Delta Government challenges Illah community to take advantage of its Programmes

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa have challenged Sons and Daughters of Illah Community to take advantage of the State’s various agricultural programmes particularly the Production and Processing Support Programmes so as to improve their production capacities.

The Governor while lauding the community for its abundant production of rice and other crops as well as fish farming, commended them for their various self-help projects embarked upon over the years,.

Dr. Okowa who was represented by his deputy, Barr, Kingsley Otuaro, gave the challenge Tuesday, November 8, while presenting the Staff of Office to the Ogbeleani of Illah Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi Christopher Akazue Gbemudu II, in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State.

While congratulating His Royal Majesty, Obi Christopher Akazue Gbemudu II on his appointment and recognition as the Ogbeleani of Illah Kingdom, Governor Okowa appealed to him to discharge his responsibilities in transparency to his subjects.

According to him, "as custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you do not in words or action, give cause to your subjects to doubt your ability to uphold the sanctity of their traditional norms. I sincerely appeal to you to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in all your dealings with everyone that needs your attention". And urged the people to strive to promote the integrity of the stool by according His Royal Majesty the respect and honour he truly deserve.

In his remark, the Ogbeleani of Illah Kingdom Obi Christopher Akazue Gbemudu II, pledged to offer his people an exemplary leadership worthy of reference and emulation; a leadership based on egalitarianism anchor on mutual respect and coexistence.

He stated that his ascension to the throne as the 34^th Ogbeleani of Illah Kingdom, his reign shall focus on building prosperous and united Illah for all as envisioned by their founding fathers, one that would be the envy of Anioma Community in particular and Delta State in general.

According to him, "My reign shall uphold the tenets of our great and noble culture and traditions which would be sincerely applied for political and socio- economic development of Illah". And called on his people to support the Government and all duly constituted traditional institutions and authorities to ensure lasting peace in Illah.

Speaking also, the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Ndukwe Louis Ogugua, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Uche Efenwa while congratulating the Ogbeleani of Illah, appealed to Delta State Government to prevail on the security agencies to increase their tempo of intelligence gathering to forestall the emergence of criminal elements in the peaceful community is it shares common boundaries with Edo, Kogi and Anambra States.       

Earlier in his address, the President General of Illah Development Union of Nigeria (IDUN), Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, expressed the willingness of Illah community to work harmoniously with the Government of Delta State.

Prof. Ezemonye appealed to Governor Okowa to assist Illah with the actualization of the rehabilitation of Otu Illah road, the establishment of a Functional Skill Acquisition Centre, restoration of electricity at Illah, the rehabilitation of Asaba - Illah - Ebu road and the redemption of the promise to build a Sport Academy in honour of late Stephen Keshi at Illah to enhance the wellbeing of the people of Illah.

He noted that it should be on record that Illah is not only a peaceful and peace loving community but also made up industrious individuals who are always ready to partner with government to make remarkable development strides.

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