It was a moment of jubilation and celebration galore as the illustrious sons and daughters of Nnewi community gathered to celebrate 2023 Ofala festival in a grand style.
The event which attracted distinguished men and women within and across globe was held at the Igwe’ palace to mark his 60th year on the throne and to celebrate his 98th birthday.
Among the dignitaries were:former presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, former Governor of Enugu state Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi,the former Governor of Anambra State, Her excellency Dame Virgy Etiaba, the Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Prof Joseph Odirichukwu Ugboaja (OON),the Chief Officer of Chikason Group Chief Dr Alexander Chika Okafor, Chief George Muoghalu,Okosisi Nnewi Chief Dan Ulasi and many others.
Engr. Favour Chika Okafor the Group Executive Director,Chikason Group and Executive Coordinator Rock Foundation for widows ,Orphans and less privileged (ROFWOL))a foundation she started 12 years ago to help the less privileged within the country and across the globe was conferred with the traditional title of Iyom Chibugo Nnewi(a traditional rite for honoring igbo women after creditable service in life)
The Igwe of Nnewi HRH Igwe Dr Kenneth Orizu 111 said that Engr Favour Chika Okafor had shown her submissiveness in all ramification which had proven her worthy to be conferred with this title Iyom Chibugo Nnew.
Speaking with the journalists, Engr. Okafor appreciated the longest reigning Monarch HRH Igwe Kenneth Orizu 111 for honouring her with the title Iyom Chibugo Nnewi. “the title is an assignment which is tasking” she said
“Necessity has been led on me which is not something that I will just fold my hands “she added
She revealed that the title she received ; she has to give back to the society, using her life to educate others and maintaining the honour bestowed on her.
Engr. Okafor disclosed that the title given to her was the highest honour a woman could get in Igboland.
She said that she had been of help to people secretly especially helping people with low esteem to upgrade and she had established charitable Organization which was basically for widows and children who are economically disadvantaged to receive education at least from primary to secondary level.
She also disclosed that she has started a project of putting primary and secondary education online which must be free for all children.
On the side of widows, Chief Okafor had created awareness against cervical cancer which had killed many women that contacted it.
She revealed that the virus could be transmitted through sexual intercourse and advised women to be screened because the virus could be prevented.
Chief Okafor said that the foundation was to help economically disadvantaged widows and girls to be screened by sourcing for funds from friends and supporters and even from government for vaccines to prevent this virus from spreading.
“I am prudent and conservative with resources” she said
She urged people to get vaccinated from 9 to 14 years and even adults.
“I have been vaccinated, even my girls,it wasn’t harmful” she maintained
Engr Okafor, now to be addressed as Iyom Chibugo Nnewi had received several recognitions in her service to humanity from Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers as well as American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
“Aside the Corporate world, she is an inspirational guest speaker, a prolific writer with nine books to her credit.”
She preferred to be identified with the poor and downtrodden and happily married to Dr Alexander Chika Okafor the CEO of Chikason Group and blessed with six children.
