BREAKING: COMRADE NKEM OSSAI HONOURED WITH THE TITLE: “HIGH CHIEF ODENAMMUO 1” OF NDIOKE IBAGWA-AKA AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY

By Marilyn Ossai

History was yet made again at Ndioke Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South LGA, Enugu State, as a veteran journalist, Comrade Nkem Ossai was honoured, Dec. 31st 2023, with the highest chieftaincy title in the community of “High Chief Odenammuo 1” of Akwebi Kingdom.

It was the first of its kind in the community. Out of the 28 personalities honoured with a Chieftaincy title, Comrade Nkem Ossai was the only one honoured with the title of ‘High Chief.’

Educated at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Ibagwa-Aka (now Township School I lbagwa-Aka), the famous Rapid Results College London, Institute of Secretarial Studies Nsukka, Plateau School of Accountancy and Management Studies, Jos, and Abia State University, Uturu, he holds a Diploma,, a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree all in Mass Communication.

High Chief Nkem Ossai had experiences as a Computer Operator and later Computer Systems Analyst in various multinational companies where he had worked before getting admission to the university to study entirely a different thing from the profession he loved so much. His love for journalism was encouraged by his regular reading of late Dele Giwa’s column in Newswatch Magazine and the desire to make a difference in the society. This also led to his abandonment of computing to study Mass Communication all through.

His working experience spans 25 years in construction industry and the media before voluntarily quiting to found Greatmedia Nigeria Ltd. In the media, he was both a field reporter and Editor Features and Opinion with the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Port Harcourt, the publishers of The Tide newspaper. After leaving The Tide, he joined Rivigo (JV) Nigeria Ltd. as a Human Resource Manager. Rivigo was a joint venture between the Italian Conglomerate, Imprejilo SPA and the Rivers State Government. The company specializes in road, bridge and flyover construction.

A well travelled man, he returned home in 2015, to set up a Media and Communication Consultancy Company in his home town and becoming it’s CEO. In April 2021, He was appointed Chief Press Secretary by the then Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Dr. Peter Andy Omeje, a position he redefined the management of information and communication for political office holders.

His doggedness in the area of youth employment, empowerment and the struggle for a separate autonomy for his people endeared him to his people. Again, his style of writing which is philosophical and is capable of opening many locked doors, attracted many projects, appointments and helped in bringing philanthropist to help pay hospital bills for a fire victim and several sick people led the late Igwe, Eze ‘Onyemegbule Ibeya’ the first to name him ‘Odenammuo.’

The struggle to carve a distinct community autonomy from Ibagwa-Aka which started since December 2009 up to 2013, culminating in the eventual enthronement of former Prince Emmanuel Emeka Urama, as the second traditional ruler of the community, whom it pleased to recognize Nkem’s immense contributions to his community and indeed humanity using the power of the written word, led to the conferment of the title of “High Chief Odenammuo 1” which if translated literally means ‘a writer in spirit.’

The ceremony which brought two great traditional rulers, HRH, Igwe Hyacinth I. Eze and HRH, Igwe Prof. Ikenna Omeje, both from Ibagwa-Aka, will be remembered in the annals of the history of Ibagwa-Aka ancient kingdom. Truly, it will serve as a vehicle for a lasting peace in Ibagwa-Aka.

In attendance were the member representing Igbo-Eze South Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Harrison Ogara with his many friends. Hon. Dr. Peter Andy Omeje, immediate past Commissioner of Transport, Enugu State.

Members of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nsukka Federated Chapel were on hand to keep date with history. Chief Aniebo Nwamu, one of the finest journalists Nsukka has produced. Others were Comrades Brendan Eze, Chijioke Atrah (Chief), and Bruno Aruma and Comrade Onah Joseph O. a State Youth Leader.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Jude Odo, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Melitus Ezikanyi both of St. Mary’s and St. Theresa’s Catholic Church respectively were also there to pay respect.

Onowu Ede Sunday Omeke (Ugonabo), Hon. (Mayor) Dominic Ezema, Hon. (Mayor) Fidelis Ezema, Chief Chidi Omeje, an Abuja based media guru, Onowu Prince Johnson Eze, Hon. Emeka Udomo (Senator), CEO of Kenland Auto Ltd Sokoto, Chief Kenneth Ugwuanyi, CEO Nnanweze Auto Ltd. Nnewi and several other distinguished personalities too numerous to mention here.

Nkem Ossai has published two Newspapers: “Nigeria Today” and “Great news Post.” He has also published four academic papers.