By Emeka Chiagahanam
A Royal Moment at Eziokpaligwe Square
Professor Chinedu Christy Okoye, a respected academic,
community leader and diaspora voice, has described the coronation of His Royal
Majesty, Igwe Uchenna Sunday Okonkwo, the Okpaligwe of Amawbia, as a defining
moment for unity, culture and renewed hope in the community.
Speaking at Eziokpaligwe Square in Amawbia, Anambra State,
during the colourful coronation ceremony held in early 2026, she said the event
marked a fresh beginning for the town after a long period without a crowned
traditional ruler.
The ceremony brought together indigenes at home and in the
diaspora, traditional stakeholders and cultural groups, all gathered to witness
the formal installation of the new monarch.
For Prof Okoye, who is widely known by the cultural title
“Light of Amawbia,” the event went beyond tradition—it represented healing,
unity and collective responsibility.
She is the Secretary of the Amawbia Town Union (ATU),
Houston, USA, and also an executive member of the Amawbia Town Women’s
Association, USA.
“A Joyful Return of Royal Leadership”
Speaking to journalists at the venue, Prof Okoye said the
coronation carried deep emotional meaning for Amawbia people both at home and
abroad.
“I am blessed to be here for the coronation of His Royal
Majesty, Igwe Uchenna Sunday Okonkwo, the Okpaligwe of Amawbia,” she said.
She noted that the community had experienced a difficult gap
in traditional leadership following the passing of the previous monarch after a
short reign.
“It is a thing of joy for me as a daughter of Amawbia, and
for all indigenes of Amawbia, and even those who love Amawbia,” she said. “We
came together in brotherhood and sisterhood to elect our new Igwe.”
According to her, the emergence of the new monarch
represents not only tradition, but also emotional healing and renewed unity for
the people.
Diaspora
Recognition and the “Light of Amawbia” Title
Prof Okoye also reflected on her role in the diaspora and
her recognition as the “Light of Amawbia,” a title she said was conferred on
her in 2022 by the ACO Women’s Association.
She said the honour recognised her contributions to
community development and her continued involvement in Amawbia affairs from
abroad.
“This shows recognition of my work for my hometown,” she
explained. “It shows I am very active and practical in the development of
Amawbia.”
She added that the recognition strengthened her commitment
to supporting development initiatives both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.
Call
for Unity Behind the New Monarch
Prof Okoye used the coronation platform to call on Amawbia
people to fully support their newly installed traditional ruler.
“Now that we have elected our Igwe, every single person—man,
woman, and child—must come together to support him,” she said.
She described Igwe Uchenna Okonkwo as a young, energetic and
visionary leader with ideas that could drive development across the community.
“He is a young, energetic man with vision,” she said. “We
must support him so that his vision can become reality for the good of Amawbia,
Anambra State, and Nigeria.”
Amawbia
Town Union Abroad: A Lifeline for Indigenes
Prof Okoye also spoke about the Amawbia Town Union (ATU) in
Houston, where she serves as elected secretary, describing it as a strong
support system for indigenes in the diaspora.
She said the union brings people together through support
during weddings, burials, emergencies and social events.
“When people are marrying, when there are funerals, or when
there is any need, we support one another,” she said.
She added that the union also organises Christmas parties
and youth picnics to help younger generations stay connected to their roots.
Women’s
Association and Community Support
As an executive member of the Amawbia Town Women’s
Association USA, she explained that the group operates across the United States
through virtual meetings and annual conventions.
The association, she said, focuses on women’s welfare, child
support and community assistance during major life events.
“We support one another so nobody feels alone,” she said.
“We make sure we remain one strong family, even in diaspora.”
Saving
the Igbo Language
One of her strongest concerns, Prof Okoye said, is the
decline of the Igbo language among younger generations abroad.
She warned that losing the language would mean losing
cultural identity.
“I am very concerned,” she said. “Language is how people
connect. If our children stop speaking Igbo, they will lose part of their identity.”
She encouraged parents to speak Igbo at home and noted that
some Igbo churches abroad already conduct services in the language.
Her
Journey as an Educator
Prof Okoye also reflected on her academic background,
including her years as Vice Principal at St John of God High School, Awka, and
her teaching role at Amawbia Boys High School (now Union Secondary School).
After moving to the United States in 1990, she taught at
Montclair State University in New Jersey, where she lectured in counselling and
education.
Now retired, she says she remains active in community
service.
“I am retired, but I am not tired,” she said with a smile.
A
Message of Hope for Amawbia
As the coronation continues to resonate two weeks after the
event, Prof Chinedu Christy Okoye’s message remains firm: Amawbia must stay
united, protect its culture, and support its new traditional leadership.
With a new Igwe on the throne and strong voices from the
diaspora, she believes Amawbia is entering a new chapter of peace, identity and
development.
Post a Comment