By Magnus Emuji / Chukwudi Asoya
The Asagba of Okpanam, Obi Adimabuah Ozili and a Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Land Security and Waterways, Honourable Chibueze Aniemeke, have described traditional title holders as key stakeholders in the preservation of the cultural heritage and traditions of any society.
Obi Ozili and Honourable Aniemeke, who stated this in Okpanam, Oshimili north local government area of Delta State during the chieftaincy title taking ceremony of Ogbueshi Patrick Okonkwo popularly known as Pato, described him as a vibrant community leader who had impacted positively on the society.
The Governor’s aide and the traditional ruler said with the celebrant joining the league of Ogbueshis in the community, there would be more strength and cohesion in the association through his abundant wealth of experience.
Honourable Aniemeke, particularly lauded the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for his administration’s developmental projects, programmes and people oriented policies aimed at making the youth self reliant.
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In their separate remarks, some children of the celebrant including a member of the Delta State Security and Waterways, Honourable Eziuche Barry Okonkwo, Comrade Ashimedua Okonkwo who is the Chairman of the Obodogwugwu Youths, Mr. Harrison Okonkwo ,the celebrant sisters, Mrs. Mary Ndih and Mrs. Gladys Morka, as well as his wife, Mrs. Juliana Okonkwo said the celebration was a turning point in their lives and wished him God’s guidance and protection at all times..
While describing their father as an uncommon disciplinarian, courageous and outspoken personality that had always stood against injustice in the society and had ceaselessly championed the course of the progress of Okpanam Community, Honourable Eziuche Okonkwo recalled that the essence of the Governor establishing the Waterways Security was to guard against illegal mining of oil and checkmate crime in the state.
For their parts, the Chaiman of Ogbeozoma Youths, Comrade Smart Ifesindi and Comrade Oge Nwani prayed God to guide the celebrant to continue to contribute to the upliftment of Okpanam and the society in general.
Speaking in an interview, Ogbueshi Patrick Okonkwo appreciated elders, youths and the entire community for finding him worthy for the title, saying that the recognition would spur him to contribute more to the development of Okpanam and the society at large.
While pledged to always operate an open door policy and give the people a sense of belonging in the scheme of things,
Ogbueshi Okonkwo stated that the title had placed in the decision making class as an elder in the community and advised youths to always respect their elders so as to receive their blessings.
He said they should shun acts inimical to the development of the society.
ECHOES OF ALHAJA ANIKE IBILADUN ADEBAYO’S 90th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY