By: Oshimili South APC Media Team.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oshimili South Local Government Area, Ogbueshi Dada Okolo, has called on Ndi Ahaba to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Asaba, describing tradition as a vital link between the present generation and its ancestral roots.
He made the call during his Iwaji (New Yam) Ceremony, where he urged parents, community leaders and younger generations to uphold and transmit the customs and traditions of Asaba to future generations. He said cultural festivals provide an opportunity to appreciate God for the harvest, celebrate heritage and strengthen communal bonds.
Performing the traditional breaking of kola nut to formally open the ceremony, Ogbueshi Dada Okolo, who is the Anya Asagba in Ajaji Layout, expressed appreciation to the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Professor Epiphany Chigbogwu Azinge, SAN, for his fatherly leadership and for finding him worthy of the Anya Asagba title. He also prayed for peace, prosperity and abundant harvests for Ani Ahaba, Ndi Ahaba and Delta State.
As APC Chairman in Oshimili South, Ogbueshi Dada Okolo urged residents and party members to work together despite political differences, stressing the need for responsible leadership, peaceful coexistence and collective efforts towards community development.
In goodwill messages, political, traditional and community leaders congratulated the celebrant for sustaining the cultural heritage of Asaba and using the occasion to bring people together. They prayed for good health, wisdom, peace and prosperity for him, his family and the community.
Among those in attendance were the Delta North Senatorial Chairman of the APC, Chief Engr. Dan Ossai; Oshimili South Council Chairman, High Chief Dr. Obi Kelvin Obi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor (Onwa); Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Nnamdi Darlington Ijeh; former member representing Oshimili South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Ogbueshi Shedrack Kenechukwu Rapu; and the current member representing the constituency, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu.
Others included APC Chairman in Oshimili North, Chief Austin Nnabuife (Ojeogbue); Obi Agbogidi; Chiedu Chichi (Obute Owusi), Leader of the Oshimili South Legislative Arm; Ogbueshi Rt. Hon. Michael Okonji; Oshimili South APC Ward 7 Chairman, Mr. Patrick Okocha; Chairman of Non-Indigenes in Oshimili South, High Chief Chinedu Obodo; Chairman of the Delta State Pilgrims Board, Alhaji Awolu Tukur; High Chief M.O. Chukwuma, the Uzi of Aboh Kingdom; High Chief I.E. Okonkwo, Nwaweliugwu na Ukpo; and Ogbueshi Adimabua Onorchie.
Also present were Chief Ambros Okakwu; Ogbueshi Ndudi Umunna; former Executive Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Chief Chibuzor Uwaje (Agbalusia Ngene); Hon. David Isichei; Hon. Sunnyboy Obi Nwose; and other dignitaries, friends and well-wishers.
The ceremony featured traditional presentations and homage from various groups, including Better Market, led by Comrade Sylvester Ngugu; Ajaji Layout Residents, popularly known as The Great Riders; and the Street Boys and Girls Movement, led by Comrade Jerome Onwusaya. Guests were also entertained with music, dance and other cultural activities.
The celebration ended with prayers for abundant blessings, peace and continued development in Asaba, Oshimili South and Delta State.
