History was made in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State over the weekend when the people and stakeholders gathered at the popular Market Square of the ancient kingdom to crown HRM, King Nelson Atubo Oputibeya XI as the Amanyanabo of Koniyu Town, Okrika, amid pomp and pageantry.
Speaking at the coronation ceremony, the Chairman of Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Sunday K.A.T. Kalaowolo, sued for continued peace and unity among the people of Okrika Ethnic Nationality to promote rapid socio-economic and political development of Wakrike kingdom. Chief Kalaowolo made it clear that it is only when the people live in peace and unity that the desired development of the area will be achieved.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Koniju Town Council of Chiefs, Chief (Dr) Chris Biriowu Opuayaraya, commended Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for proffering solution to the peculiar problems of the people of Okrika to promote peace and progress in Wakrike Ethnic Nationality and pledged their support to the present administration in the State.
He noted with excitement that the coronation is most significant because the stool had already been given government recognition and classified as second class, thus making the incumbent a proud member of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.
In his address, the Amanyanabo of Koniju Town, King Nelson Atubo Oputibeya XI, an Insurance Expert, said his vision is to make Koniju town a model in Wakrike and Rivers State at large and urged the people to be their brother’s keeper, adding that he will not betray the confidence reposed in him.
The Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, HM, King Dandison Jaja JP, who was represented by the Amanyanabo of Ogu, King Nicholas D.I. Nimenibo, former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Precious Sekibo, Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Chief Philemon Kingoli and Commissioner for Chieftaincy & Community Affairs, Barr. Sylvanus Nwankwo were among those who gave goodwill messages at the event.
In their separate speeches, they commended the concerted efforts of the stakeholders in finding a lasting solution to the challenges that confronted the coronation and appealed to the people to work co-operatively to catch up lost grounds. Various traditional and cultural dancers and masquerades displayed at the historic event.
