The Paramount Ruler of Abiriba Kingdom and Enachioken of Abiriba, His Royal Majesty Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, has been honoured with the Most Outstanding Integrity Royal Father of the Year Award 2026 by the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ).
The award was presented to the monarch at the 2026 NACJ Integrity and Patriotism Awards, held at Lagos Airport Hotel on Friday, September 11, 2026.
The event, themed “Integrity Is Everything,” brought together traditional rulers, public figures, professionals, journalists, business leaders and other distinguished Nigerians.
According to the organisers, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV was recognised for his exemplary leadership, integrity, patriotism, professional accomplishments, peace-building efforts, infrastructural development and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Abiriba.
The NACJ award citation described him as the 17th Enachioken of Abiriba Kingdom and the fourth Eze from the revered Nde Ekpe Royal Compound of the Kalu Ifegwu Ekpe Lineage.
Born on April 18, 1964, the monarch is a trained legal practitioner. His academic qualifications include a B.Sc. in Government and Public Administration, LL.B, B.L. and LL.M in Law. He is also a certified member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators.
Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV ascended the throne on March 23, 2000, at the age of 36. Over the past 26 years, his reign has focused on promoting peace, unity and development within Abiriba Kingdom.
His leadership credentials were further recognised in 2003 when he was acknowledged as a First-Class Traditional Ruler in Abia State by the then Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu.
Beyond Abiriba, the monarch has held several leadership positions within the traditional institution in Abia State.
He served as Chairman of the Ohafia Traditional Rulers Council, Immediate Past Chairman of the Abia North Traditional Rulers Council and First Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council.
His role in traditional leadership has also extended to mediation and conflict resolution.
Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV has participated in mediation efforts across Abia State, particularly in Ohafia Local Government Area, helping to facilitate the resolution of communal disputes and promote peaceful coexistence.
He has also served on Administrative Panels of Inquiry where integrity, accountability, character and sound judgement were required.
Back home in Abiriba, his reign has been associated with infrastructural development and efforts to strengthen the community’s cultural identity and heritage.
His contributions had earlier earned him the 2025 National Award for Exemplary Royal Leadership and Dedication to Cultural Heritage and Community Development, presented by the Minister of Defence on behalf of the organisers, Our Nigeria News Magazine.
Why integrity matters
Speaking at the NACJ ceremony, the keynote speaker, Dr George Moghalu, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), challenged Nigerians to see integrity and patriotism as responsibilities for every citizen, rather than virtues reserved for people holding public office.
Moghalu identified corruption, declining public trust, tribalism, the emigration or “Japa” phenomenon, dishonesty in business and poor care for the environment among challenges confronting Nigeria.
He stressed that building a stronger nation begins with truthfulness in everyday dealings, responsible upbringing of children and the courage to do what is right even when it comes at a personal cost.
Receiving the award, the Abiriba monarch also spoke about the lasting value of integrity.
He said integrity travels farther than any other quality, adding that the trust placed in him by the people of Abiriba had been strengthened by the values he had maintained throughout his leadership.
The monarch urged Nigerians to continue to do what is right, regardless of the immediate consequences, stressing that honesty ultimately pays.
The President of NACJ, Dr Charles Tola Okhai, said the association would continue to identify and celebrate Nigerians who have demonstrated proven integrity, with the hope that their examples would inspire others.
NACJ promotes integrity, anti-corruption, ethical leadership and good governance through public advocacy and recognition programmes.
For Abiriba, therefore, the honour goes beyond a plaque or a ceremonial title.
It places fresh attention on the role of traditional rulers in building peaceful communities, preserving cultural identity and promoting leadership anchored on character, justice and responsibility.
For Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, the recognition adds another chapter to a 26-year reign in which the people of Abiriba say peace, unity and development have remained central to his leadership.
By Uchenna Eletuo
