Accra, Ghana – Mary Ikoku, a renowned figure in Nigeria’s development and public relations sphere, has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘Ugwu Igbo 1’ of Ghana chieftaincy title by the Eze Ndigbo Ghana, Dr. Amb. Chukwudi J Ihenetu.

This remarkable recognition comes as a tribute to Mary Ikoku’s exceptional integrity and leadership qualities that she has consistently demonstrated throughout her illustrious career, as well as her unwavering commitment to serving humanity.

The investiture ceremony took place during the 11th Igbo Day & New Yam Festival, held on September 17 at the picturesque Efua Sutherland Park, situated just opposite the National Theatre in Ghana.

Dr. Amb. Chukwudi J Ihenetu, the Eze Ndigbo Ghana, who presided over the ceremony, hailed Mary Ikoku’s outstanding leadership and pioneering contributions to humanitarian causes, emphasizing that her dedication sets her apart as a beacon among her peers.

Reacting to the honour, Mary Ikoku expressed her surprise and gratitude at receiving the title. She acknowledged that it served as a testament to the recognition of her contributions to the betterment of humanity through her intervention to the welfare of women and children by people beyond the borders of Nigeria.

Mary Ikoku is a multi-skilled development and policy expert specializing in strategy and communications. She has significantly advanced developmental initiatives in Nigeria, particularly focusing on women, children, the vulnerable and displaced populations, as well as policy formulation and execution.

In addition to her distinguished career, Mary Ikoku ventured into politics and stood as an aspirant for the House of Representatives in the Arochukwu-Ohafia Federal Constituency, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the previous general elections. Her multifaceted contributions have continued to inspire and make a lasting impact on various facets of society.

Mary Ikoku’s receipt of the ‘Ugwu Igbo 1’ chieftaincy title in Ghana stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to integrity, leadership, and service to humanity, further solidifying her legacy as a distinguished figure in Nigeria and beyond.

By Dan Maradun

Thousands of well wishers of the former Nigeria Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador Lt. Geneneral Tukur Yusuf Buratai retired witnessed the conferment of the most highly respected chieftaincy title of the Garkuwan Keffi by His Royal Highness (DR) Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, PhD Emir of Keffi.

General Buratai, who is unarguably one of Nigeria’s brightest stars as popularly addressed by his ’29 Course Mates’, is the current Nigeria Ambassador to Benin Republic and had received numerous chieftaincy titles from many reputable traditional rulers in the country, recognition him for putting his live on the line to save Nigeria Democracy.

A native of Biu Local government area of Borno State, Gen. Buratai one of the sons of Alhaji Yusuf Buratai, a war Veteran of blessed memory, thanked most sincerely the Emir of Keffi for honoring him with such exotic title, and promised the Emir of his total commitment and dedication to justify the confidence giving to him by the Keffi emirates.

Access weekly correspondent who witnessed the event said; presence of both serving and retired Military Officers, Politicians, Diplomats, Traditional rulers, captains of Industries, palace praise singers and many more were heavily felt at the high octane event.

Iperuland was agog on Thursday, November 18th, 2021 as a former member of the Federal House of Representatives who represented Remo Federal Constituency, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu was installed as the Seriki of Iperuland by His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperuland.

The installation which took at two different locations starting from the “Lopere Society House” (the traditional society by right expected to nominate and endorse individual fit for the post of Seriki and at the Palace of the Alaperu of Iperu.

It was gathered that office of the Seriki of Iperuland has been vacant for almost forty (40) years after the demise of Balogun Martins. There was no occupier of the title due to conflict of succession which eventually escalated to brewing conflicts amongst families, traditional institutions, among the Islamic faithful and various communities in Iperuland.

After forty years of succession-conflicts which had led to disintegration IperuLand, the installation of Adebutu provided the first opportunity where all factions were present, dialogue and made new dawn for Iperuland in unity.

After several successful meetings, Adebutu was unanimously selected as the Seriki of Iperuland by all factions who became united after forty years that the position has been vacant.

Iperuland has witnessed tremendous unity among the families, traditional councils in a short period after the nomination of Adebutu.

Contrary to misconceptions that the title is Islamic and not traditional, Adebutu while making his acceptance speech made known that the title of Seriki is a gazetted title which is the second in command amongst Kingmakers in Iperuland.

Hon. Ladi Adebutu has been a grassroot man who knows his onions and understands the terrain and his people,