IKONNE, DR. I. A.

Date of Birth: Tuesday (Eke) L' January, 1929 State of Origin: Abia Local Government Area Aba North Village/Town: Osusu He was born great, life turned him down and disappointed him but Godagain lifted him to the great seat and throne ol"success through obedience to God. hard work, positiveand creative mind, refusal to do evil and love for others. His Royal Majesty's life is a real Big Lesson to all whoreallywant to be at peace withGod and Man- the ability lo trust God. and do the right. He is magnanimous like the Biblical Joseph who never harboured hatred even for those who sold him or against the woman who blackmailed him. Forgive every one and God will make you shine like an Icon. His Royal Majesty Eze Dr Ikonne was born on Is' January. 1929 lo the family of Chief Ikonne Nwachukwu and his wife Mrs Ahudiya Ikonne Nwachukwu in Osusu Aba Village in Aba North Local Government Area. Education This was a tragedy which God turned to be a blessing. • Bizman Primary School (now Market Road Primary School) Aba 1938 1940 • Was withdrawn from school by his father on accountof harsh Hogging from one of his teachers, followed by the suddendeath ofhis mother andas the only child ofthe mother, did not gel back to school again. But was still loved by his father. • Sent in 1941 to Chief Leo Uzoigwe at Onitsha to serve - but was let down 1942. an apprentice trader under MrNwangene at No40 Market Road. Aba but again cameback afterone year The struggle for survival Came home and began work asa wine taper 1944 1945. God prospered him and he was able to buy a while bicycle use in the running around to sell His palm wine. Bought the bicycle at One Pound, ten shillings. (£1: 10s) then a big money! Had agood companion and work mate Mr. John Ezuruike with whom he went to different markets lo sell the Palm Wine. In 1950, bought the first car called 'Victor Vosol' for commercial purposes in his Palm Wine sales and distribution. Opened up bigger business and from there got into Real Estate Business. Progressively, got into Export and Import sector up to Cameroon Republic Services to the Community His Majesty Eze Dr. Ikonne saw his phenomenal turn in fortune as divine. 1le therefore decided to serve God and humanity with all that he is and has beengiven by God. Acouncillor for Southern Ngwa County Council and Chairman of WorksCommittee • Chairman of PTA. Boys Technical College Osusu Chairman. Aba and Aba Ama Asaa Catholic Association • Chairman, Committee for the Creationof Aba North Local Government Area 1990 1991 • Chairman. Imo Traditional Welfare Fund Scheme Chairman. ImoStale Air Port Appeal Fund Chairman, Umunne Ise Traditional Rulers Council • Chairman. Abia South Traditional Rulers Council • Appointed Member and Patron. Ngwa Professionals Association ofNigeria Deputy Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers 2000 2003 Chairman. DrOrji UzorKalu Foundations • Chairman. Aba Na Ohazu Traditional Rulers Council Chairman. Aba North Traditional Rulers • Founder, Aba Metropolitan Royal Fathersand EldersForum • Chairman. Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers since 2003 date Contributions to Community and National Development • Constructed the Obohia Road through his Private Companv LA. Ikonne and Sons Nigeria Ltd in 1973 and donated it to the community • BuiltCustomaryCourt at Uratta in 1982 • Gave land for the Building ol'the World Famous Ariara Market in Aba Award of several scholarships to children from all parts ofthe state. • Championed the cause ofPeace and Progress in the state and has stopped intra and inter community clash over land or boundaries. • Enhanced the prestige and activities of Traditional Rulers. Other National • Director. AbaTextile Mills and Director Aba Community Bank Director. Durbar Hotel Limited Kaduna • Chairman. Traditional Rulers Fellowship of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Apostle of God. ordained 1987 in the Brotherhood. District Leader, Aba South Brotherhood ol'the Cross and Star Awards and Honours In 1971. Eze Ikonne was bestowed the title holder of EZEJI OHUABA ofAba na Ohazu EzeOkonko of Ngwaland 1973 Presented as the Traditional Ruler of Aba na Ohazu Community in 1974 Crowned the Traditional Ruler in 1975. recognised by the then Imo State Government Member of Imo Council ol'Ndi Eze 1979 1991 Nominated among "Who is Who' in Igboland 1978 National Association ofAbia Slate Merit Award 2001 Patron Award. National Orientation Agency ( NOA) via WAI Brigade 2001 Federation ol* Igbo Students University ol"Uyo Merit Award 2001 Ambassador of Peace and Justice for Chief Dr Orji Uzor Kalu *s Humanitarian Club. University ofNigeria Nsukka. 2001 African Commander of the Peace (ACP) Award . Courtesy ol'Association of African Preachers Network Int'l 2002 Grand Patron ol'Association of Philanthropic Management ofNigeria. 2002 Excellent Performance Award 2002 Ilonorary Doctorate Degree from Carolina Christian University, USA 2003 Grand Patron Abia State Disabled Sports Club 2004 Honorary Doctorate Degree Life Corporate Fellowship Award in Business Management. Carolina Christian University. USA 2004 Patron of Actors Guild Award 2003 Awardof Excellence in Community Leadership by Missionarieson Special Assignment Incorporated. 2004 Award for Excellence by Christian Movement ofNigeria 2004 Award ofthe Overall Winner ofNigeria All Media Links 2004 Royal Defender of Humanity 2004 by Nwamaka Motherless Babies HomeAba Award of Royal Comradeship by HRM Eze J.O. Onovo . Chairman Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers