THE talk in Uvuru as tradition meets modernity on 27 December at the coronation of Eze Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe, Ezeoha III is about a modern Uvuru with an assured future, an enhanced presence and new importance in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government, and the global sphere
Tradition, dances, and other spectacles would be in abundance. So would the future on which the Ezeoha III anchors his reign on development of Uvuru for the collective prosperity of the community.
What is happening on 27 December is the installation of the Ezeoha III, who has drawn up plans, programmes, projects that will take Uvuru to a future that will draw from the energies if its youth.
Uvuru Autonomous Community will be re-engineered by empowering the youth to direct their passion and power in Uvuru. Ezeoha III has it mapped with series of engagements that have prioritised the community’s needs.
“He is not doing something new. He has been developing the community over the years,” an elder of the community said. “He is going to do things differently, in bigger dimensions.
“Now that he is in-charge, he will see the challenges at closer range and deal with them. He has our full support.”
As we celebrate, the focus is on a brighter future unveiling before us, more prosperity for Uvuru from the youth empowerment programme, and the initiatives for the peace and security of Uvuru,” he said.
“Our excitements are in the expectations of a better Uvuru Autonomous Community,” another leader added.
The community’s confidence in Ezeoha III to improve its circumstance is not without reasons. He has always been there for Uvuru.
For over 22 years that he was a prominent member of the Ezeoha Uvuru Cabinet, the new Eze held the revered title of Nnanyereugo Obioha of Uvuru Ikedinairi and made meaningful contributions to Uvuru.
Eze Sir Iheanacho Mbalewe is grounded in the local customs and traditions of his people.
With his education in the United States of America, his experiences from living abroad and working there, Uvuru people are confident that he will deploy his knowledge to develop the land.
His passion for the development of Avuru, his closeness to the people, accounted for his unanimous choice as the new Eze.
Peace and unity of the community is important to him and wants to prioritise them.
“Our community needs peace and unity. Without peace we cannot achieve much. Without unity, we will be working at cross purposes, and the results of our efforts would be abysmal,” Eze Iheanacho Mbalewe has said, laying down the foundations of his reign.
“Development of Uvuru will not be possible without peace and unity. We have great people in our community. When we work together, we will be greater together.”
Uvuru had its first traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Eze Reuben Ugwuegbulem Mbalewe, recognised by the Imo State government on 1 January 1980 as Ezeoha I of Uvuru Ikedinairi.
Ezeoha I was the father of HRH Eze Sir Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe, the Ezeoha III of Uvuru.
On 27 December, tradition and modernity will unite for the good of Uvuru. Its people, and the neighbouring communities will soon be among those to testify that Uvuru has changed for better.