…You must work to sustain peace – Otuaro
…We are aware of the enormous task – Erebulu, Aduo III
The people of Patani community were thrown into joyous celebration on Monday, following the successful presentation of Staff of Office to the new Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Barr. Peremobowei Shadrack Erebulu, Aduo III.
According to our correspondent, this colourful presentation was administered by the Executive Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, ably represented by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro.
GbaramatuVoice further gathered that the jubilation as witnessed was occasioned by the fact that Patani community is the traditional headquarters of Kabowei Kingdom in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, a pointer to the strategic position as well as the role the new Pere will play in moving the kingdom forward.
While making his presentation on behalf of the Executive Governor, the state number two citizen, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro expressed his happiness on the peaceful selection and subsequent ascension to the prestigious throne by the new Pere.
He then used the opportunity to urge the new Pere to ensure that the existing peace is sustained by paying attention to security matters in collaboration with security agencies, while urging the people to harness the various empowerment programmes as provided by the Senator Okowa led administration.
In his words, “I am appealing to you to revive the democratic issues of dialogue and convocation as you also ensure a sustainable peace under your watch. The government expects you to give priority to matters of security in the kingdom and beyond.”
The State Deputy Governor hinged on the need for His Royal Majesty to work closely with law enforcement agencies, the Chairman of the Local Government Council as well as his traditional council members.
Continuing, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro explained that peace and security are necessary to facilitate the needed development in all its ramifications.
He further stated that the Kabowei Kingdom is well known for its hospitality, excellence in fishing and farming adding that he is not expecting anything contrary from the people.
The lawyer turned politician, therefore, used the opportunity to call on every sons and daughters of Kabowei Kingdom to take advantage of the various programmes of government particularly the Central Bank of Nigeria assisted development programme and the Delta State Micro Credit Program.
He also advised the people to form cooperative societies as that will provide an easy access to loan facilities which will bring value in addition to their various occupations.
The Deputy Governor finally paid homage to the new Pere, His Royal Majesty, Barr. Peremobowei Shadrach Erebulu, Aduo III and urged him to reciprocate this kind gesture of his people by promoting their interest and projecting the rich cultural heritage of Kabowei Kingdom.
In his response after receiving the Staff of Office, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, HRM Barr. Peremobowei Shadrach Erebulu, Aduo III, thanked the Executive Governor of Delta State, his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro and all present at the occasion for the honour bestowed on him and promised to work for the peaceful coexistence of his people as well as promote the cultural heritage of the kingdom.
He stressed that he is well aware of the enormous responsibilities the position bestowed on him but quickly added that with his faith in God and the support of his people, he will succeed in upholding the legacy of his forefathers.
Erebulu, Aduo III, further declared that as the seventh Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, he is humbled by this great show of love and support that he has received from both the government and his people.
In his words, “This is a time for mutual respect. In the coming months and years, I shall faithfully carry out the responsibilities bestowed on me. My Council of Chiefs and I will pay attention to all matters of custom and tradition, focusing on the security of our community; education of our youths, both western and vocational training; empowerment of our market women and the welfare and development of our people generally.”
On the policy direction of his administration, the Pere explained that he will carry out reforms in palace administration.
These reforms according to him will include; use of cultural diplomacy for the promotion of harmonious relationship with their neighbors and also revive the custom and tradition of Kabowei Kingdom.
He then called on his people to promote their cultural heritage most especially their language by insisting on communicating with it to their children.
“To survive in the society today, it is imperative that we maintain our culture which is the only unifying force for our people,” the monarch added.
Our correspondent who covered the event described the celebration as colorful; the people’s mood were enchanting as they were all dressed in their traditional attires and the entire Patani town was agog with dignitaries from all works of life.
The Cultural display was also not in short supply as masquerades and regatta dancers in colourful attires from communities that make up the Kabowei Kingdom were on ground to entertain guests.
Among the special dignitaries who graced the colourful event include the Governor of Bayelsa State who was represented by the Hon. Commissioner Youth Development, Chief Collins Cocodia; Sen. James Manager of Delta South Senatorial District; HRM Oboro Gbaraun II (Aketekpe, Agadagba) the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Pere S. P. Luke, Kalanama VIII (JP), the Pere of Akugbene-mein Kingdom; HRM Joseph Timiyan, the Ebenanawei of Ogulagha Kingdom; HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom; HRM, Wilson Ojakovo Oghoghovwe, Oharisi III, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom; HRM Charles Ayemi Botu, the Pere of Seimbiri Kingdom; HRM Pere HRM Funpere Akah, the Ibedaowei of Gbaraun Kingdom.
Others include Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborewhori, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly; Hon. Timi Tonye, Member, Delta State House of Assembly; Hon. Daniel Yingi, Member, Delta State House of Assembly; Chief (Dr.) Chris Ekiyor; Hon. Jude Sinebi, Commissioner for Higher Education; Chief (Hon) Mrs. Josephine Abeki, Chairman, Patani Local Government Area; Hon. George Ekpemupolo, Chairman, Warri South West Local Government Local Government Area, Chief Victor Ekiye; Chief Tunde Smooth; as well as friends and well-wishers.
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