It was jubilation galore in Unubi community, Nnewi South local government area of Anambra state, on Thursday, January 26, 2023, as a university don, Nze Prof. Maduabuchi Joseph Nwankwo, bagged the prestigious Ozo title in the community.
Prof. Nwankwo, senior lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, was honoured with the Ozo title of "Chinyelugo" as a mark of honour for his contributions to the community and society in general; especially for his giant strides in the legal profession.
The Ozo title was bestowed upon Prof. Nwankwo by a college of Ozo title holders. The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, town union heads, opinion leaders, family members and friends of the celebrant; as well as men and women from different walks of life.
The Ozo title of Prof. Nwankwo coincided with his victory at the election of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where he emerged as the new Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences on Thursday, January 26.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief celebrant, Prof. Nwankwo, thanked family members, friends, associates and people of the community, who contributed in their various ways to make the event a success.
He said that he took the title because of his special attraction and love for the beautiful cultural practice of Igbo people; adding that in his Unubi community, a person that has the Ozo title is regarded as a full-fledged man.
He also dismissed the perception from some conners that title holding is idolatry, and explained that Ozo title is symbolic of the fact that a man has become a stakeholder, an opinion leader and a bonafide member of the society.
Nwankwo likened Ozo title to the knighthood in the church, and said that what Ozo title holders do is to defend the culture and traditional practices of the people.
The ceremony featured different cultural displays, including masquerade displays, cultural dances, musical entertainment, among other side attractions.