GOVERNOR OKOWA HAS CALLED ON COMMUNITIES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES OF GOVERNMENT

The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has commended the people of Illah community for their various self-help projects embarked upon over the years.

Governor Okowa made the commendation on Tuesday, while presenting Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Obi Christopher Akazue Gbemudu 11 , the Ogbeleani of Illah Kingdom, in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, noted that Illah community is well known for its abundant production of rice and other crops, including fish. 

Governor Okowa use the opportunity to call on the sons and daughters of Illah community to take advantage of the various programmes of government particularly the Delta State Production and Processing support programme to improve on their production capacities.

While congratulating His Royal Majesty, Obi Gbemudu 11 on his appointment and recognition as the Ogbeleani of Illah Kingdom, Governor Okowa appeal to him to discharge his responsibilities in a transparent manner by being fair and just to all his subjects.

His words: "As custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you do not in words or action, give cause to your subjects to doubt your ability to uphold the sanctity of their traditional norms. I sincerely apeal to you to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in all your dealings with everyone that needs your attention". The governor stated. 
Governor Okowa urged the people to strive to promote the integrity of the stool by according His Royal Majesty the respect and honour he truly deserve.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Ndukwe Louis Ogugua represented by his deputy, Hon. Uche Efenwa appealed to Delta State Government to prevail on the security agencies to increase their tempo of intelligence gathering to forstall the emergence of criminal elements in the peaceful community especially as a borfer community, sharing common boundaries with Edo, Kogi and Anambra States.

Earlier in his address, the President General of Illah Development Union of Nigeria (IDUN), Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, expressed the willingness of Illah community to work harmoniously with the Government of Delta State.

Prof Ezemonye appealed to Governor Okowa to assist Illah with the actualization of the rehabilitation of Otu Illah road, the establishment of a Functional Skill Acquisition Centre, restoration of electricity at Illah, the rehabilitation of Asaba - Illah - Ebu road and the redemption of the promise to build a Sport Academy in honour of late Stephen Keshi at Illah to enhance the wellbeing of the people of Illah.

He noted that it should be on record that Illah is not only a peaceful and peace loving community but also made up industrious individuals who are always ready to partner with government to make remarkable development strides.

In his remark, the Royal Majesty Obi Akazue Gbemudu II, pledged to offer his people an exemplary leadership worthy of reference and emulation; a leadership based on egalitarianism anchor on mutual respect and coexistence. 

He stated that his ascension to the throne as the 34th Ogbeleani of Illah Kingdom's reign shall focus on building prosperous and united Illah for all as envisioned by their founding fathers, one that would be the envy of Anioma Community and Delta State in general.

" My reign shall uphold the tenets of our great and noble culture and traditions which would be sincerely applied for political and socio- economic development of Illah". Obi Akazue Gbemudu II said. And called on his people to support the Government and all duly constituted traditional institutions and authorities to ensure lasting peace in Illah.