Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike’s meet-the-people ship would berth in Ahoada, the ancient and traditional headquarters of Ekpeye Kingdom tomorrow, Saturday, March 5, 2022 for a historic grand reception arranged in his honour by the Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality.
Already, expectations are high amid an ambient atmosphere. It was very obvious that a visitor of great significance is on the way!
Fillers from Ekpeye land, comprising Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas, indicate that aside a princely red carpet that has been conspicuously laid at the respective venues where events have been scheduled to honour the number one citizen of the Treasure Base of the nation, the best traditional performers have been arranged to entertain the serial award-winning governor and his entourage.
Goodwill messages heralding the visit of the governor, have taken over social and traditional media space. The high and mighty citizens of Ekpeye Kingdom have seized the opportunity of the visit to bid welcome to their Governor and worthy son-in-law, touted by many as the greatest lover of Ekpeye people.
This historic trip to Ekpeye land is coming on the heels of similar visits by Governor Wike who would serve out his eight-year tenure in May 29, 2023.
In May, 2021, Governor Wike was received by the Ogoni people in a civic reception at Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area, where he tackled the federal government on the slow pace of work in the Ogoni ‘ongoing’ Ogoni cleanup exercise.
In appreciation of Governor Wike’s contribution in the development of Ogoni land, the people conferred on him the traditional title of ‘Mene Kwalenu 1 of Ogoni’ meaning ‘A benevolent King’.
At the Ogoni Day Celebration in Bori on Tuesday, January 4. 2022, Governor Wike was again in Bori where he decried the environmental degradation of the land, and charged Ogoni leaders to put their house in order rather than blaming outsiders for the plight.
On Saturday, February 5, 2022, Governor Wike was received by the people of Kalabari land in Abalama, Asari Toru Local Government Area where he was given the traditional title of Se-Ibi-Dokubo, meaning, ‘He who does good things for Kalabari people’.
With that title, Governor Wike became recognized as a member of the Kalabari Kingdom, a major Ijaw ethnic group in Rivers State with three Local Government Areas, namely Asari Toru, Akuku Toru and Degema.
It is therefore no surprise that the people of Ekpeye land would roll out the drums tomorrow, and file out in their numbers to salute Governor Wike, who continues to receive accolades following his developmental strides which, arguably have changed the landscape of Rivers State.
Ostensibly, the visit is expected to unveil more recognitions, appreciations and remarkable political pronouncements.
