Solomon bows out, Tonjoh takes over as Benikrukru community inaugurates new executive council (PHOTOS)
Oil-rich Benikrukru community, major host to Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state, has inaugurated its executive council members that will pilot the affairs of the community for the next three years.
The swearing-in ritual which took place on Friday, November 25, 2022 at the Benikrukru Oboro Ultra-modern Playground was conducted by Barr. Boyo Ukuli.
Those sworn-in were, Comrade Joel Tonjoh, Chairman; Mr. Freeborn Tonfawei, Vice Chairman; Pastor Paul Boyitie, General Secretary.
Others are: Jonah Juweigha, Asst. Secretary; ThankGod Ojogun, PRO; Bright Tortor, Asst. PRO; Julius Akada, Financial Secretary; Mrs. Believe Ajolosemi Akpomuje, Treasurer; Comrade Peter Pudie, Organising Secretary; Ms Tonbra Jennifer Omuze, Welfare Officer; Mrs. Perebo Tonlagha Alaye and Comrade Present Ipopo, Internal Auditor.
Speaking on the occasion, the out-gone chairman, Mr. Solomon A. Eris, expressed gratitude to the community for the privilege to serve and successfully handover to a new executive council.
He said: “I want to appreciate the entire community for their support all through these three (3) years, financially, materially, morally, spiritually and otherwise. I pray you are replenished and be blessed in Jesus name, Amen. During our time in office which commenced 13th December, 2019 and is coming to a close 25th November, 2022, a lot of developments took place, ranging from infrastructural development, human capacity building, and scholarships awards to indigent students, employment and lots more.
“The first mile stone achieved by the outgoing executive was the empowerment of twenty (20) petty traders in the community with the sum of fifty thousand naira (N50,000) each which was a commemoration to our 100 days in office.”
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated chairman, Comrade Joel Tonjoh, thanked God for making his inauguration a successful one as he reeled out his plans for the community.
He said: “I want to express my profund gratitude to the almighty God for making this day a reality and extending unto us the invaluable virtue of life. I also extend my deep appreciation to the good and peace-loving people of Gbajor quarter for their magnanimity in electing me as the chairman of this great Community amongst a number of qualified sons of Gbajor quarter. I consider this a call to service and a rare privilege I would like to especially thank my elder brother and his beloved wife Mr and Mrs Matthew Tonlagha for their unwavering support, guidance and confidence bestowed in me.”
Tonjoh listed the plans of the new exco to include protecting the territorial boundaries of Benikrukru community, attracting more infrastructural development to the community through consultation with relevant stakeholders and the maintenance of existing infrastructures, creating an enabling environment for new investors and companies operating within the community, supporting quality education for the advancement of our community as well as youth empowerment among others.
The new chairman also called on the residents and other stakeholders for support and prayers.
Some of the dignitaries and leaders of the community present at the inaugural ceremony included Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Member representing Warri South West Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly; Hon. Daniel Mayuku, Executive Director, DESOPADEC; Mr. Jimmy Ogida, CEO/MD, Jimco Global Resources Limited; Chief Sheriff Mulade, National Coordinator, CEPEJ; Hon. George Ekpemupolo, Former Chairman, Warri South-West Council; Chief Jeffrey Ojogun, Kurowei of Gbaramatu kingdom; Comrade Pedro Bekenawei, Chairman, Kokodiagbene community, among others.
By Bella Moses
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