It was a landmark moment of honour when Mayor Ras J. Baraka of Newark, New Jersey, USA, was honored with a prestigious Chieftaincy title during a visit by a Nigerian King (Eze). This title, Nwannedinamba 1 (Brother in Diaspora 1), was bestowed upon Mayor Baraka in recognition of his significant contributions and ties to Akah-Ebeiri City in Imo State, Nigeria.
The title was formally conferred on Mayor Baraka by His Royal Majesty Eze Ceaser Ugochukwu Duruegbuso, the Chairman of Akah-Ebeiri Council of Traditional Rulers, who was on an official visit to the United States. Accompanying him on this visit was his wife, Ugoeze Precious Nkechi Duruegbuso.
The special ceremony took place at Newark’s City Hall, Broad Street, on Monday, May 22, 2023. During this memorable event, Mayor Baraka received the traditional symbols of his new office, including a ceremonial cap and a symbolic walking stick.
The occasion was attended by prominent figures from Newark, including Council President Hon. LaMonica McLver, Deputy Mayor in Charge of International Relations and Diaspora Affairs Ligia De Freitas, Hon. Chief Okems Okemezie, Chairman of the African Commission of the City Mr. Abubakar Koyate, and others.
Notably, representatives from the Umuaka Community were also present, including Mr. Anthony Richard Onyemepu, Chairman of the Umuaka Development Union, Mr. Jonathan Iherobiem, Nze Vitalis Meremikwu, Attorney Chidi Egeolu, and many others. Mrs. Moni Adesina, Treasurer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) New Jersey, graced the event with her presence.
This historic occasion marked a significant milestone for the City of Newark, the Umuaka Community in the Tristate area (New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut), as well as for the wider Nigerian and African diaspora community, celebrating Mayor Baraka’s connection to Akah-Ebeiri City and his role as Nwannedinamba 1.
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