The entire town of Umunede in Ika North East LGA of Delta State experienced total shut down of business activities on Saturday, October 27, 2018 as indigenes, royalties from Delta North, South and Delta Central, Chiefs, academics, top government functionaries and friends came out in large number to witness the grand finale of the 25th coronation anniversary of Umunede Monarch, HRM Dr. Ezeagwu Ezenwali I, JP.
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The one week event which commenced on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 saw the unveiling of the royal edifice which marked the best in the history of Umunede Kingdom.
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Danladi Irmiya Kifasi, former Head of Service of Nigeria expressed delight to be among Umunede people, saying that he is truly honoured. The chairman who was represented by Chief Suleman Bello noted that HRM Ezeagwu Ezenwali I has brought monumental development to Umunede since he ascended the throne, stressing that he is a great blessing to the community.
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In his words, “Apart from being a commercial town, I have come to note with delight that Umunede has unique privilege of producing prominent sons and daughters who have greatly contributed to the growth and development of the town. Umunede history cannot be complete without mentioning their dynamic hardwork which has adequately reflected in the field of commerce.”
He prayed God to bless and protect the traditional ruler and the people of Umunede.
Delivering his speech, the Umunede monarch, HRM Dr. Ezeagwu Ezenwali I, JP thanked his people for their great support and enormous contribution thus far towards moving the town forward, urging them to continue in that same direction.
He appreciated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his immeasurable contributions in Umunede and for the completion of the royal house and all who contributed in various ways. The traditional ruler assured Governor Okowa that his people are strongly behind him. While commending the good work of the members of Umunede Progressive Union, UPU, Dr. Ezeagwu Ezenwali I, pointed out that over the years, UPU have been the actual tool in the socio-economic development of the town, saying that he is proud of them.
The monarch disclosed that Umunede remains a universal town where both indigenes and non-indigenes dwell and carry out their daily businesses, saying that they live as brothers. “We are agrarian and depend on our farm produce and cash crops for our good and economic sustenance. We will guard this jealously. The practice whereby cattle destroy our farms is unacceptable. We enjoin our brothers in charge of rearing these cattle to avoid destroying our farms.”
Welcoming him to the podium with thunderous applause, the Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in his remark thanked all who came to celebrate with Umunede monarch, HRM. Dr. Ezeagwu Ezenwali I, commending them, particularly Umunede people for their peaceful support to the royal father in the last 25years. Governor Okowa stated that the royal father over the years has brought great development to the community, attributing it to his good relationship with his people both within and outside the state. He described it as a step in the right direction. The governor urged him to continue to extend his hand of friendship across the state, saying that it would make his kingdom a better place. Governor Okowa hinted that the event was an opportunity for all indigenes of Umunede to reflect on the journey thus far, and look towards the journey ahead, noting that it is only a kingdom that reason together that can grow together.
Continuing, Governor Okowa stated that the large number of people in the occasion shows that there is unity and peace in the land, urging them to continue to work together especially members of the UPU as this would help in moving the kingdom to greater height. He reiterated that all hands must be on deck in moving the kingdom forward, saying that they must encourage one another to make things work in the land. The governor thanked all for the show of love and support, assuring the monarch that all ongoing projects in Umunede will soon be completed and with God on his side, more will be done. He also promised that the Old Umunede/Ekwuoma road will soon be completed.
High point of the event was the cutting of the anniversary cake and the unveiling of the royal house.