By Kelechi Ugo.

The entire people of Irete Autonomous Community in Owerri West Council Area of Imo State were in festive and happy mood on 28th December,2023 as their traditional ruler,HRH Eze Ethelbert Ekwelibe(Agubiam 1 of Irete) marked 10 years anniversary on the throne.

However, the event kicked off with thanksgiving church service,while the feast took place at Irete Primary School after the conferment of chieftaincy titles on the well-meaning individuals by the Monarch at his Palace.

Eze Ekwelibe expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for the gift of life.

 He stated that the event was organized to mark his thunderous achievements within 10 years of his reign as the traditional ruler of Irete Autonomous Community especially in the areas of peace and unity amongst the occupants.

According to him,"Irete Autonomous Community stayed 17 years without traditional ruler after its creation in 1996 giving God all the glories for assuming the Kingship throne in 2013".

Interestingly,Eze Ekwelibe conferred chieftaincy titles on the Chief Executive Officer of Desire Estate,High Chief Austin Asiegbu as Akusinachi 1 of Irete,Chief Chukwumeze Anorue(Ugochinyere 1of Irete),Chief Kingsley Orji among others.

In his appreciation,Chief Asiegbu thanked Eze Ekwelibe and entire Irete people for finding him worthy for such honour.

Chief Akusinachi as was conferred on him described the honour as an encouragement and reward for hardworking maintaining that his contributions toward community development and philanthropic gesture earned him the honour.

According to him,"it pays to be generous as well as touching the lives of the less privileged in the society positively".

Lending her voice, the wife of Chief Asiegbu,Lolo Mary Cynthia returned all glories to the Almighty God.

She described her husband as a man with a golden heart asking God for more grace, blessings and protections in their family.

Lolo Asiegbu seized the opportunity and extend her season's greetings to her Irete people,"Merry Christmas and prosperous year in advance my people".