Posted by By Joe Kalu on
History was made over the weekend at Pin Place multi-purposes hall in Port Harcourt, Rivers State when the Idoma people of Benue State honoured Chief Edward Sule Ejeh, a retired captain of the Nigerian Army with a chieftaincy title by the Idoma community leader (Ad'Idoma) in charge of Rivers and Bayelsa States.
History was made over the weekend at Pin Place multi-purposes hall in Port Harcourt, Rivers State when the Idoma people of Benue State honoured Chief Edward Sule Ejeh, a retired captain of the Nigerian Army with a chieftaincy title by the Idoma community leader (Ad'Idoma) in charge of Rivers and Bayelsa States.
Speaking at the well-attended ceremony, Governor Peter Odili described the Idoma people as good ambassadors of Benue State, "peaceful, kind and hard-working".
Dr. Odili who spoke through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Clampton Ogolo noted that the friendly environment created by the Rivers State government was a deliberate effort to complement God's rich endowment for the benefit of all.
He reiterated the government's policy, which allows residents to contest elective posts and encouraged the Idomans to utilize the opportunity.
On the new brand Ad'Idoma, Governor Odili advised him to lead his people well through transparency and the fear of God.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman, Chief Steve Lawani (OFR), Ochagwu K'Idoma was full of praises for the Rivers and Bayelsa governments for what he described as their love and hospitality for his people.
He noted that the people of the three states (Rivers, Bayelsa & Benue) especially the Ijaws and Idomas have cultural similarities.
Chief Lawani expressed gratitude for the recent political marriage between the South-South zone of the country and the Middle-Belt region, saying "It will afford us the needed understanding to approach political issues for our mutual benefit".
To the celebrant, Chief Lawani reminded him of the responsibility now placed on him and prayed God who chose him will provide him the enablement to accomplish his duties.
He advised his Idoma people to remain peaceful and loyal people. He said : "Ensure that you contribute your effort to the development of your host states. Don't allow sentiment to override your emotion".
Also speaking, the Agaba-Idu of Idoma Land Och'Idoma IV, Chief Elias Ikoyi Obekpa noted that the spirit of oneness and co-operation in Rivers State is unimaginable.
Speaking through Chief Emmanuel Edikwu, the Adutu I of Igedde, said: "Governor Odili has laid the spirit of unity and co-operation in Nigeria".
Responding, Chief Capt. Edward S. Ejeh described the honour as an unquantifiable investment.
He noted that the development would not have been possible without the conducive environment created by Sir (Dr.) Peter Odili's administration.
Chief Ejeh pledged his people's unflinching support and unalloyed loyalty for the state's administration in reciprocation.
Retired Capt. Ejeh was also full of praises for the Och'Idoma IV for granting them the stool and promised that the Idoma people will never disappoint him at all times.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a symbolic sword from Tiv people of Benue State by Engr Ben Akaba to the new chief as well as the decoration of Governor Peter Odili's representative, Chief Ombo Isokariari, Chief Briggs and Chief Joshua Eyigwa representing Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Ee Robinson O. Robinson, with the Idoman's trade mark black and red wrapper with a marching cap.
Dignitaries at the occasion included Chief Ironsi representing the Abia State Government, Chief Igute, Delta State, Otunba Talabi, Osun State, Major (Mrs.) G. T. Sati. Plateau State.
Others were: Engr (Mrs.) Akure, Engr. (Mrs.) C. Ngoka, Prince Mike Ochojila, Hon. Moses Odu from the Benue State House of Assembly, Sir George Idoko youth Chairman, Christopher Okpabi, Chief Austin Nwako, Col. Andrew Mark, Hon. Solomon Anah of Okpokwu LGA, Benue State, among others.