Eze Ibe Enyeazu; HRM Eze J. I. Ahunanya; HRM Eze E. I. O. Onyebuchi and other eminent personalities.
At the end of the ceremony, guests and well-wishers proceeded to the residence of the Eze-elect for a grand reception.
The successful presentation is widely seen as the dawn of a new era of unity, peace and development for Elu Ohazu Autonomous Community.
