…As Amb. Favour Obakoro treats exco members to a lavish reception
By Foster Akpore
Otorho-Orogun, October 26, 2024 – The Okpara-Uku Palace in Otorho-Orogun was filled with anticipation and pride today as the newly appointed Executive Council members of the Office of the President General of Orogun Kingdom were sworn in.
The event marked the beginning of a new era under the leadership of Chief Barr. E.T. Opone, the newly inaugurated President General of Orogun Kingdom. It was attended by distinguished guests, including the Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom, Emoghene Joseph Okorocha Osokpa I; the Okpara of Imodje, His Highness Moses Erheromebe, Ejenadia I; and members of the Orogun Traditional Council of Chiefs, such as Chief Magistrate Enakpodia, Sir Chief Solomon Awero, Chief O.J. Orogun JP, Chief Peter Edevwie, Mrs. Elohor Daisy Okpamwan, MC Jogodo, and Mr. Romeo Hitler, along with community members.
During the solemn oath-taking ceremony, the newly inaugurated Executive Council pledged to serve the Kingdom with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to the common good.
Chief Barr. E.T. Opone, in his inaugural address, highlighted the significance of unity, progress, and development in steering Orogun Kingdom forward. He paid special tribute to past leaders, particularly Chief Barr. Benson Ndakara, the immediate past President General, for laying a strong foundation for the growth of the Kingdom.
“Our administration will focus on six key areas: Education, Health, Women and Youth Empowerment, Diaspora Engagement, Recognition of Contributors to Orogun’s Development, Volunteerism, and Infrastructure Development,” Chief Opone stated. He outlined plans to improve access to education and healthcare while fostering economic opportunities for the youth and women of Orogun.
The President General further emphasized the importance of diaspora engagement, calling on Orogun indigenes living abroad to contribute their resources and expertise toward the Kingdom’s development. Chief Opone also called for partnerships with state and non-state actors to ensure success in the administration’s initiatives.
The event also featured a goodwill message from Chief Do-Good O. Efe-Nogo (JP), the Onotu-Uku of Orogun Kingdom. In his heartfelt message, Chief Efe-Nogo extended warm congratulations to the President General and the Executive Council, commending their commitment to the Kingdom’s development.
“Today marks a new chapter in the history of Orogun—a chapter of promise, progress, and unity—and I have every confidence that, under your collective leadership, Orogun Kingdom will continue to thrive,” Chief Efe-Nogo remarked. He praised the leadership of Chief Barr. E.T. Opone, noting that his actions had surpassed expectations and had brought a renewed sense of unity and purpose to the Kingdom.
Drawing inspiration from the proverb, “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called,” Chief Efe-Nogo affirmed that Chief Opone’s leadership journey is divinely ordained. He urged the newly inaugurated Executive Council to emulate the President General’s dedication and to serve with integrity, fairness, and a deep respect for Orogun’s traditions.
“As you embark on this sacred responsibility, know that you have the full support of the traditional council and all well-meaning sons and daughters of this kingdom,” Chief Efe-Nogo concluded.
The ceremony also saw acknowledgments of key individuals, including Chief Do-Good O. Efe-Nogo, JP, Chief Pius Ovbije, Hon. Matthew Onojighofia Omonade, and Mr. Jimmy Omo-Agege, whose financial contributions were vital in supporting the inauguration and other community projects.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Chief Opone reiterated his commitment to leading with transparency and accountability, promising that his administration would be guided by the principle of “Together, Everyone Achieves More.” He called on the people of Orogun to offer their prayers, support, and cooperation as the new Executive Council embarks on its journey to build a prosperous future for the Kingdom.
The Executive Committee members include: President General, Chief Barr. Etetakpo Thompson Opone (Imodje); Vice President General, Chief Augustine Oghenesivwohwo (Emonu); Director of Development & Partnerships, Bishop Igbigbisie Akpocha Christopher (JP) (Sanubi); Secretary-General, Barr. Agbonifo Franklin (Ogwa); Assistant Secretary (Programs & Projects), Rufus Idogho (Imodje); Treasurer, Ebu Joseph Iroro (Unukpo); Financial Secretary/Diaspora Affairs Coordinator, Amb. Favour Omotejohwo Obakoro (Umusu); Director of Agricultural Value Chain & Community Engagement, Imiko Obukohwo (Emonu); Director of Social & Economic Development, Lawrence Osevwe (Ogwa); Director of Women Empowerment, Joy Okaredje (Unukpo); Director of Health, Ogwezi Christopher (Emonu); Director of Environment & Infrastructure Development, Stephen Okotie (Imodje); Media & Public Relations Officer, Foster Akpore (Umusu); Director of Fundraising & Grants, Jane Nwachukwu (Ogwa); Director of Security, Paul Okogu (Unukpo); Director of Welfare, Progress Omo-Agege (Unukpo); Legal Adviser, Barr. Goodluck Etinagbedia (Umusu); Director of Sports & Talent Development, Orogunfere Felix (Umusu); Director of Markets & Business Facility Development, Onodavwero Mike Bruno (Ogwa); Director of Education, Chief Dr. Felix Edeki Akporugo (Emonu); Special Assistant on Politics & Intergovernmental Affairs, Fidelis Onakpoma; Special Assistant on SDGs, Efe Agabi; and Director of Transport.
Following the ceremony, Amb. Favour Obakoro hosted a lavish reception at her family compound, further strengthening the bond among the Executive Council members and fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration as they embark on their new roles.