Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inaugural Igwe Orizu III International Lecture on African Traditional Leadership, Culture and Development in Nnewi.
The lecture was organised in honour of the traditional ruler of Nnewi, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Kenneth Onyemaeke Orizu III, as part of activities marking his 101st birthday.
The event took place at the Igwe Orizu ICT Centre, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Permanent Site, Nnewi, following an invitation extended to President Tinubu by the organisers.
The programme was organised by Micstreams Production Ltd in collaboration with the Igwe Nnewi Palace and the Nnewi Youth Forum, bringing together prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, academics and other stakeholders.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, Chief John Nnia Nwodo Jr.; the organisation’s current President General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata; former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu; and former Anambra State Governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba.
Other notable attendees included Chief Osita Chidoka, Chief Dr. George Moghalu and Ambassador Anderson Madubike.
The lecture focused on the relevance of African traditional institutions in contemporary society, particularly their contributions to governance, peacebuilding, cultural preservation and sustainable development.
As part of efforts to preserve the monarch’s legacy, organisers announced plans for the establishment of the Igwe Orizu III Digital Archive and an annual Igwe Orizu III Peace Prize.
The digital archive is expected to preserve historical records and materials relating to the monarch and Nnewi’s cultural heritage, while the proposed peace prize will recognise contributions to peacebuilding.
The inaugural lecture formed the opening event of a two day programme celebrating the monarch’s 101st birthday and more than six decades on the throne.
