Henceforth, you may address me as High-Chief Dr Chinonso Obiefule — Nnanyereugo I of Nneato Nweafor.
Today, 22 September, His Royal Highness Eze Sir R. N. Nnanna, the Ekere II of Nneato Nweafor, together with the Nneato Nweafor Autonomous Community Council of Chiefs, presented me with the official instruments of office and conferred upon me the chieftaincy title of Nnanyereugo I of Nneato Nweafor Autonomous Community, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.
And this is a special title. As part of the Ìrì Jí Festival, several worthy individuals were honoured with chieftaincy titles, and I was humbled to be among the few conferred with the title of ‘High Chief’, a distinction that comes with an even greater responsibility to serve and represent our people well.
Nnanyereugo comes from Nna nyere ugo:
•Nna - father
•Nyere - gave or bestowed
•Ugo - literally “eagle,” but symbolically honour, excellence, prestige or glory in Igbo culture.
The title means “the Father has bestowed honour”. It recognises me as a man honoured first by God, the ultimate Father, and through my earthly father, from whom this honour and legacy were passed down to me.
In Igbo culture, a chieftaincy title is a call to greater responsibility: to serve your people, uphold the values of your community and use your influence to create opportunities for others. That is the responsibility I have accepted, and one I intend to take seriously.
My deepest gratitude goes to my family and friends who were present to witness this special day, to everyone who celebrated with me from near and far, and to His Royal Highness and the Council of Chiefs for finding me worthy of this honour.
—
High Chief Dr Chinonso Obiefule
Nnanyereugo I of Nneato Nweafor