Celebrations Mark Centenary and 62 Years of Reign for Igwe Kenneth Orizu III
By Chizoba Njaka
The people of Nnewi are preparing to commemorate a significant milestone in the life of their esteemed traditional ruler, Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III. On October 30, 2025, Igwe Orizu III will celebrate his 100th birthday, a testament to his enduring commitment and service to his community. Since ascending the throne in 1963, he has ruled for 62 years, earning the distinction as Nigeria’s longest-serving monarch.
Igwe Orizu III’s reign has been distinguished by peace, stability, progress, and prosperity, fostering substantial growth within Nnewi. Under his stewardship, Nnewi has emerged as a prominent center of industrial and economic activity, attracting entrepreneurs and businesses from across Africa. His dedication to justice, fairness, and compassion has garnered him immense respect and affection from his subjects.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in his office at Awka, the Commissioner for Industry, Anambra State, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, extolled the virtues of Igwe Orizu III, describing him as "a remarkable man of peace, kindness, and wisdom, deeply compassionate towards others."
Mr. Udechukwu expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty for blessing Ndi Nnewi with such an exceptional leader, whose exemplary reign serves as a model for other traditional rulers.
He urged younger monarchs to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity, to ensure fairness and justice in their governance, and to foster unity and cohesion among their people.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of rulers demonstrating love and compassion in prioritizing the welfare of their subjects.
Congratulating Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III on his centenary and 62 years on the throne, Mr. Udechukwu acknowledged that Nnewi is truly blessed with a traditional ruler of his stature, and offered prayers for his continued longevity, good health, and sustained leadership. He hoped that the Igwe’s legacy would inspire generations to come.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Anambra State, Mr. Tochukwu Obodogha, commended Igwe Orizu III as a God-fearing leader whose reign has been instrumental in maintaining peace and fostering prosperity in Nnewi.
Mr. Obodogha emphasized the positive impact of the Igwe’s leadership in uniting the people of Nnewi, noting the harmonious coexistence of communities such as Umudim, Uruagu, and Utolu. Unlike other towns facing disputes over traditional leadership, Nnewi has experienced sustained peace under Igwe Orizu’s guidance.
He praised the monarch’s peacemaking role and encouraged the younger generation to draw inspiration from his qualities of kindness, contentment, and unwavering dedication to his people’s.
Mr. Obodogha also lauded the current administration’s infrastructural initiatives, highlighting the dualization of roads from Agulu to Ihiala and the construction of Igwe Orizu Road as significant contributions to the development of the area and wished the monarch continued good health and prosperity, expressing gratitude for his enduring leadership.
As Igwe Orizu III celebrates this remarkable milestone, calls have intensified for other traditional rulers to emulate his virtues of honesty, integrity, fairness, and justice. His legacy remains a profound inspiration, illustrating the positive impact of visionary leadership on community advancement.
The people of Nnewi and beyond offer prayers for Igwe Orizu III’s longevity and continued guidance, celebrating him as a symbol of peace, unity, and progress whose exemplary story continues to inspire.