Edith CHUKU
In a bid to express his appreciation to God for the peace, unity and progress his reign has brought to his people, the Paramount Ruler of Woji Community/Eze Woji, in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Highness, Dr. Emeka G. Ihunwo, has held a thanksgiving service at the St. Nicholas Anglican Church, Woji District.
The event was organised to celebrate his 10th coronation anniversary on the throne of Eze Woji, as well as, re-dedicate the community to God.
During the thanksgiving ceremony, the Eze reassured the people of Woji of his commitment to more impactful projects, development, as well as educational scholarships to both natives and residents of the community.
Ihunwo urged his people to be patient and put their trust totally in God, assuring them of better things to come.
Recounting the efforts made so far to empower, support and encourage Woji youths, the Eze expressed dismay over the attitude of some youths towards education.
In an interview with newsmen, the traditional ruler said, “if I begin to talk about my experience night will fall, I don’t want to recount them one after the other, but in fairness to us, it has not been rosy all the time but we are enjoying it. You know, we have summer and winter, so any of the seasons that comes you adapt to it and flow from there, that’s what we see as leaders, we are fathers to all.
“To our people of Woji, we have impacted alot. My message to our good people of Woji is that, they should be patient and they should trust in God. We are not God, we are sons and children of God.
“We have 12 distinct villages that make up Woji, and these 12 are intact, there is no one we have not empowered. Go to one compound, they will tell you, if not for any other thing, we have been able to empower at least 20 or 30 people, to ensure they work and go to school.
“Unfortunately, some of our young boys today are running away from education, we have tried our best. In June, we released N500,000.00 per annum, we gave a second year law student and we are still looking for medical student, a boy. We have trained three before, they have gone for youth service and returned.
“For those who agree to go to school, we are putting in our best and some companies are also helping. We want to have many lawyers, doctors and engineers in the nearest future. We are also in partnership with private schools here.”
Further, Eze charged other traditional rulers to “go back home, catch owners of private schools through their CDC, youth, because it’s enshrined in their constitution that they will be giving scholarships to their host communities annually, we saw that clause and the people here are doing it.
“Sometimes to meet up that number we bring in some non-indigenes with good character and send their children to go learn for free. This should be an eye opener to my follow traditional rulers.”
In his ministration, the Lord Bishop, Diocese of Evo, Rev. Innocent U. Ordu, told the celebrant that leadership is a call to serve and not to take advantage of the people and commended him for choosing to thank God.
He encouraged the paramount ruler to always incline to the table where wisdom sits, adding that the wisdom he needs to govern his people is in the bible.
“On behalf of this innumerable crowd of people, we say congratulations to you. Your reign this 10 years have been characterized with great impacts and achievements.
“Within the past 10 years, there has been peace in Woji, you have been able to unite the people, thank you for creating this enabling environment, also, for coming to express gratitude to God for what he is doing.
“The church is happy with you, we are not flattering you, if you are not getting it right, we will tell you. As you lead Woji people, note first and foremost, that you are God’s servant.”
In their felicitation messages, the Woji Traditional Prime Minister, Chief Tony A. Chuku, said “it’s on a note of delight that I join your numerous friends, acquaintance, relatives and family to celebrate God’s grace and faithfulness upon your life; the Eze Woji In-Council and the entire Woji Community, on this mementous occasion of your tenth coronation/ enthronement anniversary on the ancient stool of Eze Woji.
“The period under reference, remains indelible in the annals of WOJI; apparently, on account of the giant strides made under your leadership; unarguably with the robust support of your surrogate, the Chiefs’ council and the good people of Woji.
“I earnestly beseech the Almighty God to preserve, shield and endue you with wisdom, strength and the courage to effectively superintend the affairs of Woji Community; as we joyfully leap into the next decade.
“Consequently, I urge all and sundry, with profound humility; to go to God in penitence with a resolve to eschew bitterness, unforgiveness and embrace Love, Unity and the peace founded on Justice, equity and mutual respect.”
The family head of Oro Amadi-Odum of Amadi-Odum Village, Ibuchim J. Amadi Odum said, “with joyful hearts and deep respect, we, the people of Oro Amadi-Odum, extend our warmest congratulations to Your Royal Highness as you mark ten remarkable years on the throne as Bize Woji, Nye Nwe Eli Woji.
“This milestone is not only a celebration of your reign, but also a celebration of the peace, unity, and progress your leadership has brought to the good people of Woji.
“Over the past decade, you have stood as a symbol of wisdom, stability, and fatherly guidance. Your devotion to the cultural, spiritual, and social growth of our land has been evident and impactful Under your stewardship, the Woji Kingdom has flourished.
“Your calm yet firm leadership, your listening car, and your open heart have all contributed to the atmosphere of peace and development we enjoy today. We are proud to call you our king, and we thank God for placing such a noble spirit on the throne.
“As you celebrate this 10-year anniversary, we pray for continued health, divine strength, and wisdom. May your reign continue to bring honor, prosperity, and lasting legacy to Woji and beyond.”
Others who felicitated the Eze on his anniversary were, Woji Youth Association, Eze Oro Nyekwe, Chief Sam Nyekwe, Woji CDC, Chief Charles A. Echendu, Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, Chief Charles N. Wopara, Mr. Kenneth Chizi Owhor, Oro-Owhor, Worgu Village, Oro Ejekwu Amadi Village, Oro Chinwo Woji and several others.
The event was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, chiefs, women groups, youth bodies, stakeholders and
several others.
