The Palace of the Onogie of Afemai, Lokoja, Kogi State HRH, Alhaji Zakari Dangana has been Inaugurated.
The occasion also coincided with the appointment of his Palace aides to help in the day to day running of Palace activities.
It could be recalled that the Onogie of Afemai, Alhaji Dangana was coronated and installed by the late Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Kabiru Maikarfi III, in 2021.
The Afenmai people are one of the major ethnic groups in the Northern region of Edo State, Nigeria.
Administratively, they presently occupy six Local Government Areas of Edo State. These are: Etsako East, Etsako West and Etsako Central. Other local Government areas of the Afemai People are Owan East, West and Akoko Edo
The official inauguration of the Palace of the Afemai and appointment of his official aides was held at the weekend in Lokoja to mark the Onogie's 3 year reign on the throne.
Inaugurating the palace and the officials, the Onogie popularly known as the Shugaba Afemai, charged the people on peaceful coexistence with people of Lokoja and it environs.
The Onogie paid glowing tributes to the Late Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir Maikarfi III for the recognition done to the Afemai people of Lokoja, describing the sojourn of the Afemai people to Lokoja as one that dates back to over a hundred years ago.
He described Lokoja and Kogi State as a melting point of Unity amongst the people, charging them to take all the opportunities presented by the confluence state in becoming prosperous and better citizens.
" I cannot do it alone. Your appointment as my officials,
able bodied men who are in control of their location, is to serve as my eyes and ears in the conduct of official matters as it partains to the Afemai people in Lokoja".
" I urge you to do your oversight with the fear of God. We have no place to call home outside Lokoja, reason why our people must be encouraged to be selfless, dutiful and discipline, as you monitor and report on their well-being".
The Onogie paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Afemai in Lokoja, urged the next generation to emulate their sacrifices and discipline which made them to enjoy recognition even in a foreign land, that has now become home.
He commended the present Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir for his outstanding leadership style that has given a sense of belongings to not only the Afemai people, but everyone residing in the State.
HRH, Alhaji Abdullahi Angulu Musa, Chief of Lokongoma, Imam Aminu Halilu, Imam of International Market, Chief Christopher Awoo Uba JP, Chief of Ibo Community Adankolo and Hon. Ahmed A. Abdulkareem, Representatives of NUPE's in Bassa Local Government Area but residing in Ganaja Village and the Maigari of Lokoja Abubakar Abbas, from the Maigari Palace graced the occasion.
Highlights of the occasion was the Inauguration of the palace and the announcement of the names of the Palace officials.
Those appointed as officials who are Special Advisers to the Onogie include:
(1) Alhassan Ali - Deputy
(2) Oba Lucky - General Secretary
(3) Ismaila Umaru - Assistant Secretary
(4) Chief JA Bello, Representing Adankolo/Lokongoma.
(5) Sir. P.A. Animazu - New layout.
(6) Prof. Ali Anthony - Zango/ Army Barracks.
(7) John Oshiokhamele - Felele,
(8) Abu Michael SA Media to Onogie, also overseeing Gadumo/Ganaja axis.
(9) John Mundi - PRO
Ikpeminogene - PRO
(10) Aminu Bello - PRO
(11) Idris Ameokabi - PRO
(12) Imodu Ilogogie - -Treasurer