ONU IKA NIGERIA HOSTS 21STANNUAL OGWA IKA
Onu Ika Nigeria under the leadership of Mr. Daniel S.O. Usifoh celebrated her 21st annual Ogwa Ika. The event was hosted by Abavo kingdom on Saturday, 17th of August, 2019, at Abavo Central, Abavo in Ika South local government with its annual theme “What is in a name”.
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In his welcome address, the Obi of the host kingdom, His Royal Majesty Uche Irenuma II welcomed His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta state; and royal fathers present all other dignitaries in attendance. He thanked the Head, Collective Leadership of Ogwa Ika, the mouth piece of Ika nation for conceding the hosting right to Abavo kingdom. He stated that although they missed out their hosting right in the past but were delighted to host at this point in time.
He appreciated the government of Delta state for bringing dividends of democracy to the kingdom with massive construction and rehabilitation of roads within the communities which allows the rural dwellers to convey their farm produce to the market. He stated that the administration is laudable with several projects either completed, commissioned or still in progress across the state. He also used the medium to appreciate the governor for the appointment of one of his subjects Hon. Martins Okonta as commissioner for water resource and for appointing a worthy son of Ika nation in person of Mr. Chiedu Ebie as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and other political appointments to Ika sons and daughters, saying, “We are privileged to have you.”
Speaking also on the occasion, the Collective Leadership of Onu Ika Nigeria, Daniel S.O Usifoh, thanked the Almighty God on behalf of Ika sons and daughters for granting them the opportunity of witnessing the 21st Ogwa Ika. He acknowledged the presence of the State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and all the royal fathers in attendance. He went further to review some strategic issues that were identified in the previous Ogwa Ika, some of which were, Fulani herdsmen menace and security in Nigeria, Illegal migration of Ika sons to Europe, Human trafficking, Befitting Ika nation’s hall, Ika Language Department in College of Education, Agbor and a host of others.
Speaking further, he said candidates who sat for Ika language annual essay competition from 2015-2017, who came out 1st to third positions, were given awards for their performances. The first position went to Calvary Secondary School, the second to King Solomon’s College and third to Peniel Academy, all in Boji-Boji Owa. Seeing the efforts put in by Staff Model Secondary school Agbor, a consolatory prize for fourth position was awarded to them as a mark of encouragement.
Speaking also at the event was a professor of Theatre Art and Drama, Professor Sam Ukala, who as the guest lecturer at the event, lectured on the theme “What is in a name”. Prof. Sam Ukala revealed that names are not just chosen but that names are chosen with meaning of their own, a meaning that is not depending on what the name connotes or how the name is described. Giving instance on the name, Ukala as having a meaning of its own. At the occasion, a reference book for learners of Ika language written by Chief Fedrick O. Ehiwogu title Gwam Gwai” (tell me to tell you) was launched to enhance effective learning for Ika language leaners. The occasion was graced by the State Governor, SSG, commissioner for Water resources and representatives of all the eleven kingdoms and other dignitaries.