Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, a Kwara-born business leader and philanthropist, has been honoured with the prestigious traditional title of 'Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba' by His Royal Highness, Eze J. Osoka Agwu, the Aba-Ukwu of Amaba-Ukwu Item in the Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

The title, awarded in recognition of Ajia's efforts towards inter-ethnic harmony, community development, and unity, establishes him as a cultural ambassador dedicated to reinforcing the bonds between different communities. The chieftaincy title was bestowed upon him at the royal palace during ceremonies held to celebrate the monarch's 20th coronation anniversary and 80th birthday.

During the event, Eze Osoka Agwu explained that the Eze-in-Council approved the honour to recognise Ajia's goodwill, character, and his enduring relationship with the community through their daughter, Prof Arunma Oteh. The monarch remarked that Ajia has been accepted as a son of Amaba-Ukwu Item due to his conduct rather than by birth.

In his acceptance speech, Ajia conveyed his profound gratitude to the monarch and the residents of the community for their warm embrace and for welcoming 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.

Ajia described the title 'Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba', meaning "Big 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.

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 pledged.

Ajia 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, 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, Rivers. He paid special tribute to his wife and family for their support.

In her remarks, 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. He is an exemplary Nigerian comfortable with a Hausa man, a Yoruba man, a Fulani man, and an Igbo man," she said.

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.

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.