King Ateke Tom Marks 4th Year Coronation Anniversary, Gov Wike Honoured With Chieftaincy Title

NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA

Display of glamour, show of love and solidarity dotted the 4th Coronation Anniversary of one of the most powerful and influential monarchs in Africa, His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Michael Tom , JP, Sekuro of Niger Delta, Amanyanabo of Okochiri Ancient Kingdom, as Rivers  people across all walks of life gathered in Okirika on Saturday, November 27th, 2021, to witness the epoch-making event  of the dedication of his multi-billion Naira Sekuro Palace, which held many spellbound.

The watershed event, which brought distinguished men and women from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector, captains of industry, top management staff of leading banks, Nollywood movie stars, members of the ivory tower, respected traditional rulers in the Niger Delta; Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom States, respectively, as well as different socio-political support groups, also had conspicuously in attendance the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, alongside the retinue of his colourful entourage.

During his remarks,Chairman of the occasion and Nigerian former Minister of Transportation, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, maintained that King Ateke Tom is an illustrious son of Rivers State, whose exemplary traditional leadership has brought peace not only in his homestead,  but also across the Niger Delta having waged war against both internal and external invasion of the region through constructive and proactive freedom fighting engagements.

Dr. Sekibo, however, saluted the resilience of Governor Nyesom Wike in many commissioned projects while commending him for his radical revolution in road construction, urban renewal and numerous legacy projects which have put the state on the map of global attention as Rivers is now dubbed ‘The Project Capital of Nigeria’.

The high point of the event was the Palace dedication and  rare conferment on the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, as Se -Taribo of Okochiri Kingdom by His Royal Majesty, King Michael Ateke Tom- the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Ancient Kingdom. 

In his speech, Governor Nyesom Wike said that since the key responsibility of a traditional ruler is to help the government in maintaining peace and orderliness in his domain, King Ateke Tom has done excellently well in that regard by ensuring that his Kingdom and entire Okirika is very peaceful.

While thanking the monarch for the honour bestowed upon him, Governor Wike, however, dedicated the chieftaincy title honour  to the good people of Rivers State, who elected him to serve them in that capacity.

The obviously elated invited guests and other tourists were not only mesmerized by the touch of hospitality of King Ateke Tom, but also overtaken by the sounds and bites of the cultural dance of Okrika community.  

Meanwhile, as part of the culture of the Riverine people, sumptuous native meals and vintage  brands from classy winery were adequately served the guests, which shall leave lasting impression in the beautiful memories of  all in attendance.

Njoku MacDonald Obinna writes from NDDC Headquarters- Olu Obasanjo Road, 

Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Publisher, 4thestatereporters