Lifestyle
GODDY Ikeh, a veteran journalist and retired deputy editor-In-chief of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, has been honoured with the prestigious Ozo title of Ezennia by the Umugama kindred of Ezennaja Village in Oraukwu in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State.
Also honoured in the three-day ceremony attended by dignitaries from Abuja, Anambra and Ebonyi states, is his cousin, Ifeanyi Ikeh, (Kpakpando), the SSA on Political Affairs to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State and former Commissioner in Ebonyi State. Other members of the Ikeh family of Oraukwu, who were honoured included two US-based professional – Cyril Ikeh (Okwesilieze), Francis Ikeh (Odinigwe) and Ifeanyi Ikeh (Chinyelueze) Charles Ikeh (Ononaenyi) and Chukwudi Ikeh (Ezenwachinemelu)
The elated veteran journalist described the honour as well deserved for a senior citizen, who has contributed his quota to the development of the society and his immediate professional circle, where he has spent close to four decades of his life.
Ikeh, who is the chief executive officer of Fortworth Communications Agency, a media relations firm, is thrilled and full of gratitude to his Oraukwu Community, which found him worthy of this conferment. He is also grateful to his colleagues in the News Agency of Nigeria, professional colleagues and friends, who have taken time to congratulate him on this “new feather on his red cap”.
On the ceremony, Ikeh says that the Ozo title is not only prestigious in Igboland, it shows that your community holds you in high esteem. For instance, this is a title reserved only for indigenes of the community. It is only conferred to the worthy individual after he must have passed the screening exercise and showed proof of having the resources to fund the strict and enormous requirements for the elite group.
Apart from accepting to observe the rules of the elite group, which include being upright in your dealings with the society, being truthful and charitable at all times and promoting exemplary character and conduct among others. The recipient of the title is also reminded that he could be disrobed if he fails to uphold the tenets of the group.
With the installation, the recipient is now allowed to adorn the red cap and greet and acknowledge pleasantries in a special and dignified manner reserved for Ozo title holders.
Realnews reports that the Ozo title ceremony in most communities in Igboland has been modernized and no fetish ceremony is allowed to go with it, but the old Ufie dance is still part of the celebration.
– Feb. 2, 2018 @ 12:05 GMT |
Tags: Veteran Journalist Goddy Ikeh honoured with Prestigious 'Ozo' Title
