The Prime League of Nigeria, a socio-philanthropic organization dedicated to working together with the aim of promoting progress on Sunday, December 23, 2018 held her auspicious End of Year Party/Award Ceremony in which the likes of, HRM. Dr. Emmanuel O. Efeizomor II, JP, OON, the Obi of Owa Kingdom; Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank PLC; Rev. Fr. Mario-David Dibie, the Director of Lumen Christi Family and Mr. Steve Ekiri-Mekiriuwa Ashien, the Publisher of Ika Weekly Newspaper bagged awards.
The glamorous event had the presence of the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, his wife, Dame Edith Okowa and his entourage, with all members of the Prime League wining, dining and dancing to the thrilling melodious tunes from the SSB Band. READ ALSO:PRECIOUS ABASI RECEIVES VIRGIN QUEEN AWARD
In a brief speech, the President, Mr. Alex Onyeagwu expressed gratitude to all leaguemates and all who made the day’s occasion successful, thanking also the State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, a fellow leaguemate and past president of the Prime League for making out time to be part of the party.
Speaking further, he expressed sadness at the demise of some members amongst whom were, Mr. Innocent Animele, Mrs. Ndu Okonye, Mrs. Egbai and other bereaved members while also welcoming some new members received into the league, amongst whom were; Mr. Felix Onwugbenu, Mr. Joel Oseafiana and Mandel C. Okorie.
Continuing, Mr. Onyeagwu expressed joy over the members of the League who were appointed to serve the state under His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
About the awardees, he said, “We are using this occasion to recognize and celebrate four great men of Ika Nation, HRM. Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, Rev. Fr. Mario-David Dibie, Mr. Steve Ekiri-Mekiriuwa Ashien and Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu who have contributed a lot to the peace and development of Ika nation. They are worthy of emulation and we have chosen this occasion to show them that we acknowledge and appreciate them.”
Speaking about the Prime League, the President said, “This is an organization of Ika sons and who are striving to make their marks in the various legitimate fields of endeavour. We have legal practitioners, health professionals, bankers, administrators, teachers, politicians, etc.
“Since the inception of the organization about 30 years ago, we have endeavoured to stay together and have grown in size and strength from about fifteen members to about fifty presently. We have within the limits of our very little resources tried to touch the lives of our people through educational promotion, public enlightenment, support to the needy and encouragement to our enterprising brothers and sisters.”
He further stated that the group has embarked on the building of a Club House which is said to comfort and relaxation zone to members and non-members hoped to be complete in 2019.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Mr. Steve Ashien, the Publisher of Ika Weekly Newspaper expressed gratitude to them for finding them worthy of the award, saying that the award in no little way, will spur them to be more hardwork so as to contribute more to humanity.
Mr. Tony Obuh, the immediate past President while speaking at the event, stated that amidst other aspirations of the group, they have unanimously decided to give Gov. Okowa unalloyed support for his second term bid as a bonafide member of the league irrespective of the fact that the forum is not political and also being comprised of other political party members, saying that as a member, they would do anything possible to ensure his landslide victory in his second term bid. This they proved by printing banners, donating customized T-shirts, caps and raising funds for Governor Okowa’s gubernatorial campaign.
In response, Gov. Okowa expressed gratitude to the league mates for a successful and well organized get together, saying that upon invitation, he least expected the support for second term gubernatorial aspiration since the forum was not a political forum while also charging the awardees to see the award as a motivation for more hardwork and relentless contribution to the society.
Speaking further, Gov. Okowa admonished them to have the aim of the yuletide period at heart, saying that Christ is the reason for the season, hence, all should ensure that they do what is pleasing to Christ and not get carried away in the heat of the season or see it as means of engaging in things that are inimical to the Christian standard.
In conclusion, he charged parents to raise up their children in a godly way, saying that the character exhibited by the current breed of children of the present generation is heartrending, hence, calls for redirection, while also preaching peace amongst them.