Obi Nduka Designates US Based Economist, Dr Nwaise As "Nzebuikeani" Of Issele-Uku

By Patrick Ochei

There was palpable joy at the Issele-Uku Royal Palace, Wednesday 19th November, 2025, as the amiable monarch of the Kingdom, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE), designated an American based Economist, Dr Azuka Nwaise as the "Nzebuikeani of Issele-Uku Kingdom".

The designation followed a pronouncement at the General Assembly (Izuani), where all participants at the meeting - from the Ogbelani, Okpalabisis, Chiefs, IDU Exco, Youth Exco and other interested parties expressed the joy that a good choice had been made from the Nwaise family to replace the former holder of the title, late Chief Chukwuka Nwaise.

It is interesting to note that the monarch had put a question before the Izuani on whether the candidate was qualified for such an appointment, and they all unanimously echoed in the affirmative.

In his admonition to the Chief designate, Obi Nduka implored him to get ready to step into the enormous community responsibility, positing that chieftaincy privileges in Issele-Uku are not about wearing beads and other traditional regalia, but service to the Kingdom.

His words, "Your installation as a Chief at any date of your choice in the future, will usher you into the class of those we will always hold responsible for community development. Your role first and foremost is to always be available when needed; and you must champion community development, peace and unity of Issele-Uku at all times" Obi Nduka maintained.

In his response to the Monarch's statement while addressing newsmen, Dr Nwaise posited that he has the capacity to adhere strictly to the rules of the game.

He insisted that he has always been involved in the homeland development, having supported the installation of street lights at various locations in Ogbeidibo and Idumuinei Quarters, street naming of Osu Okenye kindred, construction of drainage systems around his quarter and previously collaborated in distributing notebooks to primary schools within the community.

Dr Azuka Nwaise is a proud alumnus of St. Anthony's College, Ubulu-Uku, who later lived with his parents in Lagos where he was born and bred. He was formerly a public health professional in Atlanta Georgia, USA, before delving into the financial sector.

He was the President of Anioma Association, Middle Tennessee, before moving to Atlanta Georgia where he became the National Financial Secretary of the Issele Association of North America (IANA), Atlanta Chapter, and later President of Issele-Uku Association of North America (IUANA), Atlanta Chapter.