The Dikenafai Ancient Kingdom in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo state has celebrated the first public outing of its new traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Eze Ezekiel Uchenna Odoemena, the Eze Ebubedike II of Dikenafai.
The event which held at Ezumezu Dikeoshie, marked the monarch’s official presentation and celebration of leadership, unity, and cultural heritage.
Highlights of the ceremony included a free medical outreach, showcasing the kingdom’s commitment to community welfare, peace talks with traditional rulers, emphasising unity and cooperation, the conferment of chieftaincy titles on illustrious sons who contributed to Dikenafai’s development, a visit to Orie Ukwu market, promoting local farm products and distributing goods to restore the market’s glory and traditional wrestling, "Ekere Mgba".
Eze Ezekiel Odoemena said that the Ezumezu festival is meant to unite the people, just as it signifies a new beginning for the community.
He observed that the medical outreach was not just about providing healthcare but also about building trust and unity in the community.
The royal father said that the community recognised the critical challenges in healthcare access and was using the medical outreach to bridge the gaps in healthcare delivery in Dikenafai.
The Traditional Ruler of Umuakam Autonomous Community, Eze P.E. Ewuzie, Akamigbo III of Umuakam, commended Eze Odoemena for facilitating the medical outreach, which brought doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to the community level.
He congratulated the Dikenafai monarch on being formally recognised by the Imo State Government and on receiving the support of his people.
The Head of the Medical Outreach team and the Dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Lagos, Prof. Francis Duru, credited the success of the outreach to the collaboration between Eze Odoemena and other stakeholders.
"This initiative underscores the power of collaboration. We were able to mobilise resources, personnel, and expertise to achieve remarkable outcomes. The smiles we see today are our greatest reward", he said.
Prof Duru assured that the medical outreach would now be an annual event with better services. He thanked the medical professionals who participated in the outreach programme.
Also speaking, a former member of the House of Representatives, Right Hon. Pascal Chigozie Obi, remarked that the medical intervention had given hope to the hopeless and helpless.
Another member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Barr Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere, graced the occasion.
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