Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom Holds 2025 Nine Lessons And Carols, As Monarch Calls For Support For The Needy

Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, on Sunday hosted the 2025 edition of the annual Nine Lessons and Carols event.

Unlike previous editions, this year’s event featured a special call for financial and material donations aimed at supporting the needy and less privileged within and beyond the kingdom.

The colourful ceremony, which took place at the royal palace in Umiaghwa-Abraka, attracted hundreds of children from the host community and neighbouring areas, creating an atmosphere of joy, worship, and communal bonding.

Speaking at the event, Her Royal Majesty, HRM Opuriuchi Ihuoma Ararile, explained that the decision to introduce a welfare-driven component was inspired by advice from her children.

She noted that since the ascension of her husband to the throne, the Ovie had personally borne the responsibility of funding the annual event.

Quoting from the Holy Scriptures, she stated that “the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few,” emphasizing that the task of caring for the less privileged has grown beyond what one household can sustain alone.

She further urged attendees to reflect on their daily blessings, saying that the ability to wake up healthy, eat, and carry out daily activities is a privilege many take for granted and should be a reason for constant gratitude to God.

According to her, many people are currently facing severe hardships, stressing that the nation is in dire need of compassionate individuals willing to lend support.

She cited biblical teachings that encourage caring for the poor and needy, appealing to the general public to support the initiative both financially and materially.

While acknowledging the generosity of individuals and organizations that have already contributed to the foundation, the Oniemo appealed for more support, describing the work as demanding and continuous.

The event was graced by the Ovie of Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, AVM Lucky Ochuko Ararile (rtd.), alongside several royal fathers, religious leaders, government officials, academics, professionals, and community leaders.

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Notable dignitaries in attendance included HRM Michael Omeru, CON, Ogurime-Rime Ukori I, the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, and his queen; HRM Sunday Odogu Okpurhe, Uduaka I, the Ovie of Mosogar Kingdom.

Also present was the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hillary Owama.

Other distinguished guests included Chief Roland Eyarhone, Prince Sunday O. Ararile, Professor Ben Oghojafor, Deacon Chris Iyavwore, Hon. Peter Omaryaue, Dr. Blessing Akiri, Dr. Emmanuel Aghogho, Mr. Steve Nnamdi, Mr. Henry Orotu Akpo, Mr. Kelly Ehrimu, members of the Agwenomre Family, Hon. Chief Dr. Captain Tony Onogarigho, AshBert Beverages, Mr. Pepe Jah, Mr. Ejiro Ineneji, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Oniovosa, among many others.

The event concluded with carol renditions, prayers, and expressions of goodwill, reinforcing the spirit of Christmas and communal responsibility.