In a grand ceremony marked by rich cultural displays and an outpouring of goodwill, Hon. Okey Ogbodo, Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy, formally presented the Certificate of Return and Staff of Office to Igwe-elect Christian Michael Ogbonna Agwu of Ishienu Amofu Autonomous Community, Nkerefi, Enugu State, on Monday, March 24, 2025.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry, was attended by traditional rulers, government dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the public, all gathered to witness the formal recognition of their newly chosen monarch. Igwe Christian Michael Ogbonna Agwu emerged as the traditional ruler of Ishienu Amofu through a selection process conducted on March 30, 2023, by an electoral committee set up by the leadership of the autonomous community under the supervision of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs.
In his inaugural speech, Igwe Christian Michael Ogbonna Agwu expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, attributing his ascension to divine grace and the will of the people. “I stand here today deeply humbled and grateful to the Almighty God, who has made this day possible. Without His grace and favour, I would not be standing before you as your Igwe. This honour is not mine alone; it belongs to all of us, the sons and daughters of Ishienu Amofu, who believe in the strength of our traditions and the power of unity,” he declared.
Addressing the people of Ishienu Amofu, the Igwe-elect extended heartfelt appreciation for their support throughout the selection process and beyond. He acknowledged the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead with wisdom, fairness, and an unshakable commitment to the progress of the community. “I am immensely grateful for the overwhelming support I have received from every corner of Ishienu Amofu. This moment is a call to service, and I do not take it lightly. Leadership is not a position of privilege but of responsibility, and I urge every one of you to join hands with me as we strive to lift our great community to new heights of development and prosperity,” he stated.
The Igwe-elect emphasized the critical role of peace in achieving sustainable development, urging his people to embrace unity and harmony. He noted that the only way forward for Ishienu Amofu was through collective effort and peaceful coexistence. “My dear people, let me make it abundantly clear, progress can only exist where there is peace. No community, no kingdom, no nation can develop in an atmosphere of conflict and division. Let us put aside our differences and work together as one family, bound by our shared history, culture, and aspirations. It is only through unity that we can build a stronger, more prosperous Ishienu Amofu,” he appealed.
In his speech, Igwe Christian Michael Ogbonna Agwu took time to appreciate the government of Enugu State, particularly the leadership of Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whom he described as a visionary and transformational leader. He lauded the governor’s commitment to infrastructural development, economic growth, and good governance, all of which have positively impacted the lives of the people at the grassroots level. “I extend my deepest gratitude to our esteemed Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose visionary and exemplary leadership continues to transform our dear state. His dedication to the development of every sector has set a new standard for governance, and we are proud beneficiaries of his outstanding leadership. Your Excellency, we appreciate you, and we stand in full support of your administration’s developmental strides,” he stated.
Igwe Christian also acknowledged the efforts of the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Hon. Okey Ogbodo, for his dedication to ensuring that traditional institutions remain strong, respected, and well-structured. “I sincerely appreciate the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Hon. Okey Ogbodo, for his proactiveness and diligence in handling chieftaincy matters. Your commitment to upholding due process and ensuring that our traditional institutions are properly recognized and respected is commendable,” he noted.
Furthermore, he recognized the contributions of the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Hon. Chimaobi Okorie, for his role in fostering administration in the state. “I must also acknowledge the efforts of our Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Hon. Chimaobi Okorie, whose work in urban planning and rural development has been instrumental in improving the lives of our people. We appreciate your dedication and commitment to service,” he added.