NORTH CAROLINA/United States of America: Prominent indigenes of Anioma and Ika origin in Delta State, Nigeria, residing across the United States of America, recently gathered in grand style to honour one of their own, Dr. Anne Ighade, for earning a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from the prestigious University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Dr. Ighade, a native of Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area, is married to Dr. Andrew Ighade, a renowned pediatrician from Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State.
The event, which attracted dignitaries from various parts of the U.S., transcended a mere graduation celebration. It became a cultural showcase and a platform to extol Dr. Ighade’s virtues—her brilliance, humility, and exemplary character as a virtuous woman. Attendees described her as a beacon of academic excellence and a model of Ika and Anioma pride.
Adding colour to the occasion, Grand Knight Emeritus, Sir Tonna Okei, Ikuku Oma and Asoju Oba of Oyotunji, appeared in full Agbor traditional regalia. Accompanied by his wife, Yeye Asoju Oba, Dr. Toyin Okei, he presented an expensive wine to Chief Obi Melekwe, the Obazenu of Owa and traditional father of the day, who offered prayers and blessings for Dr. Ighade.
Sir Okei, who is also President of the Organization of Africa Unity, South Carolina, praised Dr. Ighade’s sterling attributes. “Agbor people are here to celebrate our wife because she is good and deserving. That’s why Ika sons and daughters travelled from across the United States to honour her as a mark of love and respect,” he said.
The presence of distinguished personalities, including Chief (Dr.) Obi Melekwe, Dr. Bernard Orewa and wife Franca, Pharmacist Sunny Obuseh and wife Doris, Barrister Anthony Onwordi (represented by his wife Cecilia), Dr. Phyl Ogwude Ogoh, Pastor and Mrs. Chucks Owuzo, Dr. Emmanuel and Mrs. Nkonyeasua Mordi, Mrs. Rachael Ajebon, Prof. Loretta Evivie, Dr. Uvoh Onoriobe and wife Chimenim, among others, was noted as a testament to Dr. Ighade’s widespread respect and admiration.
Mr. Joe Osazuwa and Dr. Joel Onofowokan joined others in showering praises, while Dr. Uvoh Onoriobe, who anchored the ceremony, described Dr. Ighade as “a bundle of humility and a woman with an enduring history of respect for all she meets.”
The celebration climaxed with lively cultural displays, group photographs, refreshments, and dancing, as guests took turns to celebrate the academic and personal accomplishments of Dr. Ighade.
