Delta: Obi Okonjo praises Oborevwori for promoting peace and unity in Ogwashi-Uku

The traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, has lauded Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for promoting peace and unity in the kingdom.

Obi Okonjo delivered the eulogy during the annual Iwaji (New Yam) Festival in Ogwashi-Uku, which also showcased the rich cultural heritage of the people.

The monarch expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government, especially Governor Oborevwori, for his efforts to promote peace and ensure that the kingdom remained united.

“I am truly grateful to the Delta State government, especially the governor, who has worked so hard and tirelessly to bring peace and promote unity within the kingdom. He has worked hard to ensure that the kingdom is not balkanised,” the monarch said.

Calling for unity and continued cooperation among the people, Obi Okonjo, younger brother of World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, assured residents of greater development and a more prosperous future.

He said efforts were being made to channel the kingdom’s resources towards the development and well-being of the people.

According to him, “the focus has changed from simply selling off our resources, our commonwealth, to using the resources for the benefit of the larger community.”

The monarch also thanked the people of Ogwashi-Uku for their support and commitment to peace, assuring that he will continue to work for the progress of the kingdom.

“I want to thank the people of Ogwashi-Uku who resisted, especially those who worked very hard with me to bring peace and unity, and tell them that I will not betray their trust.

“I will continue to fight for Ogwashi-Uku and continue to ensure that we promote those things that will make our kingdom great,” he said.

Speaking after leading a lively procession of community leaders and various groups through the city, Obi Okonjo said the festival provided an opportunity to thank God for a bountiful harvest, protection and preservation of the kingdom’s cultural heritage.

“What we are celebrating today is our Iwuji Festival, the New Yam Festival, which marks the end of the old season, where we celebrate and give thanks to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest He has given to the kingdom.

“We see people from every neighborhood in Ogwashi-Uku present. This shows that peace and unity has returned for all of us,” he said.

In his remarks, the Odogwu of Ogwashi-Uku, Chief Gabriel Ohai, commended the monarch for upholding the cultural heritage of the kingdom and promoting peace among the people.

He said the large turnout at the festival showed that residents in different neighborhoods of the kingdom are embracing the peace initiative.

“You can see it from the crowd, you can see that from every part of the kingdom people came out en masse.

“I am able to find in my community of Ogbe Odogwu and Azungu, the kind of people who have never rejoiced with us before they are here.

“People are happy. They are starting to realize that the Obi has good intentions. And those of us who belong to the traditional institution, we are proud of him,” Ohai said.

The New Yam Festival featured traditional performances and cultural displays, with dignitaries and various cultural groups paying homage to the monarch.

The event also featured prayers for the continued protection, peace, unity and prosperity of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom