By Amaraizu Chidinma basetvreport@gmail.com
The traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Asadu (Igwe Ogadagidi), has expressed deep gratitude to his kinsmen of Ubogidi village for donating a vast parcel of land to him for community development projects.
Ubogidi, one of the villages that make up the Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, is the ancestral home of the revered monarch.
Speaking with journalists in Nsukka over the weekend, Igwe Asadu, who also serves as Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, described the donation as one of the most emotional moments of his reign.
According to him, the 20 plots of land, located just beside his palace, “drew tears from my eyes and melted my heart.”
He revealed that the land, which he has christened “Graceland: The 9th Wonder of the World,” will be transformed into a multipurpose cultural and empowerment hub, housing an event centre, museum, empowerment centre, and guest house, among other facilities.
“It is a game-changing phenomenon. I have never felt this happy in my life,” the monarch said. “Aside from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, no individual or community in the entire Enugu North Senatorial Zone has done something this remarkable to empower its people.
My village is called Ubogidi, and I owe them everything. The youths, in particular, played a major role in securing the land. When they told me to take as much as I wanted, I cried and they reminded me that kings don’t cry. But this was beyond my expectations. That’s why I named it Graceland truly, it is a land of grace,” Igwe Asadu said.
The monarch further disclosed that the site will serve as the official venue for major community events, including the Ofala Festival, New Yam Festival, Christmas celebrations, and other social gatherings.
He also announced that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Department of Archaeology and Tourism has invited him to deliver a public lecture on November 13, 2025, titled “Ofala Festival and Heritage Preservation in Igboland.”
Speaking on the forthcoming Iwa Ji and First Ofala Festival, scheduled for November 14 and 15, 2025, Igwe Asadu described the celebrations as “a festival of forgiveness, thanksgiving, and bountiful harvest.”
“It is a time to thank God for His goodness and for the peace in our land,” he said. “We will also be presenting merit awards to deserving individuals. Ferotex Engineering, for instance, provided heavy machinery for our ongoing road projects. We will also pray for our departed ones.”
According to him, several dignitaries are expected to grace the event, including the Deputy Governor of Delta State, the General Manager of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), a former Deputy Controller-General of Immigration, members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Prince Arthur Eze, and other distinguished personalities.
Igwe Asadu emphasized that all proceeds from the festival and related activities will be channeled toward the development of the Nweke Edem-Ani Market, an economic initiative he hopes to establish during his reign.
“If I’m able to lay the foundation for that market in my time, it will be both an honour and a challenge for other markets around. It will give my people an economy because without trade, development cannot thrive,” he noted.
Concluding, the royal father called on indigenes of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu and friends of the kingdom to come out in large numbers to celebrate with him.
“I urge all my people, home and abroad, to attend the Ofala Festival on November 15, 2025,” he said. “Now that I am the Chairman of Traditional Rulers in Enugu State, I must bless Igboland and bless Enugu State.”