K.O.K Conferred With Title Of ‘The Pride of the Igbo Nation’
By Orji Onyekwere
Actor, Kanayo Onyekwere Modestus Kanayo’s litany of successes and achievements was crowned recently with an additional feather in his cap. He was conferred with the traditional title of ‘Ugwu Ndigbo’ (The Pride of the Igbo Nation), at the 2023 Eri Festival.
The festival is in remembrance of Eri, the Progenitor of the Igbo Race. He was conferred with this title by HRM Eze Dr Chukwuemeka Eri, Eze Di Gboo, Eze Ora 34th, Eze Aka Ji Ovo Igbo (The Custodian of the Sacred Ovo Eri), on the 4th of November 2023.
The conferment was the highlight of a three day festival observed in remembrance of Eri, The Progenitor of Igbo Race.
The festival kicked off on Friday 3rd November, 2023, which is the World Eri Festival eve and was marked with a symposium on Igbo culture and tradition. The second day was marked with the annual visit to Agbanabo Ezu-Na-Omambala, then the Ezu-Na-Omambala River Conference followed by prayers and other activities which also included the conferment of titles and honors to deserving Igbo sons and daughters. The third day was a visit to the historic and cultural sites in Aguleri including dancers and masquerades outing.
According to the veteran actor, “this is a rare one that comes with great responsibility. A person who bears such title is expected to be above board both in character and conduct. He is expected to be a reference point of note and person of high moral rectitude, integrity, empathy, and outspoken. He should be the conscience of his people, who preserves the traditions, culture of his people.
K.O.K noted that the honor was a great responsibility he will not take for granted and for which, he will dedicate the rest of my life to.
The event was held at the Obu –Gad Royal Palace, Enugwu Aguleri, Iduu Eri Kingdom, Anambra East LGA of Anambra state and had in attendance sons and daughters of Iduu Eri kingdom and dignitaries from all over the world.
