ISINGWA COMMUNITY PRESENTS EZE-ELECT TO ISIALA NGWA NORTH MAYOR
It was jubilation galore as the people of Isingwa Autonomous Community formally presented their Eze-Elect, High Chief Emeka Akwarandu, to the Executive Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, Hon. Ambassador Innocent Chiedozie Uruakpa, in a significant step towards his official recognition as the traditional ruler of the community.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Isiala Ngwa North Council headquarters, Okpuala Ngwa on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, attracted a galaxy of distinguished personalities, traditional leaders, political office holders, community stakeholders, friends, relatives and well-wishers who came to witness the historic occasion.
The ceremony commenced immediately after the arrival of the Executive Mayor, Hon. Ambassador Innocent Chiedozie Uruakpa.
The profile of the Eze-elect was presented by Ambassador Gladday Nwokocha. He disclosed that the Eze-elect was born into the family of the late Mr. Joseph Akwarandu and began his academic journey at Amaoji Community School before attending Ihie High School and later St. Ephraim’s Secondary School, Owerrinta among others.
He described High Chief Akwarandu as a renowned philanthropist, community developer and advocate of peace whose humanitarian interventions and peace-building efforts have positively impacted not only Isingwa Autonomous Community but also neighbouring communities.
According to him, the Eze-elect has made significant contributions to the execution of several community development projects, scholarship schemes for students, poverty alleviation initiatives, infrastructure development, agricultural programmes, community support initiatives, sports development and youth empowerment, among other interventions.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Traditional Prime Minister of Isingwa Autonomous Community, High Chief Okwuchi Ukandu, expressed gratitude to God for making the presentation ceremony a reality.
He said the community was delighted and fully prepared to present its Eze-elect to the Executive Mayor, describing the occasion as a moment of joy and thanksgiving.
High Chief Ukandu recalled that Chief Emeka Akwarandu was unanimously selected as the Eze-elect of the community on Friday, July 1, 2026, stressing that he was eminently qualified, tested and worthy to provide purposeful leadership for the people.
He expressed confidence that God would continue to guide the community with love, unity and peace throughout the traditional leadership process.
He thereafter formally presented the Eze-elect to the Executive Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Hon. Ambassador Innocent Chiedozie Uruakpa, for official recognition and onward transmission of his name to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and later to the Governor of Abia State for the presentation of the Staff of Office.
The symbolic presentation drew prolonged applause from the audience.
In his remarks, the Executive Mayor, Hon. Ambassador Innocent Chiedozie Uruakpa, commended the people of Isingwa Autonomous Community for conducting a peaceful, transparent and unanimous selection process.
He described the presentation as another milestone for the local government and appreciated the community for maintaining peace throughout the exercise.
The Mayor assured them that the necessary documentation would be promptly processed and the name of the Eze-elect transmitted to the appropriate authorities to facilitate the issuance of the Staff of Office.
He also advised the Eze-elect to embrace inclusive leadership by carrying every segment of the community along and to discharge his traditional responsibilities with the fear of God.
He urged the people of Isingwa to return home rejoicing, declaring that God had answered their prayers.
Responding, High Chief Emeka Akwarandu expressed profound joy and gratitude over his emergence as the Eze-elect of Isingwa Autonomous Community.
He described Hon. Ambassador Innocent Chiedozie Uruakpa as a quintessential and visionary leader and thanked him for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation as well as for facilitating the successful presentation ceremony.
The Eze-elect also commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), for what he described as his quality, visionary and impactful leadership, adding that the people of the state had never had it so good since its creation.
High Chief Akwarandu pledged to work harmoniously with both the Executive Mayor and the state government in advancing the welfare and development of the people.
He assured that his reign would usher in an era of enduring peace, accelerated development, unity and renewed cultural pride in Isingwa Autonomous Community, while calling on all stakeholders to join hands in building a more prosperous community.
He expressed heartfelt appreciation to his wife, Chief Ngozi Akwarandu, their children and other members of his family for their unwavering love, prayers and support throughout the journey.
The Eze-elect equally thanked the people of Isingwa Autonomous Community for the overwhelming confidence, unity and trust they reposed in him through his unanimous selection, assuring them that he would not betray their confidence.
He also commended members of the planning committee for their commitment and sacrifices in ensuring the success of the event and concluded by returning all glory to God for making the occasion a resounding success.
He prayed for God’s protection and journey mercies upon everyone who attended the ceremony as they departed for their various destinations.
The event, which ended on a joyous note, was attended by several prominent personalities, including the Deputy Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Ahamdi Chiemela Ahamba; the Leader of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Albert Chima; Hon. Izuchi Sunday; Hon. Nelson Otokocha; Hon. Princewill Chisom; Hon. Hope Nkechi Chibueze; Hon. Clement Iwuji Ugorji; Mrs. Amarachi A. U. Okezie; Hon. Martins Orji, Comrade Chioma Onuagha, Comrade Prince Uba Onwukwe; Comrade Ngozi Ekwuruibe; High Chief Okwuchi Ukandu; Chinagozi Esochaghi; Chief Victor Ikechukwu Emelogu; Chief Ojimadu Isaac; Rev. Chigozie Achinihu (Obata Obie), Emeka Onyedilefu; Emenike Ehisianya of the BCA; Chimaobi Nwosu, among many others.
