BY CHIKA KWAMBA
IN recognition of hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Highways and Urban Roads, Engr. (Mrs.) Juliet Aboloje, alongside her husband, Dr Ese Aboloje has been conferred with chieftaincy titles by the Obior Kingdom.
The titles were bestowed by the Obi of Obior Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi Kingsley Ofuokwu III, in collaboration with the Obior Development Union (ODU), during a grand reception organised in honour of Engr. Aboloje’s appointment as Permanent Secretary.
The ceremony took place at the Ogwa Ukpali, Obior Royal Palace, Obior, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, and attracted a large gathering of government officials, community leaders, and dignitaries.
Among those present were former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue, former Commissioner for Works, Surv. Paul Osaji, the Iyase, Ikpalas Chiefs, women cultural dance groups, youths, and other stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, the monarch applauded Engr. Aboloje and her husband for their exemplary character and service to the community.
The letter read in part: “Dr Ese Aboloje and Engr. (Mrs.) Juliet Aboloje, I, His Royal Majesty, Obi Kingsley Ofuokwu III, confer on you the title of Ezi-Ogor of Obior Kingdom, for being a caring and supportive husband, a trusted in-law, and a good friend of Obior Kingdom.
“And on you, Engr. (Mrs.) Juliet Aboloje, I confer the title of Chinyere-Ogo I of Obior Kingdom, for being a patient, hardworking, worthy daughter and a great ambassador of Obior Kingdom.
“I look forward to welcoming you back to this palace at your convenience for the official installation ceremony. May God bless us all and continue to strengthen us for the progress and development of Obior Kingdom.
“I prayed for continued growth and development in the kingdom. Obior has witnessed significant progress in recent years. My prayer is that the younger generation would surpass the achievements of their predecessors,” the monarch said.
In her remarks, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Engr. (Mrs.) Juliet Aboloje expressed profound gratitude to the monarch and the Obior Development Union for the honour and warm reception.
“My heart is overwhelmed with joy. I never expected such a massive show of love. The conferment of chieftaincy titles on my husband and me is deeply humbling, and we are truly grateful.
“I use this opportunity to encourage the girl child not to give up in the face of societal challenges. The society may not always favour you, but with resilience, integrity, and hard work, you will surely succeed,” she added.
Earlier in his opening address, the President-General of the Obior Development Union, Chief Chukwuka Oside, said the gathering was to recognise and celebrate a distinguished daughter of the land for making Obior proud.
He recalled that the last time the community gathered on such a scale was over 20 years ago, during the celebration of Chief Benjamin Elue’s election as Deputy Governor of Delta State. “Today, our daughter has broken the glass ceiling by becoming a Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Civil Service,” he said.
Also speaking, former Commissioner for Works, Surv. Paul Osaji commended the monarch and the Obior Development Union for organising the event and honouring the celebrant.
He applauded Engr. Aboloje for bringing pride to the Obior community and Delta State, while urging youths to strive for excellence and continuous self-improvement and reminding her of her responsibility as a mentor and role model to young girls in the community.
Other speakers at the event included an ex officio member of the Obior Development Union, Mr Ben Juwe, and the Youth President of Obior Youth Council, Comrade Henry Ukwadinachi, who all praised the celebrant and encouraged unity and development within the community.
