The Council of Ndi Eze Ndigbo in collaboration with the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos on Sunday, 5th November, 2023 bestowed the chieftaincy title of “Agu N’Eche Mba Ndigbo” on AIG Ari Mohammed of the zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force in recognition of his outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties. The groups described him as a non tribalistic senior Police officer who is firm, fair and just in the discharge of his job. He was also awarded the Best AIG.
In the same vein, Prince Idowu Olasukanmi was given the title of “Nwanne Di N’ Mba” “Omo Oba” of Ijegun Palace in recognition of his contributions towards engendering peace and unity in the area.
In his remark, the host of the event, Eze Chika Nwokedi, said the AIG has been awarded the best AIG for his sterling performances in his previous position as Commissioner of Police in Delta state before he was elevated to the AIG Zone 2 Command in Lagos.
Eze Nwokedi recalled that their relationship dates back to when he was the Divisional Police Officer in Apapa, noting that the AIG values humanity and does not show tribal tendency while handling cases.
He also described Prince Olusukanmi Idowu, as one man that has consistently placed peace and unity in matters of conflicts in Ijegun higher and above primordial tendency for which Ndigbo appreciates him. He encouraged all to live in peace and treat others fairly with love and respect irrespective of tribe.
Eze Nwokedi disclosed that the motive behind the chieftaincy title awarded was not for pecuniary gains neither was any of the recipients tasked financially for the conferment but was performed strictly on merit.
Responding, the representative of AIG Ari Mohammed Ali, Chijioke expressed gratitude to Eze Nwokedi and the entire team for the recognition and chieftaincy title, describing it as the result of hard work which the AIG epitomizes wherever he is posted, hence the honours conferred is deserving. He noted that the AIG’s new title accorded him by the Igbo speaking Community is a reflection of an achievement in competence and character.
On his part, Prince Olasukanmi Idowu “Omo Oba”of Ijegun who was conferred with the chieftaincy title “Nwanne Di N’ Mba 1” along sides wife expressed profound gratitude for being honored in recognition of his work and non tribalistic approach in handling the affairs of the Ijegun people despite the different tribal occupants under his father’s reign, adding that he sees the Igbos as one big family in unity and disclosed efforts made in maintaining peace among the tribes irrespective of their affiliations.
Prince Idowu noted that the title would further encourage him to make the right decisions in the community despite prevailing circumstances.
The CEO Segun Autos, a friend of Prince Idowu who accompanied him to the event described him as a good man deserving of the honorary Chieftaincy title. He mentioned the distinctive attributes of the prince, adding that he is totally against the act of land grabbing, resolves conflicts without sentiments, and advised him to keep up the good work. He also commended Eze Nwokedi and his team for the wisdom to promote unity among the people irrespective of tribe, background and political affiliations.
The event which took place on November 5th, 2023 at the Palace of Eze Nwokedi the Ezendigbo of Ijegun /Ijeododo communities was attended by the members of council of Ndieze in Lagos, Ezendigbo Ibeju Lekki, Obi Udo of Ijegun Ijeododo, CSO of Tradefair High Chief Chuka Christian Mekaowulu, Representative of AIG Ari Mohammed Ali, Executives of Igbo speaking community, Prince Olusukanmi Idowu, wife and cabinet chiefs of Ijegun palace, friends, well wishers of Prince Idowu.
Others are cabinet chiefs of “Obi Eziokwu” Palace, Chief Sunday Udeh the President-General of Igbo Speaking Community, Eze Sunday Ojukwu, Ezeudo, Ezendigbo Amuwo Odofin,
In his remark, the PG Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos Chief Sunday, noted that the inspiration to recognize the AIG and Prince Idowu was to promote love and unity among the different ethnic groups in the country, stating that both dignitaries honoured are deserving individuals as this would bring about unity and cooperation among the indigenes and non-indigenes.
Chief Sunday Udeh commended AIG Ali Mohammed for upholding a sound work ethics, noting that he has worked very hard in Yoruba land including the South west before he was promoted to the Assistant Inspector General of Police. He also commended Eze Nwokedi, describing him as a great man and for his selfless services to his immediate community in Lagos and in the eastern states.
On her part, Pst. (Mrs) Tessy Chika Nwokedi described Eze Nwokedi as a non-tribalistic man who sees people from other tribes as brothers and friends, adding that this has resulted in the initiative to recognize and appreciate people who are promoting peace and unity regardless of their ethnicity.
Recall that Eze (Dr.) Nwokedi, Chairman Council of Ndi Eze in Lagos state, has outstanding records with Nigeria Police over the decades. His passion about Nigeria Police men has necessitated his support and encouragement to officers and men of the Force.
According to him, Policemen and women are human beings like civilians who sacrifice their lives almost on daily basis to protect others, although it’s their assignment but they should be encouraged.