Abiriba Monarch receives 2026 Most Outstanding Integrity Royal Father Award

The Paramount Ruler of Abiriba Kingdom and Enachioken of Abiriba, His Royal Majesty, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, has been honoured with the Most Outstanding Integrity Royal Father of the Year Award 2026 by the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ).

The prestigious award was presented to the monarch at the 2026 NACJ Integrity and Patriotism Awards held at the Lagos Airport Hotel on Friday, September 11.

The event, which had as its theme, “Integrity Is Everything,” brought together traditional rulers, public figures, professionals, journalists, business leaders and other distinguished Nigerians.

The award recognised Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV for what NACJ described as his exemplary leadership, integrity, patriotism, professional accomplishments, peace-building initiatives, infrastructural development and commitment to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Abiriba Kingdom.

The people gathered at the colourful ceremony to celebrate individuals who, according to the organisers, have distinguished themselves through character, integrity and service to society.

In its citation, NACJ described Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV as the 17th Enachioken of Abiriba Kingdom and the fourth Eze from the revered Nde Ekpe Royal Compound of the Kalu Ifegwu Ekpe Lineage.

Born on April 18, 1964, the monarch is a trained legal practitioner with academic qualifications including a B.Sc. in Government and Public Administration, LL.B, B.L. and LL.M in Law. He is also a certified member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators.

Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV was crowned Enachioken of Abiriba on March 23, 2000, at the age of 36, and has spent 26 years on the throne, a period marked by efforts to promote peace, unity, development and cultural preservation in the kingdom.

In 2003, he was recognised as a First-Class Traditional Ruler in Abia State by the then governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu.

Beyond his role as the Paramount Ruler of Abiriba Kingdom, the monarch has occupied several strategic leadership positions within the traditional institution in Abia State.

He served as Chairman of the Ohafia Traditional Rulers Council, Immediate Past Chairman of the Abia North Traditional Rulers Council and First Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council.

His leadership has also been associated with mediation and conflict resolution, particularly in parts of Abia State where he has participated in efforts aimed at resolving communal disputes and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The monarch has equally served on Administrative Panels of Inquiry, bringing to bear his experience in law, mediation, leadership and conflict resolution.

His reign in Abiriba has also witnessed infrastructural development and sustained efforts to strengthen the cultural identity and heritage of the community.

The latest recognition adds to previous honours received by the monarch. In 2025, he received the National Award for Exemplary Royal Leadership and Dedication to Cultural Heritage and Community Development, presented by the Minister of Defence on behalf of the organisers, Our Nigeria News Magazine.

Earlier at the NACJ ceremony, the keynote speaker, Dr. George Moghalu, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), called on Nigerians to see integrity and patriotism as responsibilities that should be embraced by every citizen, rather than qualities expected only from people in public office.

Moghalu identified corruption, declining public trust, tribalism, dishonesty in business, the growing “Japa” phenomenon and poor care for the environment as some of the challenges confronting the country.

He said the task of building a virile nation required truthfulness, even in small matters, love for the country, proper moral upbringing of children and the courage to stand for what is right, even when doing so comes at a personal cost.

Speaking after receiving the award, the Enachioken of Abiriba emphasised the enduring importance of integrity, saying that character and honesty remain among the greatest assets of any leader.

He said the trust reposed in him by the people of Abiriba had been strengthened by his commitment to the values of integrity, justice and responsible leadership.

The monarch urged Nigerians to always do what is right, regardless of the immediate consequences, stressing that honesty and integrity ultimately pay.

The President of NACJ, Dr. Charles Tola Okhai, said the association would continue to identify and celebrate Nigerians who have demonstrated proven integrity, encourage others to emulate their examples.

According to him, the association remains committed to promoting integrity, anti-corruption, ethical leadership and good governance through advocacy and recognition programmes.

For NACJ, the recognition of Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV represents more than an honour bestowed on a traditional ruler.

It is a celebration of a leadership philosophy anchored on character, justice, peace, service and responsibility to the people.

As the Enachioken of Abiriba continues his reign, the latest award has once again placed the spotlight on his contributions to traditional leadership, peace-building, community development and cultural preservation, while also underscoring the critical role traditional institutions can play in promoting ethical leadership and national cohesion.
(NAN)