The Umunneochi Traditional Rulers’ Advisory Council in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, on Friday, conferred the chieftaincy title of ‘Ike Oha 1 of Umunneochi’ on President Bola Tinubu.

The title means “the strength of the people,” and was conferred on the president at a civic reception, organised at Amuda Isuochi in honour of the immediate past Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

In a speech, the Chairman of the council and Ezema III of Lokpa, Eze Franklin Ohalezim, said the honour was in appreciation of Mr Tinubu for appointing Mrs Onyejeocha into his cabinet and for the achievements recorded during her tenure.

“President Tinubu gave our daughter the opportunity to explore her talent and serve her people and society well as minister,” Mr Ohalezim said.

Responding on behalf of the president, the National Welfare Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Donatus Nwankpa, thanked the royal fathers for the recognition as well as “gifting their daughter for national service.”

He commended Mrs Onyejeocha for bringing “peace and tranquility” to the ministry, adding that he was impressed by her hardwork and dedication.

Mr Tinubu said that it was difficult for him to accept her resignation and urged the traditional rulers to encourage her as she pursued her next political ambition.

The traditional rulers also conferred the title of ‘Anyanwu na enye ihie 1 of Umunneochi’ (meaning the sun that provides light) on Mrs Onyejeocha.

They described the title as a recognition of her numerous contributions to the growth and development of the area.

Conferring the title on her, Eze Ohalezim said that Ms Onyejeocha attracted several capital projects to Umunneochi LGA during her years in public service.

“Today, we gather to celebrate and honour our illustrious daughter of outstanding distinction, a woman of proven capacity, the pride of Isuochi and the entire Umunneochi,” he said.

In her remark, Mrs Onyejeocha urged the people of Umunneochi to reciprocate Mr Tinubu’s gesture by voting massively for him in 2027.

She said that she would contest the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency seat in 2027, adding that she would launch her campaign soon.

Mrs Onyejeocha represented the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency for four terms, between 2007 and 2023.

She was appointed minister in 2023 and recently tendered her resignation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a goodwill message at the event, the Abia State APC Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, lauded Mrs Onyejeocha for her contributions to society and called on the people to give her “maximum support” as she sought to return to the National Assembly.

Mr Chukwu gave assurance that the party would provide a level-playing field for the aspirants through transparent and credible primaries. 

(NAN)