OWA: Prominent sons and daughters of the Owa Kingdom in Ika North-East Local Government Area are set to receive special royal honours as part of activities marking the 88th birthday of the Obi of Owa, Emmanuel Efeizomor II.
The week-long celebration is expected to recognize distinguished indigenes of the kingdom who have excelled in different fields and contributed to the socio-economic and cultural development of the community.
The disclosure was made by the Ceremonial Planning Committee during a press briefing at the royal palace in Owa-Oyibu.
Chairman of the committee and the Inneh of Owa Kingdom, Nkenchor Okwuokenye, said the highlight of the recognition would be the conferment of the prestigious Owa Grandmaster honour alongside several other royal awards to deserving individuals.
According to him, the identities of the award recipients will remain undisclosed until the day of the celebration.
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Okwuokenye, who also serves as the Personal Assistant to the monarch, addressed journalists alongside Prince Victor Efeizomor, a Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Sheriff Oborevwori administration in Delta State, and Prince Jegbefume Frank of Owa Kingdom.
He described the monarch as a symbol of stability and modern leadership, noting that Emmanuel Efeizomor II has spent nearly 66 years on the throne, guiding the kingdom through decades of transformation and development.
One of the major events lined up for the celebration is the Obi of Owa Unity Football Competition, designed to promote unity among youths from the eight clans that make up the Owa Kingdom.
The final match of the tournament will hold on March 10, 2026, at the sports pitch of the University of Delta, Owa-Alero Campus.
The chairman explained that the tournament has already brought together youths from the various communities, fostering friendship, healthy competition and unity.
According to him, winners and outstanding participants in the competition will receive prizes and cash rewards.
The celebration will also feature the conferment of royal awards and traditional titles on deserving individuals from within and outside the kingdom.
Okwuokenye said the monarch would personally conduct the chieftaincy title conferment ceremony, describing it as one of the most anticipated highlights of the celebration.
The main ceremony will take place on March 12, which has been designated as Award Day. During the event, distinguished sons and daughters of Owa Kingdom will be honoured for their contributions to the growth of the community.
The celebration will also include the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake in honour of the monarch.
Another highlight is Owa Cultural Day, scheduled for March 13, where various cultural groups will showcase traditional music, dance and heritage of the Owa people.
The festivities will conclude on March 14, 2026, with a grand Praise and Thanksgiving Service at the Owa Royal Palace grounds.
The event is expected to attract several dignitaries including traditional rulers, political leaders, business figures and well-wishers from across Nigeria.
Organisers described the celebration as more than a birthday event, noting that it represents a tribute to decades of visionary leadership, peace and unity in Owa Kingdom under the reign of Obi Efeizomor II.
