By Peter Obiechina
The people of Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State have rewarded leading industrialist and philanthropist of note, Sir Patrick Sule Ugboma, with the traditional title, Ide Ogbahu. For the thousands of people who witnessed the epoch-making occasion, it was a case of honour from home, as ndi Ogbahu rose up as one to crown Ugboma Ide Ogbahu (Pillar of Ogbaru people).
The event, which took place on Monday, December 28, 2020, had in attendance the entire 13 traditional rulers from the area, who teamed up with His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), Obi of Onitsha and Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, to perform the coronation.
A native of Ossomala ancient kingdom, High Chief Sule Ugboma is the son of Lord Victor Nduka Ugboma, the first commissioned Nigerian Army Officer, with the impressive insignia, NA1.
A thoroughbred businessman, Sir Ugboma sits atop several companies, including DEC Oil & Gas Limited, a foremost indigenous pipeline construction company established in 1990.
Besides his pioneering efforts in indigenous participation in the sector, Sir Ugboma is, perhaps, better known for his huge humanitarian accomplishments. These include singlehandedly building and handing over of no fewer than 12 churches and chapels to the Catholic Church, and the grading of Ogbaru roads and empowerment programmes for the aged and needy.
“Your selection for the conferment of a chieftaincy title is an eloquent testimony of your selfless service to the community and an indication of your persistent spirit of hardwork over the years,” Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the Anambra State Government (SSG), wrote in a goodwill message.
Others who sent in felicitations include Hon. Chukwuka Onyema, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Primus Odili, Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor; Oseloka Obaze, former SSG; Hon. Arinzechukwu Awogu, caretaker chairman, Ogbaru LGA; Dr. Elizabeth Obiora, CEO, Hope Foundation, Ogbaru; Hon. Somto Udeze, member representing Ogbaru 11 constituency, Anambra State House of Assembly, and Chief (Dr.) Mike Areh, Ede Gbogbogaga of Onitsha.
Among the dignitaries that attended the historic event were Hon (Dr.) Tony Nwoye, the All Progressives Congress candidate in the 2017 gubernatorial election in Anambra State; Hon. Arinzechukwu Awogu, Chairman, Ogbaru LGA; Rep. Prince Chukwuma Onyema, Ogbaru Federal Constituency; Hon. Somto Udeze, Ogbaru II State Constituency; Hon. Sir Victor Afam Ogene; Chief Emeka Ogene ( Ogene of Obeagwe); Ogbaru Presidents- General Forum; Rt. Hon. Chinwe Claire Nwaebili, former Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly; Rev. Mrs Veronica Nzekwe, President General, Ogbaru Women Association; HRH, the Igwe of Nara, Enugu State, Igwe Ezeamama of Enugwu Umuonyia, and Igwe Ogene of Okpuno, amongst several others.