Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom Holds 2021 Prayer Day

By Daniel Dafe

The 2021 edition of the Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom ‘Prayer Day’ with theme ‘That They May be One’ took place on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.

The annual prayer conference organized by Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abraka, held at Ojeta Secondary School Ground, Ekrejeta, Abraka.

The monarch, HRM Akpomeyoma Majoroh, Ojeta II, accompanied by his wife, Her Royal Majesty Oghenefejiro Edith Majoroh and some members of the council of chiefs were in attendance.

Delivering the sermon, Bishop S.U. Ayanyen (Guest Speaker) who took his text from Isa 28:14, emphasized the importance of unity, just as he commended the monarch for supporting the project, saying that testimonies will abound as a result of the programme.

The cleric led indigenes and residents in the community to pray for the university town, saying that the land will henceforth experience mush success.

Earlier, Chairman of CAN, Abraka, Bishop (Barr.) Ovie Avbara, in his welcome address, thanked the traditional ruler and his cabinet “for giving the body of Christ in his kingdom this extended and genuine hand of fellowship.”

He added: “We thank you for this demonstration of faith and determination to allow God rule over your kingdom.”

Speaking about the four past editions, the CAN leader in the area said “to the glory of God, it has always been a huge success and testimonies abound.”

He continued: “Today, more than ever, we have witnessed increasing rate of crime, violence and destruction of lives and properties. However, let us not give up in prayers; let’s build more on the communal aspect of our living through effective brotherhood, love and support.

“Let us not harbour criminalities; rather we should report same to the enforcement agents and for necessary actions. Also, let us discourage cultism and other vices,” he said.

Oasis Magazine spoke separately to the originator of the idea for a prayer day in the community, Pastor Samuel Akpokiniovo, a community leader, High Chief (Dr.) Deaconess Comfort Okoro JP and the Deputy President General of Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom, Chief Harrison Jessa JP.

According to Pastor Akpokiniovo, the prayer project all started in year 2017 while he was in a prayer mountain where it was revealed to him that some negative spiritual forces were hindering the growth of the community, adding that he approached the king and after the first edition the king decreed that December 1 every year will be an official day to pray in the community.

He opined that before the first edition, the community was like an outcast in Delta State, saying that it was after the first edition that some roads were tarred in Abraka and some indigenes were appointed by the Okowa administration.

He prayed for more roads to be tarred and more employments of youths in the community.

He wondered why a community like Oruarivie Abraka where the first university in Urhobo land is cited is still the way it is.

The cleric eulogized the monarch of the kingdom, describing him as a man of wisdom and humility.

He also called for unity, stating that the need for this is the reason for the theme, noting that without unity and peace there can be no development.

Meanwhile, High Chief Okoro, commended everyone that supported the 5th edition.

She stressed that their prayers were not in vain and recalled how farmers were raped and killed on their farms before now, saying that such incidences have since stopped.

She urged the community to continue to be prayerful.

On his part, Chief Harriso lamented the situation of things in Abraka, adding that despite a few good things that have happened in Abraka, the community has been marginalised.

He blamed the situation of things in Abraka on what he described as a power tussle between politicians from the two kingdoms in Abraka, but said that politicians should emulate the closeness of the two kings.

His words: “We don’t have light, no roads and no security. We have a university that has been split all over Delta State. Abraka is suffering and not benefitting much from government.”

Furthermore, he applauded the organizers of the prayer day and said he is determined to do more towards the success of the next edition.

While commending the monarch for his display of wisdom in piloting the affairs of the community, he said the traditional ruler has done his best to attract development to the area.