Director/Patron

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 Eze Isu, Ezerioha IV and Durukparakata of Isu Ancient Kingdom

To do a proper citation of Eze (Dr.) E.F.N.I Akano, Eze Isu, Ezerioha IV Durukparakatam of Isu Ancient Kingdom, it is relevant to approach this exercise from the significance of the names of the Akano Dynasty; Ezerioha and Durukparakatam.

Let me consider Durukparakatam; In my area, Duru is always the male Ozo title while Dara is the female Ozo title. But beyond that when the Ozo-in- council adjudicates a case, the person who delivers the judgment is Duru and when he does with a flourish of his bell and leaves the arena with his “Oturuoka” (elephant tusk) and his servants. So the name Durukparakatam is telling us a story about the Akano lineage and their social position for four generations.

On 15th August 1945, a Son was born into royalty into the Akano Dynasty and named Edward Francis Njemanze Iheanyichukwu. Again, the name Njemanze may not be unconnected with his father’s friendship with Eze Njemanze of Owerri. He attended St Mary’s School Umuortu-Isu and made a distinction.

At Awo-Omamma Comprehensive Secondary School, he came out in 1963 as the best all round student. The proprietor, Dr. B.U. Nzeribe retained him to teach in the school. From there he gained admission into the University of Nigeria (UNN) to read Chemistry and graduated in 1972. During his stay at the University of Nigeria, he allowed the University to pass through him and became involved in student politics and became the Deputy Speaker of the Students Representative Council (SRC).

His working career took him through College of Education, Uyo, to Agip (NIG) Ltd, Nigus Petroleum (Lagos). Typical of Eze Akano, he excelled becoming the Manager and Head of Department of Supply and Distribution Operations Agip (NIG) Ltd and later the Marketing Executive at Nigus Petroleum. From the experience he garnered from these companies he opted out and flouted two limited liability Companies, Artline limited and AEFNI and Company Limited. These two Companies based in Owerri are doing well.

There is this saying that there is no hiding for a golden fish. HRM Eze Eddie Akano have received awards, accolades and commendations from many organizations but two needs to be mentioned:

1. The award of a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by the International University of Missouri, USA
2. The Federal Government of Nigeria equally appreciated his person and contributions to society by investing him as an Officer of the Federal Republic- (OFR) in 2004.
   

In addition, he is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing, FNIM, Member, American Chemical Association (MACA) and an Associate Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (ANIM).

In 1990, Eze Akano went into polities and was elected the chairman, of Nkwerre Local Government Area in Imo State and his achievements left indelible footprints on the sands of time.

In the life of HRM Eze Akano we can see the Divine Love and Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ when he had a major health challenge, Jesus Christ took residence in his body and you can see that he is fit and strong even to increase the population of Nigeria.

His philosophy in life is:

“Leave it better than you found it”.

This philosophy drives him to excel and better the lives of people around. This philosophy subsumes himself for the greater good of society. Therein lies one of the hallmarks of his greatness: service to humanity anchored on the relentless pursuit of truth and justice. There are certain Virtues that mark out a family, a dynasty like the Akanos for HRM Eze Akano, it is his dogged adherence to truth and justice. No wonder when he came to study at the University of Nigeria, he came with a kindred spirit for the philosophy of UNN is to:

• To seek the truth
• To teach the truth
• To preserve the truth.

In addition, one of the ennobling virtues of Eze Akano is his disarming humility and simplicity.

Jeff Jobs once said that; Simplicity is the ultimate Sophistication. Despite being at an Olympian height Eze Eddie Akano communes with all and sundry. He has, domesticated humility and used it to dominate his environment.

In ending this Citation, a place of honor must be given to his beautiful wife Ugoeze Patience Nkiru Akano, a fine specie of homo sapiens specially created by God to be a Queen to Durukparakatam. And of course, the six wonderful Children who are chips of the old block.

His Majesty, May your Days Be Long.