Following a highly engaging Governing Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, received in her office a surprise courtesy visit from His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Thomas A. Obiwuru Obiefule (Okairuro I, Okwara-Akubueze II of Umudioka), the Paaramount Ruler of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom and President-General of the Association of Royal Rulers of Nigeria.
The arrival of the Royal Father was a moment of immense honour and cultural significance. He was warmly received by the Rector in the company of the Polytechnic’s Registrar, Mr. Stanley Ugochukwu Njoku, and the Bursar, Mrs. Adanne Chinyere Ojiuko.
His Majesty, who recently marked an extraordinary 46 years on the throne, presented the Rector with a copy of his newly published autobiography, “Eze Dr. Thomas A. Obiwuru Obiefule FCEI: In the Eyes of the World”. The book, an eloquent tribute to his royal journey and leadership legacy, was received with deep appreciation by the Rector.
During the visit, the Royal Father performed traditional rites, including the symbolic breaking of kolanut, and offered heartfelt prayers. He invoked divine blessings upon the Rector’s administration, praying for a peaceful, impactful, and legacy-driven tenure.
In his remarks, Eze Obiefule congratulated Dr. Igbokwe on her historic emergence as the first female Rector from the Orlu Senatorial Zone, describing her as a beacon of excellence and a source of pride to her people. He encouraged her to lead with wisdom, equity, and courage, and to champion transformative initiatives that would elevate the institution and leave an indelible mark in its history.
In a heartfelt response, Dr. (Mrs.) Igbokwe expressed deep gratitude to the Royal Father, describing the visit as both humbling and inspiring. She acknowledged the symbolic weight of the gesture, noting it as a powerful endorsement of her administration and a testament to the growing relevance of Federal Polytechnic Nekede in the region and beyond.
She thanked His Majesty for the thoughtful gift of his book and assured him that his blessings and wise counsel would serve as enduring motivation throughout her leadership journey. The Rector reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to peace, innovation, and institutional excellence.
Dr. Igbokwe also emphasized the importance of traditional institutions, noting that values such as unity, discipline, and community development would continue to guide her leadership approach. She pledged to strengthen ties with royal fathers across the region, acknowledging their critical role in grassroots development, youth mentorship, and the promotion of moral values.
The memorable visit concluded with group photographs, cultural displays, and warm interactions, further cementing the bond between academia and traditional leadership.
Observers noted that this historic engagement reflects the growing influence of Federal Polytechnic Nekede as a bridge between knowledge, culture, and community advancement.
