The Amanyanabo of ancient Ele Kingdom in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, King Felix Tamunoseipiriala Okuru, Apina VII has enjoined members of Wakirike Youth Federation to promote the unity, cultural values and heritage of the people.
King Felix Tamunoseipiriala Okuru who made the call when the executive of the federation paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Port Harcourt also charged them to ensure that all hands are on deck for Wakirike ethnic nationality to regain its lost glory and pride of place in the State and the Niger Delta region.
The Ele Monarch said the culture and tradition of the Wakirike people was fast eroding and for the group to think of how to revive it is a welcome development that must be commended, pointing out that it would further bring unity, peace and brotherly love among the people as no community could thrive in an atmosphere of rancor, acrimony and in-fighting.
The traditional ruler noted that as people of same ethnic nationality, there is need to harness their cultural heritage that would promote progress in the area, stressing that, “We need peace and unity as the era of war is now a thing of the past”.
According to him, Ele Kingdom which as one of the nine ancient clans of Wakirike ethic nationality is on speedy path of development despite the odds, and further argued that with unity and peace, there would be greater development as the nationality strives to occupy its rightful place and regain its lost glory as a people that have been blessed by God Almighty.
The Ele monarch assured the group of his support and assistance at all times and also advised them that as future leaders of tomorrow, to shun all vices inimical to the norms of the society.
In their separate speeches, the secretary of Ele Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Tamunosiki Tiene Peririene, and a stakeholder in the community, Hon Fiberesima Minaseichinbo said they were overwhelmed with the programmes of the federation as it would help the youths to know their culture and tradition and stressed the need to imbibe the cultural values and norms of the people.
They enjoined them to be steadfast in their objectives as some would come up with negative ideas to distract them, pointing out that they should champion their cause for the progress and development of Okrika nation as well as launch it into the historical annals of Rivers State and beyond in this 21st century. They also called on parents to educate their children on their culture and traditions of the people.
Earlier, the chairman of wakirike Youth Federation, Comrade Charles Melford Tomodieokuma had pledged their unalloyed loyalty and support to the ancient Ele kingdom and pray for unity, progress and peace in Wakirike nation, while disclosing that during the cultural festival, awards would be presented to deserving sons and daughters of the area.
