- Presents Staff Of Office To Ogene Of Ibedeni
BY SAM DUVWODE
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, presented staff of office to His Royal Majesty Ben Azubuike Kanegede the VIII Ogene of Ibedeni Kingdom in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State.
Governor Oborevwori was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, at the occasion.
The governor’s address was read at the occasion by the Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Sir Christopher Osakwe.
The governor, who noted that traditional rulers were also agents of development, urged them to work closely with government institutions, community leaders, and stakeholders to attract social and economic development to their kingdom.
Governor Oborevwori charged His Royal Majesty Ben Azubuike Kanegede the VIII Ogene of Ibedeni Kingdom, to see his role not only as a custodian of tradition but also as a symbol of unity and moral guidance.
According to him: “Your Royal Majesty, as you ascend this throne, I urge you to see your role not only as a custodian of tradition but also as a symbol of unity and moral guidance.
“The responsibilities of kingship demand wisdom, fairness and an unwavering commitment to the peace and progress of your people. You are to be a father to all, showing no bias and striving at all times to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within and beyond your community.”
“In today’s world, traditional rulers are also agents of development. I encourage you to work closely with government institutions, community leaders, and stakeholders to attract social and economic development to your kingdom.
“Let your reign be remembered for peace, progress and inclusiveness, underpinned by respect for your customs and engagement with modern governance values.”
“I also extend my warm congratulations to the good people of Ibedeni Kingdom on this historic Occasion. The smooth and peaceful transition witnessed here is a testament to your unity, maturity and respect for tradition.”
“Ibedeni Kingdom is a riverine community with a proud and resilient history. Situated within the wetlands of the Niger Delta.”
“Ibedeni’s contributions to our State’s development, especially in areas such as fishing, canoe carving and farming, are significant and enduring. These traditional occupations have sustained generations and continue to play a vital role in Delta State’s rural economy.” Oborevwori stated.
The governor, who acknowledged and commended the resilience of the people of Ibedeni, despite its geographical and infrastructural challenges, assured that their requests for a bridge that leads to the new palace, electricity extension and the access road into the community, a construction of a health centre will be forwarded to the appropriate agencies and ministries for prompt consideration.
“As a government, we remain fully committed to ensuring equitable development across all parts of our State, including riverine and rural communities.” The governor assured.
The Chairman, Ndokwa East Local Government, Chief Vincent Osilonya congratulated Governor Oborevwori and his deputy on their two year in office of relentless implementation of the MORE Agenda through infrastructure, peace and purposeful administration.
Chief Osilonya expressed gratitude to the governor for the approval of the construction of the Aboh/Akrai road in Ndokwa East and also for the release of fund for the restoration of electricity in Kwale and neighbouring communities.
The local government chairman, while noting that Ndokwa East local government area was devastated by the ravaging perennial flood that washed away the road, buildings and farmland appealed to the governor for the repairs of the roads, construction of shore line protection and dredging of the Ase creek and river to protect the community from being washed away.
Earlier, Chief Magnus Ebegbare, in a welcome address read on behalf of the Ibedeni Kingdom, expressed appreciation to the governor on the official presentation of staff of office to His Royal Majesty Ben Azubuike Kanegede the VIII Ogene of Ibedeni Kingdom.
Chief Ebegbare commanded the governor for his commitment to the development of the entire Delta State, including Ndokwa East local government area.
While noting that the people of the kingdom were predominantly fishermen and farmers, with a an area that has abundant economic trees and the creeks that are also viable for economic growth of the community, he used the occasion to draw government attention to some vital development needs of Ibedeni kingdom.
Chief Ebegbare appealed to the government for the provision of access road to other neighbouring towns and villages, construction of Ibedeni bridge that link to the new palace which is in deplorable state as well as the provision of a health center.
He also appealed that Ibedeni community should not be left out as government was making great effort to electrify all towns and villages in Delta State.
