Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has emphasised the importance of traditional institutions in nation building.
This was contained in an address presented by the governor during the official presentation of staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Nwonye Tobi Chukwuka, Okpala-Uku of Umute Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the traditional institution had a great significance to the people and urged Deltans to always promote the integrity of the traditional stool by bestowing on traditional rulers the respect and honour that they truly deserved.
Governor Oborevwori while addressing the people of Umute Kingdom said, “I am sure that the institution of the Okpala-Uku has great significance to you all and as such, you should all strive to promote the integrity of the stool by bestowing on His Royal Majesty the honour and respect that he truly deserves.
“I urge all of you to give him your fullest support, love, co-operation and understanding. He is one of you. I therefore call on every son and daughter of Umute to work harmoniously with the Okpala-Uku for the sustainable peace and progress of the kingdom, the Aniocha South Local Government Area and, indeed, Delta state.
The governor also appealed to the monarch to discharge his duties to the people with responsibilities and fairness in all his dealings with them.
He also urged monarch to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation as a way of carrying the people along for the peace and development of the kingdom.
According to him, “Your Royal Majesty, I appeal to you to discharge all your responsibilities by being fair and just to all and sundry. As the custodian of the traditional institution of your people, it is important that you uphold the sanctity of the customs.
“I appeal to you to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in all your dealings with the people. That way, you carry all your people along.”
Governor Oborevwori while commending the people of Umute Kingdom for their support for his administration, assured them that the M.O.R.E Agenda of his administration would attract developmental projects to them.
He said their demand for the construction and the rehabilitation of the roads linking Umute, Ukwu-Oba, Aba-Uno and Adonte through Ogwash-Uku, including the resuscitation of electricity supply to the Nsukwa clan would soon be given attention.
The governor urged the people to form cooperative societies and approach various government agencies set up to assist farmers, in order to boost the economic and agricultural development of the people in the area and add value to their agricultural capacities.
“The people of Umute are predominantly farmers, traders and, to a reasonable extent, fishermen. I appeal to the people of this kingdom to form cooperatives and approach various government agencies set up to assist our people. This will help to improve and add value to your capacities,” Oborevwori added.
In his address, the Chairman Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Jude Chukwunweike, said that the M.O.R.E agenda of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori Administration would usher Deltans to a prosperous era of bountiful democratic dividends which would impact positively on the lives of Deltans.
Earlier in an address read on behalf of Umute Kingdom, the Chairman, Umute Development Committee, Mr. Ifeanyi Ukolo, congratulated Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on his victory at the polls and expressed gratitude to him for approving the construction of Phase 1 of Umute/Nsuka Road project.
He said the road, a major access link to the various communities would aid in the transportation of farm produce to other neighbouring communities and towns in the area.
Mr. Ukolo appealed to the state government to extend the contract to include the construction and rehabilitation of the roads linking Umute, Ukwu-Oba, Abah-Uno, Adonte through Ogwashi-Uku.
He also appealed for the provision of a cottage industry and rehabilitation of the entire Nsukwa Clan Electricity Scheme.
