The Special Assistant to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Special Duties and South-South Coordinator of the Ohanaeze Youth Wing Worldwide, Chief (Hon.) Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, has been honoured with the title “Ochiagha Umuntorobia 1 na South South” by the Ezendigbo Gburugburu in Akwa Ibom State, His Majesty (Dr.) AMB CYC Umeakuka, JP. The recognition was bestowed on him for his notable contributions to the upliftment and advancement of the Igbo community.
Arthur-Ugwa received the honour during the 2025 Igbo Unity Day celebration held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. At the event, he commended Governor Douye Diri for the remarkable strides of the Prosperity Administration and for appointing Igbo persons into key positions in his government.
As a proud ambassador of the Bayelsa State Government, Arthur-Ugwa presented branded T-shirts and face caps of Governor Diri to His Majesty, informing him of the governor’s ongoing developmental achievements and his inclusive leadership style that embraces the Igbo community in Bayelsa State.
He described the achievements of the Prosperity Government as a model of democratic excellence at the state level, highlighting its impact on governance and inter-ethnic harmony.
Arthur-Ugwa was invited by the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Hon. Kayceey Chidiadi, to participate in the Igbo Unity Day celebration—an event returning after 26 years of internal crises.
Presenting the award at the palace of the Ezendigbo Gburugburu, His Majesty (Dr.) CYC Umeakuka noted that Arthur-Ugwa had distinguished himself as a unifying force among Igbo youths and had remained a shining example of leadership, diligence, and excellence.
Dr. Umeakuka, who is also the President General Emeritus of Ezendigbo in Nigeria and the Diaspora, praised the awardee’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace and unity among Igbo youths across the South-South region.
In his acceptance remarks, Chief Arthur-Ugwa expressed profound gratitude to the Igbo community in Akwa Ibom for finding him worthy of the honour. He promised to continue dedicating himself to the advancement of Ohanaeze and the welfare of Igbo youths.
He noted that under his leadership, the Ohanaeze Youths in the South-South region had become a united family with no crises or supremacy tussles. He further encouraged Igbo youths across the country to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and exemplary wherever they reside.
Arthur-Ugwa also presented a meritorious award to the Ohanaeze Akwa Ibom leadership in recognition of their efforts in restoring peace in the chapter. He expressed optimism that their success story would inspire other Igbo leaders nationwide to choose the path of peace.
Speaking at the event, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity. He emphasized that all residents—regardless of ethnic background—are valued contributors to the state’s development.
He acknowledged that many Igbo residents were born and raised in Akwa Ibom and had established their businesses there, making them integral to the state’s social and economic fabric.
Governor Eno lauded the Igbo community for embracing peace and unity, core values of his administration, stressing that progress is only possible when people come together with a shared vision. He assured continued partnership with the Igbo community and other non-indigenous groups, provided they remain peaceful and law-abiding.
Earlier, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Hon. Kayceey Chidiadi, commended Governor Eno for his visionary leadership. He attributed the newfound peace in their forum to the governor’s unifying influence and expressed deep appreciation for appointing Igbo persons into his cabinet—an opportunity they had never enjoyed since the creation of the state.