The State Chief Executive Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has expressed appreciation to Traditional Rulers in the State for their role in ensuring the security of their domain, the development of youths, women, and the overall development of the State.
Governor Wike stated this during the Public Lecture to Mark the 80th Birthday Celebration of King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, the Amayanabo and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom, at the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Thursday, 28th April 2022.
Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Governor Wike extolled the sterling qualities of King Danderson Jaja, noting that as a member of the Rivers State Boundary Commission the King has continued to play a vital role in resolving boundary disputes.
“He plays a fatherly role, he gives the Governor fatherly advice and just his presence alone has attracted so much, he attracted this beautiful Secretariat for the Council of Traditional Rulers, by his presence he attracted the road that has been envisaged by so many to the coastal town of Opobo kingdom.
His combination of majestic humility, insightful wisdom, and leadership role has been a plus for us in Rivers State”. Governor Wike stressed.
The Governor, expressed delight that King Jaja’s Birthday attracted dignitaries such as the Obi of Onitsha who gave an erudite lecture, as well as other revered Monarchs, Like the Obong of Calabar, Amayanabo of Nembe, and many other Kings, noting that he carries himself with such an embodiment that you just have to respect him and the institution he belongs to.
In his address, King Dandeson Douglass Jaja expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for making him attain the age of eighty and thanked Governor Wike, his friends, well-wishers, and the good people of Rivers State and the Opobo People for their support and encouragement.
Earlier the Guest Lecturer, King Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, who spoke on the topic “Traditional Institution in Nigeria’s Democracy”, outlined the changing fortunes of Nigerian Traditional institutions in the country’s political development, adding that the colonial and military regimes were the low points for the traditional institutions.
He said Traditional Institutions have generally fared much better under a democratic dispensation, describing the traditional institutions of the 21st century as better educated, more resilient, adaptable, and progressively younger and well exposed.
The occasion which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life was Chaired by the Obong of Calabar, King Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi.
