Issele-Uku Kingdom Celebrates 10th Remembrance Of Obi Ezeagwuna,It was an interesting moment in Issele-Uku, headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, as the town massively hosted community people from home and abroad, guests, visitors and well wishers to the triple events of the 10th Remembrance ceremony of Obi Henry Ezeagwuna 1 JP, 8th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE), and of course, the 4th edition of the Prince Ibe Ozoma Foundation’s Scholarship Award, which took place on Sunday 29th December, 2024, at Issele-Uku Royal Palace.
The event began with a Mass in remembrance of Obi Henry Ezeagwuna 1 JP, at the Catholic Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s Parish Issele-Uku.
The bubbling atmosphere began from the church, where the who-is-who in Delta State and beyond had gathered to be counted amongst dignitaries identifying with the Issele-Uku Royal Family, thereby giving ample opportunity to the presiding Bishop of Issele-Uku Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Michael Odogwu Elue to charge leaders on the need to always care for those looking up to them in the society.
The reception later commenced at the Royal Palace where Obi Nduka celebrated his own 8th coronation anniversary with a launch of the Palace annual calendar.
In his speech, he eulogized his father and immediate past King, Obi Henry Ezeagwuna 1 JP, describing him as an exceptionally happy man who did everything possible to suppress circumstantial challenges of rulership to serve his people.
Agbogidi Nduka averred that though his father was misunderstood in some of his personal actions as human, he was indeed a committed family man and open hearted king to his kingdom.
He acknowledged the supportive tendencies of some persons who stood by him and thickened him by their encouragement to brace up with leadership at a time he never expected.
The amiable king, therefore thanked Issele-Uku people for their unalloyed loyalty to the existence of the kingdom while also commending others from outside, particularly the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for their show of love and encouragement to him and the Royal Family.
“I must not conclude without thanking immensely, our son and brother, Prince Ibe Ozoma who has deemed it necessary to always present scholarships annually to our children in the tertiary institutions the Prince Ibe Ozoma Foundation.
“This year, he has expanded the scope and no less than 30 undergraduates will be beneficiaries. May God Almighty and our Great Ancestors keep blessing you in all you do.
The traditional ruler commended Children of the Community, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi and others, “that are helping to attract development to our Community, I say more grace.
“The Council Chairman, Hon. Emma Bazim Chinye is not exempted; he has shown us that he came to work and we must support him,” he assured.
Equally, goodwill messages were extracted from the Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi Ph.D, the member representing Oshimili South Constituency, Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emma Bazim Chinye and the CEO of Fidelity Fortune Group, Prince Ibe Ozoma, speaking on the person of Obi Henry Ezeagwuna.
While Hon. Nwaobi inferred that there was no dull moment with Obi Ezeagwuna, recalling with nostalgia his support to his political ambition, Hon. Anyafulu affirmed that though Obi Ezeagwuna was misunderstood, he ruled prudently and fearlessly.
While Hon Chinye described Obi Ezeagwuna as a cosmopolitan Royal Father who demonstrated uncommon humility and love to the people of Issele-Uku and to a greater extent, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Prince Ozoma acknowledged how Obi Ezeagwuna vehemently supported his scholarship initiatives for Issele-Uku people from the onset.
At the same time, the illustrious Prince Ibe Ozoma under the aegis of Prince Ibe Ozoma Foundation, presented scholarship awards to 30 undergraduates of Issele-Uku origin to assist them in continuing with their academics without any hitch.
Each of the beneficiaries received Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only (#300,000.00), and this had been highly commended by all and sundry.
It’s on record that Prince Ibe Ozoma has regularly given scholarships to indigene of Issele-Uku and non indigene since the 1990s in various categories of academic programmes; however, on this particular arrangement where undergraduates are made to register and undergo examination before being shortlisted, this has made it the fourth edition in consecutive order.
The scholarship benefactor in his advice to the beneficiaries, admonished them to take their academics seriously for their own benefits, their families and society at large.
In addition, he urged them to replicate what he is doing when God blesses them in the future, maintaining that society grows quicker and positively when well-to-do individuals lift others up along the line in the journey of life.
The occasion was graced by the high and mighty, low and comfortable in the society to include; Delta State Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu who was represented by the Secretary to the Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Kennedy Okoh, the Member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in House of Representatives, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, the Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi Ph.D, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emma Bazim Chinye, former Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), Chief Peter Nwaoduah, former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Paul Dike, the CEO of Rain Oil Limited, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Agbogidi Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe CFR, the Obi of Owa Kingdom and former Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Obi Emmanuel Efeizomor, the 2nd Vice Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Obi of Ubulu-Uno Kingdom, HRM Obi Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, HRM (Barr.) Peremobowei Shedrack Erebulu Aduo 111, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Engr) Victor Ochei, Delta State PDP Deputy Chairman, Chief Moses Iduh, member representing Oshimili South Constituency, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, member representing Ika North East Constituency, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Traditional Rulers in their numbers, wives of Traditional Rulers, Issele-Uku Chiefs, the Okpalabisis (Elders-in-Council), NYSC Management and Corps Members, and others too numerous to mention.
It was a multi-dimensionally entertaining occasion with good music from Lady Ouch, and traditionally the Olimgba Dance Group and Oji Chukwu Bulu-Uzor Dance Group did entertain the audience; whilst sumptuous meals and healthy drinks were equally served.
Reported By Patrick Ochei
