The Oguta Community was agog yesterday as Governor Emeka Ihedioha was hosted to a grand civic reception.
The ceremony began with a Thanksgiving Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Oguta, while the Reception took place at the Oguta Lake Waterfront Pavilion.
The Governor paid a courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of Oguta, His Royal Highness, Eze Nnani Nzeribe Eze-Eyiche, where the monarch showered him with Kingly blessing.
Beginning with a kayak race in the glittering Oguta lake, contestants of the Local Governments in Imo State paddled vigorously to determine the fastest rower. In the end, Isiala Mbano came third, with Oguta and Aboh Mbaise taking the second and first positions respectively.
In his opening remarks at the reception, Prof Ike Azogu who was the Chairman of the occasion, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the remarkable partnership he has with their son, the Deputy Governor, and for his equitable goodwill to the Oguta Community, noting that Oguta was relegated to the background in the past administration, despite its huge human and natural resources.
The reception ceremony was a display of the rich cultural heritage of the Oguta people. There was music and dance performances by the different age grades in the community, as well as masquerade displays.
The Deputy Governor, Engr Gerard Irona in his remarks also assured the Governor of the unalloyed support of the Oguta Nation.
High point of the ceremony was the induction & conferment of His Excellency, Governor Emeka Ihedioha, with the the traditional title of OGBUAGU.
Ogbuagu is a traditional title conferred on men who achieve remarkable feats in the traditional Igbo society. The Ogbuagus are known to be great and renowned warriors. It is top on the list of titles that can be given to a person in Igbo land.
In his speech after the ceremonial rituals, Ogbuagu Emeka Ihedioha thanked the people of Oguta Community for their support to the administration.
The Governor also assured them that every dividend of democracy due to them will get to them, as well as the rest of the state.
The ceremony was graced with the presence of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Gerard Irona; the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki; Former Governors Achike Udenwa and Chief Ikedi Ohakim; the Chief Technical Adviser to the Governor, Barr. P.G.U Madu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Chris Okewulonu, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Barr. Chima Nwana; Former Commissioner for Police, Mr Rabiu Ladodo, State Commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, Heads of Government & Nongovernmental Agencies, Traditional Rulers, the Clergy and the general public.
