Homage: HRM Ararile Calls On Other Communities In Umiaghwa-Abraka To Emulate Agbarha

By Daniel Dafe

Ovie of Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom in Ethiope East local Government Area of Delta State, HRM (AVM) Ochuko Ararile (Rtd.), has commended Agbarha community, Umiaghwa-Abraka for their yearly visit to him, just as he called on other communities to emulate them.

The traditional ruler spoke on Monday when the Agbarha community, Abraka, paid him homage at his palace in Oria.

According to the monarch, it was a thing of joy to host them every year.

He noted that although groups that usually visit him reduced, Agbarha has consistently taken this as a yearly practice.

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He continued: “This is how it ought to be as a family inside a community. Every year people should come for happiness. It is not to come here with issues. We want peace in the kingdom. It is a remarkable visit for me, and I am happy you people do this every year. I always remember this memory every year.”

He commended Agbarha indigenes overseas that came along for the visit.

Speaking further, he said: “I have told other communities in this kingdom to follow the example of Agbarha and not fighting in their communities.”

Meanwhile, he recalled his early days when he was sent to take rice as Christmas gift as a child to some persons in Umege, adding that in return they gave him rice and money, saying he was always happy to go on this errand because he was sure of coming home with gifts.

“So I remind myself when there is a New Year and Christmas because I know I will have a gift but nowadays people don’t do it anymore. That is why I do Christmas for the children every year as a celebration.

“You people came with gifts, but this is what you do every year.”

The monarch, in reciprocating their gesture, gave a donation to the community and thereafter presented cash to the women.

Earlier, speaking on behalf of Agbarha community, Chief (Dr.) Basil Iwhiwhu, appreciated the traditional ruler for always standing by the community, while recalling how HRM, Avwaeke 1 supported the community during the burial of the oldest man and Community Head, Pa Emmanuel Odibo Eghwrudje, last year.

Furthermore, he said the state government took the land of Agbarha community that would have been used to build health centres, schools and other developmental projects for the benefit of the community and its environs and gave it to private business outfits like banks and having given a large portion, which the Data State University occupies.

Adding: “Approximately 80% of the Main Campus, DELSU Campus 3 is on Agbarha land.”

In his words, “the university has taken over our land and so when the school is making admission, employments and contract award they should carry the community along.

“We are aware that the king has formed a committee to visit the Vice Chancellor and we know that in due course, we will get favourable outcome and accruing benefits from that visit this year.”

He also thanked the monarch who through his recommendations assisted two indigenes of Agbarha who were casual staff to have their employments made permanent.

Present at the occasion were the king’s wife, HRM Queen Isioma Ararile, the Oniemo of Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom, Sir Festus Eghwrudje, who is the Chairman of Agbarha Community Development Committee, Chief Vincent Eghwrudje, Pa. Benedit O. Ewuruje, Community Head and other dignitaries.