By Mary Ugorji
In show of respect, collaboration, and shared commitment to sustainable development, the leadership of the Imo State Community Europe (ISCE) has paid a high-level royal courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. Emereuwaonu Njoku (Eze Udo II) of Nguru Umuaro/Umuowa Autonomous Community. On January 11. 2026.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of ISCE, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ahanonu, and accompanied by a prominent member of the organisation, Mazi Henry Okereafor, formally conveyed the gratitude of Imo indigenes in Europe to the revered monarch for his royal presence and invaluable contributions at the recently concluded landmark summit, “Climate-Smart and Sustainable Agriculture to Enhance Food Security in Imo State, Nigeria.”
The summit, held on January 7, 2026, brought together agricultural experts, policymakers, traditional rulers, community leaders, and development stakeholders, providing a strategic platform for advancing innovative, climate-resilient agricultural solutions for Imo State. The participation of HRH Eze Dr. Emereuwaonu Njoku was widely acknowledged as adding profound royal authority and intellectual depth to the discussions, further reinforcing the pivotal role of traditional institutions in driving sustainable development at the grassroots.
Speaking during the visit at the royal palace, Chief Dr. Ahanonu expressed the collective appreciation of ISCE members across Europe, describing the monarch’s involvement in the summit as both an honour and a catalyst for impactful outcomes.
“Your Royal Highness, your gracious acceptance of our invitation and the wisdom you shared at the summit greatly elevated the engagement. Your royal endorsement strengthens our resolve to bridge global expertise with local practice, ensuring that climate-resilient agriculture translates into tangible benefits for our people,” he said.
The visit also served as a forum for robust dialogue on future collaboration between ISCE and traditional leadership institutions. Both parties explored practical pathways for translating the resolutions of the summit into actionable agricultural initiatives across Imo State, with emphasis on knowledge transfer, youth inclusion, food security, and sustainable farming systems.
In his response, HRH Eze Dr. Emereuwaonu Njoku commended the Imo State Community Europe for its visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the socio-economic advancement of the state. He pledged his continued support for ISCE’s development-oriented programmes and called for sustained partnership to ensure that farmers and rural communities are the primary beneficiaries of the summit’s outcomes.
The monarch also disclosed his planned visit to the United Kingdom in the spring of 2026, while Chief Dr. Ahanonu assured His Royal Highness that ISCE, in collaboration with the Ngor Okpala community, would host him during the visit an initiative aimed at strengthening diaspora-traditional institution relations and reinforcing effective leadership at home.
Dignitaries present at the palace included Eze-elect Kaduru of Obiangwu/Logara Autonomous Community; Hon. Bede Uchenna Eke, former Member of the House of Representatives representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency; Engr. Ignatius Okereafor; and Dr. Ralph Eke, a United Kingdom-based professional.
ISCE reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable development, cultural exchange, and impactful diaspora-driven initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening community resilience, and advancing climate-smart agriculture across Imo State.
