Doris Ewoh, Enugu
In a display of love for the church and God, a former Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Nwabueze Nnamani (Ikeoha), has hosted the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, to a civic reception at his country home, during the Prelate’s Apostolic visit.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, was part of an apostolic tour of the Akegbe-Ugwu, Awgu, and Aninri Diocese (AAA Diocese). Chief Nnamani hosted the Prelate at his residence in Umuetugbu Oma, Akegbe-Ugwu.
Expressing his gratitude and joy, Chief Nnamani likened the moment to a biblical encounter, saying, “I feel like Zacchaeus who climbed the sycamore tree just to see Jesus.”
He described the visit as significant and spiritually uplifting, adding that it would inspire many unbelievers in the community to turn to Christ.
The Archbishop of Enugu Diocese, His Grace, Most Reverend Barr. Christopher Edeh, commended Chief Nnamani for his hospitality and steadfast support for the Church.
“Ikeoha means the people’s strength. He is the strength of this Diocese; he is the strength of this community. For someone of his caliber, he’s not ashamed to identify with us, and he’s not ashamed to identify with the Methodist Church Nigeria. To have Ikeoha is to have strength. We thank him for what he’s doing, and we appreciate him,” said Archbishop Edeh.
As part of the visit, the Prelate was also conferred with a chieftaincy title, Enyioha I of Enugu State, by the Chairman of the Akegbe-Ugwu Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Greg Ugwu.
In an interview with PACESETTER, His Royal Highness Igwe Greg Ugwu expressed delight over the Prelate’s visit, describing it as a historic moment for the community during his reign.
“Titles are given to exceptional people, and today he is being conferred a chieftaincy title due to his outstanding qualities. He is a great man. We see the good works he is doing to ensure that people serve God in spirit and in truth,” the traditional ruler said.
In response, the Prelate, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honor. He noted that the chieftaincy title made him feel truly embraced as a “son of the soil” and assured both the community and the palace of his continued prayers.
Archbishop Edeh further noted that the Prelate rightly deserves the title Enyioha of Igbo Land, highlighting that he is the first Prelate in the 183-year history of the Methodist Church Nigeria to initiate the construction of a Methodist university in Igbo Land.