By Abel Johngold Orheruata
Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday disclosed that, the State Government has remained consistent in the inclusion of traditional rulers in the scheme of things, in view of their vast backgrounds, experience, training and exposure, which had no doubt contributed immensely to the maintenance of peace and harmonious coexistence towards the development of our society.
Governor Okowa who made the disclosure while presenting Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty (HRM), Obi Frederick Chukwuloe Egbunkonye 11, as the 32nd Igwe of Abala Kingdom in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, pledged government continuous partnership with traditional rulers in the enthronement of peace and total development of communities in the State.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, noted that traditional rulers infusion to government machinery has made them to play pivotal roles as custodian of the traditions, customs, heritage and, indeed, the conscience of the society.
“Since the coming onboard of my administration, the inclusion of traditional rulers have remained consistent in our determination to ensure the inclusion of traditional rulers into the affairs of governance in the State. This synergy have contributed immensely towards the sustenance of peace and harmonious coexistence amongst diverse people in the State.” Gov Okowa pointed out.
While congratulating Obi Frederick Egbunkonye 11 for earning the grace of Almighty God who found him worthy to ascend the throne of his forebears and appointment as the 32nd Igwe of Abala Kingdom, Governor Okowa prayed God to grant him sound health, wisdom and foresight in the task of superintending the traditional affairs of his people.
He appealed to the newly installed Igwe to discharge his responsibilities in a transparent manner by being fair and just to all his subjects. Adding that he should consider his enthronement as a call to duty and an opportunity to create an atmosphere that would facilitate rapid development of Abala Kingdom and its environs.
While commending the kingdom for the various self-help projects they had embarked upon over the years that had complemented the efforts of government, Governor Okowa urged the people to strive to promote the integrity of the stool by according the king the respect and honour he deserved.
“Abala Kingdom is well known for its abundant production of crops and fish. I, therefore use this opportunity to call on the sons and daughters of the Kingdom, to take advantage of the various programs of government particularly the Delta State Production and Processing Support Program and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise scheme, to improve on the production capacities. I urge to form cooperative societies, so that you can access credit to increase and add value to your harvests.” Gov Okowa stated.
Gov Okowa who payed special tribute to the late Igwe who he said was reputed to be an exemplary monarch during his reign, he disclosed that following the demise of the 31st Igwe of Abala, HRM, Obi Frederick Enubokili Ogbukaa who joined his ancestors on 12th February, 2016, it was statutory for the State Government to present Staff of Office to the new traditional ruler after due installation and enthronement by his people.
Earlier in his speech, the President General of Abala Development Union (ADU) Chief Abel Nweze, disclosed that Abala Kingdom was made up of three communities and several farm settlements. The three communities were Abala-Uno, Abala-Obodo and Abala-Oshimili. That their main occupations were farming and fishing.
Chief Nweze stated that of the many challenges facing the Kingdom were lack of all season access road to any of the three constituent communities, absence of electricity supply, portable (drinkable) water, police security station, healthcare centers, youth unemployment, dilapidated and poorly equipped schools and many others.
He said that added to the aforementioned challenges were serious ecological problems, especially continuous shoreline erosion along the bank of the river Niger at Abala-Oshimili and massive invasion of Ezute River by the water hyacinth, a free floating aquatic plant at Abala-Uno and Abala-Obodo.
The President General of ADU added that of strategic importance is the completion of Oloa-Ossissa, Atukpai, Osumei, Abala-Uno, Abala-Obodo road and bridge projects awarded to Inter-Bua Construction Company by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) but has since be abandoned by the company as well as to undertake shoreline protection projects on bank of River Niger to curb the ever menacing erosion which had consumed several houses and other landed properties at Abala-Oshimili.
The highlight of the occasion which attracted top government functionaries and several high chiefs from Abala Kingdom was the official presentation of Staff of Office to HRM Obi Frederick Chukwuloe Egbunkonye 11 as the 32nd Igwe of Abala Kingdom.