By Maxim Uzoatu
It marked a regal beginning to the year as His Royal Highness, Igwe Raphael Okpaleke, the lionized Igwe Akalabo III of Amesi, conferred the esteemed chieftaincy title of Nwanne-Di-Na-Mba of Amesi on Chike Henry Ezeoke, PhD, during his 2nd Ofala Festival that marked the third year of his reign on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
It was a royal fest that drew dignitaries from all over the country and the Diaspora.
A wunderkind from Umugama village in Umuchu town, Chike Ezeoke holds aloft the high Ozo diadem of Ume-Ononamba-Azaoku Umuchu, and earned the academic degrees of B.Pharm (University of Jos, Nigeria), M.PH (Maastricht, The Netherlands), and PhD (USA) alongside certifications from Harvard University.
Dr Chike Ezeoke who is the incumbent President of Igbo Association, Nashville, USA, is married to Pharm. (Dr) Nkechinyere Ezeoke with two children, Chioma and Chiemelie.
A self-effacing philanthropist who “believes in giving to his community without attracting too much attention to himself”, the personable Chike is the CEO of Chane Pharmacy, Nashville TN; CEO of Chane Healthcare Services, CEO of Chane Services, and has served as Senior Pharmacist at Walgreen Pharmacy, Nashville TN, and Senior Pharmacist at Kroger Group, Hermitage TN.
Chike exudes the lasting bonds of paternity, maternity and consanguinity as the cherished son of illustrious parents, Pius and Benedeth Ezeoke, and distinguished siblings such as the much-sought-after US-based physician Dr Cole, the commanding Ochiagha of the people General (Dr) Maurice, the dramatic churchman Rev Fr (Barrister) Anthony, the immigration doyenne Kainene, the inspirational retired Col & architect Justino, the astute Director of the national headcount Jude, and the amiable lastborn Ebere.
In bestowing the title of Nwanne-Di-Na-Mba of Amesi on the ever rendering Dr Chike Ezeoke, there is no doubt whatsoever that Igwe Ohazurume, Igwe Raphael Okpaleke, Igwe Akalabo III of Amesi scored a bulls-eye.
