…As Eze Mike Elechi Bags National Merit Award
The Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality under the aegis of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization, World-wide over the weekend in its 222nd convention held at Isiodu Okani-eli in Emohua LGA of Rivers State stood still for some of her sons and daughters who distinguished themselves in their chosen careers.
According to the President General of the Ikwerre group, Prof. Emenike N. Wami, in his address at the event said “Our annual Ikwerre National Day of Thanksgiving will continue to be given a pride of place in our activities because the gains of this programme cannot be over emphasized since we are living witnesses of God’s hand at work in Ikwerre affairs since its inception 20 years ago”, he stated.
Moreso, the President General drew attention to some salient highlights of 2019 God’s visitation which include sixteen (16) remarkable landmark in various areas of endeavours.
The Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization used the opportunity to realed out the names of personalities who did the ethnic group proud during the period under review to include Sir, Eze Mike Elechi of Elele who got through his company, Vintage Farms and Product Limited, the National Productivity Order of Merit Award which was duly signed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Others were Miss Francisca Ijeoma Onuma from Eneka town who emerged as the first Ikwerre female pilot, adding that the lady was decorated as a professional in November, 2019; Miss Blessing Owhonda of Rumueme who bagged first class in the Nigerian law school, adding that she was also the overall best graduating student in the Rivers State University; Miss Nyekachi Douglas of Ibaa who won the Miss Rivers, Nigeria and later emerged as Miss World Africa; Bishop Wisdom Budu Ihunwo of Rumuola who was successfully installed as Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, succeeding Archbishop Ignatius C. O. Kattey (JP) (rtd) and Mrs Emilia Nyeoma who won and was crowned as Mrs United Nations Earth in Singapore 2018 – 2019.
Some others were Prince Adaeze Amabibi Nsirim Ogundu of Isiokpo who was elected as the first female Vice President of African Community in Valdosta and Lowndes Country in the State of Georgia USA; Justice Eleru of Isiokpo who emerged as chairman representing Nigerians in Hanma Ontario; Mr. Herbert Wigwe, the GMD of Access Bank who also has been listed as powerful man in Africa and Charkins Maritime Academy, Port Harcourt owned by Sir (Dr) Charles Kinikanwo Wami which is rated one of the best maritime training institutions in Africa.
Other success stories of the Ikwerres were Mr. Emenike Austin Owiriwa who was recently promoted to the rank of a Brigadier General in the Nigeria Army; Mr. Chima Mpi of Isiokpo also promoted to the rank of Navy Commodore; the President General also disclosed that in the Airforce and other para-military organizations, Ikwerre people have also recorded promotions to high senior ranks as another Ikwerre man has been elected as Mayor in Overseas.
The Ogbakor Ikwerre Organization also reviewed the academic and discovered that the ethnic nationality made tremendous progress in that sector.
According to the President General, “University of Port Harcourt currently records 20 (twenty) professors of Ikwerre extraction; Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, 8 (eight); Rivers State University records 21 (twenty one) Ikwerre professors as against 6 (six) in the year 2000, and Chief lecturers of Ikwerre extraction rose from (4) four to 14 (fourteen) at Capt. Elechi Amadi Polytechnics, Rumuola while Kenpoly had from zero to 5 (five) currently.
The group equally used the opportunity to appreciate the State Chief Executive, Gov Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his superlative performance in governance especially his effort in subduing insecurity in the State and defending Rivers peoples’ interest.
They also thanked the governor for accepting their chieftaincy title of “Ike Ohna Ikwerre” which was used to honour him. The group resolved to vigorously improve on their gains and as well create room for greater national visibility while pressing for a replacement of their “Obiri Ikwerre” hall that was defaced by the State Government’s over head bridge at Ozuoba Community.
Among the dignitaries that graced the event was the Chief of Staff, Rivers Government House, Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, their host and the Paramount Ruler/Nneww-eli Isiodu Okani-eli Ohna Jacob O. Ugwugwueli with his cabinet members.
