The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of zone 2, Ari Mohammed Ali, has commended His Royal Highness, Eze C.C. Nwokedi, describing him as a man of peace, integrity, vision and a detribalized Nigerian who loves his people with passion.
AIG Ali who stated this at the 2023 new yam festival organized by Dr. Nwokedi in his Palace in Ijegun on Sunday, the 17th of September noted that he was not surprised when he heard that Nwokedi is now the chairman of the Council of Ndi Eze in Lagos state, adding that he deserves the position.
The AIG commended Eze Nwokedi for seeing good things in the Nigeria Police Officers and called them for recognition with awards.
AIG Ali, who personally presented the awards to some of the deserving officers advised them to remain steadfast and continue to defend the image of the police for which they had been recognized.
“The essence of the award is to spur them to do more,” he noted.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Eze Nwokedi thanked God for his grace and faithfulness, particularly for the gift of life and his mercy adding that, “last year, I did it as Eze Ndi Igbo of Ijedodo and Ijegun communities, this year I’m celebrating the new yam as Chairman of Council of Ndi Eze Lagos State, Igbo Speaking Community.
Eze Nwokedi spoke about developments in the area especially the opening of a clinic for Ndi Igbo in Ijegun and Ijedodo Communities. He explained that any Igbo Speaking member of the community that has his card, that is sick and does not have money to treat himself can go to the clinic and be treated free while he would pick up the bills.
He also disclosed plans to set up an office and secure the services of seven lawyers to assist Ndi Igbo that have legal issues in courts in Lagos state which he would settle. According to him, he wants to change the narratives. “Some people die because of Malaria and Typhoid, somebody came to my palace to ask for N3,500.00 for treatment and I gave the person N10,000 because he does not like to see people suffering,” he stated.
About the significant of the Iriji festival, he told newsmen that in Igbo land, Ndigbo value August meeting, Iriji and Iwaji, festivals, that is why some of our Senators travel to celebrate it. “It is a prayer for the new yam to come and any good king that prays, God must bless his kingdom. That is what I am doing. From tomorrow, I start to eat the new yam. That is what the land requires,” he explained.
On his reasons for honouring Nigeria Policemen with awards and gifts, he noted that “Police men are human beings like us, who have families, protecting us and our properties they need to be encouraged to give their best. That is the reason I regularly give them awards and also I attach gifts to the awards.”
He advised Ndi Igbo in Lagos to always obey Lagos State Laws, and when they obey the laws, they would take them as brothers, Sisters and friends, adding that that is what he is trying to ensure in this state.
“I thank God for keeping me alive today, it is not easy, it is by the grace and mercy of God that has kept me alive today to celebrate. And I always celebrate it every third Sunday of September, so I have my day and I don’t change. It’s only the date that can change. Last year was 17th September, this year 17th September as well third Sunday.”
On why he had pre-event this year different from what he did the previous year, he explained that last year, he bought a cow for Ohanaeze, but this year he decided to buy one cow for Igbo Speaking Community because of their commitment towards fostering Igbo culture and coming to meeting with their dues.
“I gave my cabinet Chiefs one cow to share and they are all happy. Any gift he received as a King he must give to his people, he is not greedy, when he gives out to the people, they will be happy to pray for him. So, I always like to make people happy and they are happy.
The highlight of the occasion was the cutting of roasted tubers of yam, which was performed by Ndieze and other prominent Igbos in attendance.
Some of the dignitaries include: AIG Ari Mohammed Ali, the presiding officer of Zone 2 Command Onikan and his entourage, Bishop Anene Nwachukwu, the General Overseer, Rhema Deliverance Mission and his entourage, Rev. Chidi Anthony and Wife, Eze Alex Nwoye, Bobaselu of Ejigbo, Eze Njoku the Ezendigbo Bucknor, Eze (Barr.) and Apachi (Lekki) HRH. Jude Arinze – Eze Ndigbo Okota/Isolo (Vice Chairman Ndi Eze Council Lagos).
Others are: Eze Monday (Mushin), Eze Nwachukwu (Lagos State Igbo 1), Eze Ferdinand Aguneke – Eze kingsley Nwaololo ( Etiosa), Eze Sunday A. Ojukwu – Eze Ndigbo Awumo Odofin (Financial secretary Ndi Eze council Lagos), Eze John Nwoche , Eze Nicholas Njoku (Ejigbo) Ezendigbo Oshodi, Ezendigbo Satellite town, Ezendigbo Ikorodu, the President General of Igbo speaking community, Chief Sunday Udeh, Chief Martins Ugo former chairman electrical association of Ojo Alaba general market and friends, Hon. Nonso Chiufo, Hon. Ikenna Ezenwa, Prince Olusukanmi Ismail, Chief Randy Ugochukwu, Amb. Blossom Otabor amongst other dignitaries who are: Traditional rulers, titled men, Cabinet chiefs of Obi Eziokwu palace, Igbo speaking community, Ohaneze groups, Friends, well wishers of Eze Okpoko 1, Ezendigbo of Ijegun Ijeododo and a heavy presence of pressmen.
Eze Nwokedi used the occasion to also confer chieftaincy titles on some distinguished personalities.