- Ome Lo Ra
- Uba Zuo Oke
- Ome Ego
- Ochiri Ozuo
- Ebube Dike
- Ikemba
- Oke Osisi
- Oji Ofo
- Aka Ji Mba
1. Ome Lo Ra
- Meaning: one who does everything good for the community
- Bestowed upon: a person who spends personal funds on the community’s development
Most rural towns and villages in the eastern region of Nigeria lack basic amenities such as water, electricity and reliable roads. The poor infrastructure is due to the government’s low investment in the area.
Some prominent members of society spend personal funds on rural development. In appreciation of these efforts, the traditional king might bestow the Ome Lo Ra chieftaincy title on such an individual.
2. Uba Zuo Oke
- Meaning: let wealth go round
- Bestowed upon: a wealthy and philanthropic person
Because the environment in eastern Nigeria is harsh, the poverty rate in the region is high. People who have beat the odds to become wealthy, then, are usually celebrated.
These people may have become successful in the industries of electronics, automobile spare parts or general merchandising. In recognition of their business acumen and the jobs they create for the community, the title Uba Zuo Oke may be bestowed.
3. Ome Ego
- Meaning: wealthy person
- Bestowed upon: a wealthy and philanthropic person
The Igbo have several titles that celebrate wealth, and Ome Ego is similar to Uba Zuo Oke title. This is another title that may be given to a rich individual who helps the community.
4. Ochiri Ozuo
- Meaning: a helper, especially to the less privileged
- Bestowed upon: a person who helps others obtain education or skills
Education is a major challenge in the rural areas of Nigeria. Poverty and poor infrastructure have led to high rates of illiteracy. In 2018, the rate of literacy in Nigeria for rural men was 59.5%; for rural women it was 35.4%
Many rural communities in the east are agrarian with low-income farmers. The title Ochiri Ozuo is given to an individual who places a high premium on education for members of the community. These individuals might offer scholarships for education or job training.
5. Ebube Dike
- Meaning: glorious hero, or he who brings prosperity to the community
- Bestowed upon: a person who invests heavily in the community
Some notable members invest heavily in the community; for example, they might build homes and churches, repair roads or drill boreholes. Such individuals are honored with the title Ebube Dike.
6. Ikemba
- Meaning: the power (strength) of a nation
- Bestowed upon: a person who defends the Igbo people
The title Ikemba is one of the top Igbo chieftaincy titles. This title is given to an individual who defends the Igbo community with strength, endurance and power.
7. Oke Osisi
- Meaning: a great and mighty tree
- Bestowed upon: a person who has distinguished themselves in the community
This title is given to a person who has good character, is respected and has considerable influence in the community. It is generally bestowed on an elderly individual.
8. Oji Ofo
- Meaning: the first son of a family
- Bestowed upon: the eldest male member of a family
The Igbo culture is patriarchal in nature; the head of each family is typically the eldest male person. The Oji Ofo title is reserved for this individual.
9. Aka Ji Mba
- Meaning: the breadwinner of the masses
- Bestowed upon: a philanthropic person who elevates the community
The Aka Ji Mba title is given to a person who elevates the people in their community in terms of business, education and general development.
Other Notable Names and Titles
- Okeosisi: the great one
- Ome Ka Ozo Di: a person with no money who behaves as if he is rich
- Okpu Uzu: an educated person with a degree in engineering
- Dibe Bekee: given to a traditionalist or native doctor
- Anu Ana-Agba Egbe Ona Akpa Nri: a strong person who prevails despite attempts by others to hurt him
- Nwadiator: a valued Individual (typically a child)
- Nwannedinambar of Nkwere: brother in a foreign land
- Enyioma of Nkwerre: a good friend….Seê _ Morê
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