Ben Ezechime, Enugu
His Royal Majesty (HRM), Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers and traditional ruler of Edem-Ani in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been honoured with the Nutrition Champion and Ambassador Award.
The award was conferred by the State Committee on Food and Nutrition, in collaboration with the Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition, during an investiture ceremony held at the People’s Palace, Ozara Edem-Ani.
The event attracted government officials, community leaders, and stakeholders from the nutrition and development sectors.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Mrs Clara Nwakaego Eze, said the award was in recognition of the monarch’s exceptional humanitarian services to his people and neighbouring communities.
She described Igwe Asadu as a progressive and visionary leader whose achievements across critical sectors have positively transformed Edem-Ani while strengthening its cultural heritage.
According to her, the monarch’s leadership style reflects the values of ancient Igbo kingdoms, where authority is exercised with wisdom, accountability, and service to the people. She added that Edem-Ani has become a reference point for grassroots development and cultural preservation, inspiring neighbouring communities to adopt people-centred approaches to governance and development.
In his remarks, Igwe Asadu expressed gratitude to the State Committee on Food and Nutrition for the honour, describing food and nutrition as fundamental to human survival and healthy living.
He said the recognition further reinforced his resolve to establish a food bank within his palace, where indigent members of the community can access nutritionally balanced meals at any time of the day.
The monarch attributed his achievements to his belief that leadership is a divine responsibility rooted in humility and service to the people. He noted that true leadership is measured by how leaders treat those under their authority, stressing that respect, compassion, and fairness are indispensable qualities of effective leadership.
Igwe Asadu also observed that meaningful leadership is often reflected in small acts of kindness which, collectively, strengthen community bonds and promote unity. He added that since ascending the throne, he has initiated several projects aimed at improving the living standards of his people.
Highlights of the ceremony included a tour of the palace food bank and Graceland, described as the “ninth wonder of the world,” as well as the presentation of the award plaque to the monarch.
