From the very first day I met you, through my mother, Professor Arunma Oteh, you made me feel like a real son. You introduced me to the entire community as one of your own,
— Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia
Alhaji Chief Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D., has been honoured with the prestigious traditional title Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba by His Royal Highness, Eze J. Osoka Agwu, the Aba-Ukwu of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
The new Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Alhaji Chief Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia Ph.D in a traditional attire.
The chieftaincy title was conferred yesterday, Saturday 27th of December, 2025 at the royal palace during the activities marking the 80th birthday and 20th coronation anniversary of the monarch.
Speaking at the event, Eze Osoka Agwu said the honour was approved by the Eze-in-Council in recognition of Ajia’s character, goodwill, and longstanding relationship with the community through their daughter Prof Arunma Oteh , noting that he has been accepted as a son of Amaba-Ukwu Item by conduct rather than birth.
In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Ajia expressed deep gratitude to the monarch and the entire community for embracing him.
“From the very first day I met you, through my mother, Professor Arunma Oteh, you made me feel like a real son. You introduced me to the entire community as one of your own,” he said.
From the very first day I met you, through my mother, Professor Arunma Oteh, you made me feel like a real son. You introduced me to the entire community as one of your own,”
— Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia
Ajia described the title Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba, meaning “My Dear Brother from Another Land,” as unique and deeply symbolic, adding that accepting it meant a great deal to him.
“Honouring me is also honouring my mother for her efforts and contributions in raising the bar of this community,” he said, while thanking the monarch for recognising the impact of Professor Arunma Oteh, whom he described as an international figure and a respected daughter of the community.
“Honouring me is also honouring my mother for her efforts and contributions in raising the bar of this community,”
— Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia
He pledged to serve as a worthy ambassador of Amaba-Ukwu Item, promising to project the community positively wherever he goes.
“I assure the sons and daughters of this community that I will be a good ambassador, and I will continue to let the world know that my mother is a great daughter of this land,” Ajia said.
“I assure the sons and daughters of this community that I will be a good ambassador, and I will continue to let the world know that my mother is a great daughter of this land,”
— Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia
He also thanked his family, friends, and well-wishers who travelled from far and near to grace the occasion, including Hon. Chima Ayazu and Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie the CEO of IAC Ltd f, security officials led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Abia State command , DCP Shaffa Hayatu as well as his friends from Ikwerre Community, Port Harcourt. He paid special tribute to his wife and family for their support.
In her remarks, Professor Arunma Oteh, Ajia’s adopted mother and a globally recognised leader in financial markets and economic development, said the title accurately reflected Ajia’s personality and national outlook.
“The chieftaincy title, Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba, truly personifies who Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia is,” she said.
The chieftaincy title, Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba, truly personifies who Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia is,”
— Prof. Arunma Oteh
“He is an exemplary Nigerian—comfortable with a Hausa man, a Yoruba man, a Fulani man, and an Igbo man.”
He is an exemplary Nigerian—comfortable with a Hausa man, a Yoruba man, a Fulani man, and an Igbo man.”
— Prof Arunma Oteh
Professor Oteh, who is currently an Academic residence at the Said Business School Oxford University and Chair of the Board of Royal Africa society UK , noted that Ajia’s inclusive character was evident from the very first meeting between him and the traditional ruler.
“From the beginning, that quality touched the Eze, touched my relatives and the entire community, and that is why the Eze deemed it fit to honour him,” she added.
“From the beginning, that quality touched the Eze, touched my relatives and the entire community, and that is why the Eze deemed it fit to honour him,”
— Prof Arunma Oteh
The ceremony drew dignitaries from across the country and further underscored Ajia’s growing reputation as a national bridge-builder, following his earlier conferment as Dan Amanan of Fune Emirate in Yobe State North East Nigeria .
