The crowned prince of Enugunato-Ihe, Awgu local government area of Enugu state, Prince Emeka Aniagu, has said that he would float a foundation that would cater for the welfare of the less privileged in Ihe and beyond.
Prince Aniagu disclosed this on Sunday during the last Ofala festival of his late father, Igwe Ephraim M.C Aniagu, the Ezeudo Shikeaguma V11, Ozuluigbo Ndigbo 1 of Ihe held at the community primary school premises.
The last Ofala was also used to mark his 88th birthday had he lived till January 12, 2025, but he died in October, 2024.
Paying tribute to his father who, he said, lived an exemplary life as a philanthropist that helped humanity, Emeka said he would establish the foundation to continue the good work that his late father cherished.
“I’ll float a Foundation in memory of my late father, Igwe EMC Aniagu, the Ezeudo Shikeaguma VII, the Ozuluigbo Ndigbo 1 of Enugunato-Ihe. The Foundation will cater for the less privileged in our community and beyond.
“My father was a philanthropist who helped many in our community. Many he sent abroad and some he helped establish in business. I’ll therefore continue to do the good things that he did while alive,” he said.
Speaking at the interdenominational Ofala/Commendation Church Service, at the occasion, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Emeka Matthias Udeonu, urged the people of Enugunato-Ihe to emulate the life of their late king, Igwe EMC Aniagu who helped many in his community as far as sending about 1000 youths abroad for further education.
Udeonu said that it pays to live a good and worthy life and to leave a good legacy.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Felix Nnamani who represented Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, also urged the people to emulate the late Igwe’s way of life, pointing out that he helped people and the development of his community.
The last Ofala/birthday of the late monarch was attended by personalities of note such as the former Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ubosi, State commissioners, traditional rulers including the Chairman of Awgu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Cyprain Maduabuchi Nevo-Obasi.
