The Abia State Indigenes residing at the Ancient City of Badagry converged under the Abia state Indigenes Welfare Association to honour their past leaders with certificates of service and Medal of Honor.The event started at about 5:15pm with an opening prayer by the Grand Patron Chief Paul Okorie.The new Chairman of the association, Pastor Okechukwu Iroegbu thanked everyone present and appreciated each and everyone's effort for making out time to attend the event
which also marked the End of the Year's meeting.In his opening remarks, he spoke about how he was able to raise the money for the event despite the short time for planning. He was very grateful to members of his executives and the organizing committee, High Chief Iyke Okpaji, Alhaji Adetona Mubashiru, Superintendent of Customs, Ashinze and Chief Akubueze JP, the immediate past chairman of the association. All for their financial support that made the event great.He also informed members that next year will be very eventful as elderly member will be honoured with traditional retirement (Igboto nma)Goodwill messages where said by members as the Grand Patron, Chief Paul Okorie saw the new regime as the new Government of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for the type of ideas they are bringing in. He therefore advised that the new government must be ready to always listen to advice from the Elders. Chief Uma Okorie, High Chief Martins Uchendu, High Chief Victor Iroegbu and others spoke also on various important directions but hitting on "the word of the
Elders is the word of wisdom"Certificates and Medals were at this juncture presented to the past Chairmen, the Matron and Patron and a deserving past Secretary. The Chairmen category in sequence are; High Chief Martins Uchendu, Chief D C E Barah, Chief Darlington Ogonnaya Ajah, Chief Eze David and Chief Jude Akubueze JP. The next set to be honoured are the Grand Patron, Pastor (Chief) Paul Okorie and the Grand Matron, Elder (Mrs.) Jessie Ada Orieke while High Chief Victor Iroegbu was also honoured. Sumptuous entertainment was at this juncture served to members and guests in attendance.The Chairman called on his Vice Chairman Kelechi Ukaegbu to deliver a vote of thanks which he did brilliantly as a veteran on community leadership having served the Spare parts Dealers Association in Badagry for eight years. In his speech, he thanked Chief Okey Iroegbu for such opportunity given to him to speak. In his remarks, he mentioned that the leadership of the association will put heads together in making old members that left to come back to the meeting.The event officially came to a close with a melodious praises as Elder (Mrs.) Orieke gave a closing prayer.
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