The Orashi National Congress (ONC) has inducted Her Excellency, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, as the Patroness and Mother of Orashi Region in a grand investiture held in Ahoada.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the historic event celebrated her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and development within the Orashi communities of Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
The event attracted a distinguished audience, including government officials, traditional rulers, security chiefs, women leaders, youth presidents, and other stakeholders. The induction marked a symbolic moment of unity and progress for the Orashi people, acknowledging Prof. Odu’s pivotal role as a beacon of hope and a bridge-builder in Rivers State.
In his welcome address, Hon. Ambassador Emeni Ibe, the President General of the Orashi National Congress, emphasized the importance of the Orashi region as a vital economic hub, describing it as “the goose that lays the golden egg for the nation”. He stated that the induction of Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu as Patroness and Mother of Orashi Region was a recognition of her dedicated service and influential leadership, which have inspired peace, unity, and growth across the state.
“Our region is blessed with abundant resources, yet the benefits have not been equitably distributed. Today’s event is a call for change, peace, and unity. We honor Her Excellency for her role in fostering peace and security, enabling our communities to thrive,” Amb. Ibe remarked.
He highlighted the need for multinational companies operating in the Orashi region to fulfill their social corporate responsibilities, urging them to comply with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Amb. Ibe also called for the inclusion of Orashi youths in amnesty programs, emphasizing that such initiatives would foster rehabilitation and reduce pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and other illegal activities.
In her acceptance speech, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, represented by Mrs. Doris Oyil, SSA (Admin) to the Deputy Governor, expressed profound gratitude to the Orashi National Congress for the honour. She dedicated the recognition to the resilient people of the Orashi region, commending their steadfast support for the Siminalayi Fubara administration.
“I am deeply humbled by this honour. As a daughter of Orashi, I am committed to serving my people with integrity and love. Together, we will continue to foster peace, unity, and sustainable development in our region,” she stated.
The Deputy Governor called on the people of Orashi to uphold their tradition of peaceful coexistence despite their rich multi-ethnic diversity and reiterated her administration’s commitment to sustainable development and progress in the region.
CP. Adepoju Olugbenga Adewale, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, was also recognized and honoured by the Orashi National Congress for his exceptional dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region. The award was received on his behalf by ACP. Cecry Brown, the Area Commander of Ahoada, who herself was honored with an Award of Excellence for her remarkable leadership and contributions to community safety.
In addition to these prestigious recognitions, several other stakeholders were honoured during the ceremony for their significant roles in promoting peace, unity, and development within the Orashi region. These awards highlighted the collective efforts of community leaders, traditional rulers, women leaders, and youth representatives in building a prosperous and harmonious society.
The colourful The investiture ceremony was enriched with cultural displays, goodwill messages, and symbolic presentations, reflecting the rich heritage and unity of the Orashi people. It concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration and partnership for sustainable growth and development in the Orashi region and Rivers State at large.