REPORTER: NKIRU EGWUI
Amawbia community was agog when Iyom Ebele Nwokoye was honoured with the traditional title of Iyom Mmadichie.
Amawbia community is deeply rooted in traditional dignity and respect for custom and tradition.
Among its most enduring institutions is IGBA-ODU, a reverred rite through which women of character, honour and standing are formally recognised
The IYOM title is one of the most prestigious honours bestowed upon women in traditional Igbo society.
Speaking shortly after the investiture , Mrs Ebele Nwokoye who expressed happiness over the new title, noted that IYOM title called Otu-odu in some parts of igbo is a true definition of womanhood in all ramiification.
The overwhelmed Iyom Mmadiche observed that with the present title, she has been given a big responsibility of an Ambassador of Igbo culture generally.
Iyom Mmadichie prayed God to bless and keep her husband for being at the forefront of the investiture and making her day.
For his part, Ozo Eddy Nwokoye, who is the husband to Iyom Mmaduchie said that he stands as a guarantor and a traditional surety to his beautiful wife to join the Iyom group and expressed happiness that her wife was the first woman to be bestowed such title in Amawbia.
Ozo Nwokoye noted that it was not the influence associated with the induction into the elite women society or the amount of wealth or beauty of the woman, rather it was the character shown by been a dedicated mother and contributing immensely to the success of her community.
Also speaking, a former Director General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Chief Ikem Odumodu expressed excitement because he loves traditional despite not grown up in the village.
Chief Odumodu noted that for Mrs Ebele to be bestowed Iyom title shows she is actively impacting positively in the life of people.
In a remark, the Ijele Amawbia, Ozo Chibuzo Okolo said traditional title was not a bad practice, saying that it was a long time culture practiced by their great grand fathers.
Ozo ijele Amawbia noted that iyom was a title given to a woman of integrity, and a good wife who has supported her husband and a philanthropist, noting that Iyom Mmadichie deserves the title and her wife will soon take the title as well.
Radio Nigeria correspondent Nkiru Egwui reports that the colourful event was a real cultural display which was held at Ozo Nwokoye compound in Amawbia.
