The Ijaws in Warri North L. G. A Appeals To Gov. Oborevwori To Retain The Chairmanship Position For Peace To Prevail

 Indigenes Of Ogbe-Ijoh Celebrates Their Heroes, Ever Green Tides Of Freedom In Grand-Style

By; Wilson Macaulay

THE entire community of Ogbe-Ijoh of Ijaw nation, in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State was in a beehive of activities and funfare, as all the sons and daughters of Ijaw nation residing in Ogbe-Ijoh Community, were celebrating their heroes, resilience, Nigeria Independence at 63 and also marking their 27years anniversary of their Warri South-West Local Government creation in grand-style.

The impressive ceremony which featured personalities ranging from community leaders, traditional rulers, top-government functionaries, politicians, clergy men, community youths, security operatives and others was held at the prestigious Caribbean Villa Club House at Ogbe-Ijoh Community in Delta State.

Addressing mammoth guest during the ceremony the chairman of the occasion, Engr. Don Dickson Ogugu,who is also CEO. Don Daddy Group of Company  Warri Delta State, disclosed that  the indigenes of Ogbe-ijoh are celebrating Nigeria   at 63 and Ogbe-ijoh happens to be one of the glorious community in Ijaw nation, adding that Ogbe-ijoh is co-ordinated by two tribes which are the itsekiris and the Ijaws. He said the Ijaws gathered in the headquarters of the local government to celebrate independence day and also celebrate the  freedom that they have been  enjoying since the creation of the local government. He pointed out that the Warri South-West local government has being one of the renowned local government so far, which is recognized and co-ordinated by the PDP in the Person of  , Hon. Taiye Tuoyo as Chairman.

He further stated that Hon Tuoyo as  Chairman has left no stone unturned so far to make sure that there is sustenance of peace and progress in Ogbe-Ijoh Community, saying that the ongoing celebration is a clear evidence that there is sustainable   peace in the ogbe-ijoh community .

Engr. Ogugu however appealed to the entire indigenes of the neighbouring community, Aladja, to shield their swords and give peace a chance, rather than fighting and killing each other . He futher suggested that both Communities should embark on round table discussion, make peace and follow bye-law that has been created by the federal Government, just as he appreciated the executive Governor of Delta State, Hon.(Chief) Francis Sheriff Oborevwori for the peaceful interventions that Ogbe-ijoh people have been enjoying. On his final goodwill message to the Ogbe-ijoh people, he advised  them to ensure that there is peace and unity among them.

On his own part, an Ogbe-ijoh Warri Kingdom community leader, Chief Benson Dubele, the Father of the Day,  also  spoke to Newsmen maintained that he is a Son of the soil and that Ogbe-ijoh is a great Kingdom, adding that 1st October is the day  Federal Government created the Local Government for them. He futher disclosed that they got this local government when they have lost many souls, but they still thank God that today Ogbe-ijoh Warri Kingdom now has it’s own local government despite the crisis. He said that they have fixed the celebration on every 1st of October of every year so that it will enable them to remember their fallen heroes yearly. He pointed out that today is 63 years that Nigeria gain her independence and is a celebration for the Ijaws, in Ijaw  Nation and Ogbe-ijoh is the gateway to the Ijaws . 

According to Chief Benson, the objective of the celebration was to ensure continuity of  relative peace and harmony, describing the event as a successful one. He however, urged   both  Aladja and Ogbe-ijoh Communities to embrace peace in whatever they do no matter the circumstances saying that dialogue is the key to success in any crisis in the world. He further, called on the government at all levels to give priority attention to all the communities that have not witnessed development like other oil producing communities.

In her contributions, the mother of the day Hon. (chief) Christiana Seibiribo, who is also a member of the organizing team, noted that there is need for all the sons and daughters of Ogbe-Ijoh to celebrate the creation of their Local government happily by the Federal government, on every 1st October annually. She pointed out that since the creation of their local government till date is now 27 years. She however used this medium to thank their brother, Mr. Smart Kusimi, for sponsoring the ceremony, and also appreciating the owner of the caribbean villa which is the venue of the event. She futher, used the medium to invite other personalities across the country, as well as all the sons and daughters of Ijaw nation to equally join them in their next year 2024 celebration edition. 

Other members of Ogbe-ijoh community who spoke to the News men during the ceremony include, a high Chief of Ogbe-Ijoh, Chief Tuwei Korodegh, Captain Samson Preboye and the community chairman, Mr. Alfred Koremene. Chief Korodegh however maintained that it is a thing of joy for them to be celebrating their heroes who have struggled for them because they have being living in bondage and pain all this years. He added that one of the essence of the celebration is to bring unity among the Ijaw people in Ogbe-Ijoh community. 

Captain Samson Preboye, noted that he is quite  impressed by the celebration, praying that God should sustain and bless the sponsor of the event, Mr. Smart Kusimi, who also made the venue of the event available for the community use.

Alfred Koremene however called on all sons and daughters far and near who were not part of the celebration to join the celebration in their next year edition, just as he appreciated all the guests who participated in the current celebration.

Among notable personalities who witnessed the occasion include, Chief Roland Oyibo (S. Guest), Chief Isaiah Afedolor (S. Guest), Adonba Ladies Club (S Guest), Wabu Ladies Club (S Guest), Hon. Bethus, Gen. Best May Jfred & De Giant Stars Crew (Musicians), MC Ijanme Detyneo, Chief Samuel Eneghan and others.  

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