Sunday, 29th December, 2024 was a day filled with glitz and glamour in Abiriba, a clan in Ohafia Local Government Area, as prominent Nigerians, impact makers, and change-makers across diverse endeavors gathered to celebrate with eminent businessman and lawyer, Chief Jackson Agbai, popularly known as Kukunda Abiriba, on his traditional retirement (Ime Uche) ceremony of Okezie Age Grade.
The age-grade celebration, also called Otaomu, Igba Uche, or Ime Uche (traditional retirement), is a ceremony for elders aged 60 to 65. During this event, they are celebrated and officially excused from active community service. This celebration takes place every three years in some communities in Abia State, particularly in Abiriba, Igbere, and Ohafia.
Generally, in Igbo land, the age-grade system is one of the most important pillars of the community. At a certain age, the youths of the community are initiated into active community service. Over time, they take responsibility for security, beautification, and various activities to improve the community. At any given point, several different age grades exist within this pipeline of active service.
The star-studded event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; former Nigerian Chief of Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (Rtd), and his wife; former DG, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Prof. Anya O. Anya, and his wife; and former GMD of First Bank of Nigeria PLC, Elder Urum Eke.
Others included the former Abia Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu; CEO of Virgin Rose Hotel, Lagos, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe; former Abia Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN; Chief Kelvin Jumbo; and other captains of industry and high-ranking politicians.
Our correspondent reports that the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, had already visited Chief Agbai to honour him a day before the event, alongside other top government officials.
Guests were lavishly entertained, and traditional dance troupes and masquerades spiced up the event – the Ekpe from Cross River State and the Ajofia masquerade from Anambra State.
Encomiums poured in torrents, describing the great impact Chief Agbai has made in the lives of people, how God has used him to transform lives in the community.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the latest Lexus 600 LX SUV by The Dover Hotel, Lagos. The vehicle, worth ₦350 million, was handed over by the Managing Director of the hotel, Mrs. Gloria Emordi. According to her, the car was purchased specifically for the occasion.
Additionally, a cash donation of ₦29 million was made by a group of friends, while the family of his wife presented another cash gift of $20,000.
Various other gifts, including expensive clothing, household wares, treasure boxes, exotic wines, over 150 wrappers, and human-sized photo frames, were also presented to Chief Agbai.
In a chat with newsmen, Chief Agbai said that though he is retiring from community service, he would continue to serve humanity, saying: “I would say in real terms, yes. I will be dropping the knife in Abiriba as tradition demands. We are governed by the age grades, and we have 13 age grades. At the apex, the age grade is Uke Ji Agbala. Once you get there, it is mandatory that you drop the knife, which means no one will call you to come for communal work, no one will call you to come and contribute money for anything, or to help them clear any bush. So, in real terms, I am dropping the knife in Abiriba. But in real life, we have seen that we will continue to struggle. Chief Afe Babalola has shown us what people can do even when they are 80. We have seen how much he has been able to transform the university which he started building at 80, so we must continue working to better humanity.”
See photos below:
