Ajia Bags Abia Traditional Title, Pledges To Promote Unity, Community Pride

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Funab Group of Companies Ltd, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, has been honoured with the traditional title Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba by His Royal Highness, Eze J. Osoka Agwu, the Aba-Ukwu of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

A statement signed by Ajia’s Director of Communications, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, quoted Eze Osoka Agwu as saying that the honour was approved by the Eze-in-Council in recognition of his character, goodwill, and longstanding relationship with the community through our daughter, Prof Arunma Oteh.

He said Ajia had been accepted as a son of Amaba-Ukwu Item by conduct rather than birth.

In his acceptance speech, Ajia, who is also Dan Amanan Fune, Emirate of Yobe State, expressed gratitude to the monarch and the entire community for embracing him.

He said: “From the very first day I met you, through my mother, Professor Arunma Oteh, you made me feel like a real son. You introduced me to the entire community as one of your own,” he said.

Ajia described the title Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba, meaning “My Dear Brother from Another Land,” as unique and deeply symbolic, adding that accepting it meant a great deal to him.

“Honouring me is also honouring my mother for her efforts and contributions in raising the bar of this community,” he said.

He thanked the monarch for recognising the impact of Oteh, whom he described as an international figure and a respected daughter of the community.

Ajia pledged to serve as a worthy ambassador of Amaba-Ukwu Item, promising to project the community positively wherever he goes.

“I assure the sons and daughters of this community that I will be a good ambassador, and I will continue to let the world know that my mother is a great daughter of this land,” Ajia said.

He also thanked his family, friends, and well-wishers who travelled from far and near to grace the occasion, including Hon. Chima Ayazu and Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie the CEO of IAC Ltd, security officials led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Abia State command, DCP Shaffa Hayatu as well as his friends from Ikwerre Community, Port Harcourt.

In her remarks, Oteh, Ajia’s adopted mother said the title accurately reflected Ajia’s personality and national outlook.

“The chieftaincy title, Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba, truly personifies who Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia is,” she said.

She continued: “He is an exemplary Nigerian comfortable with a Hausa man, a Yoruba man, a Fulani man, and an Igbo man.”

Oteh, who is currently an Academic resident at the Said Business School, Oxford University and Chair of the Board of the Royal African Society UK, noted that Ajia’s inclusive character was evident from the very first meeting between him and the traditional ruler.