Federated Journalists Honor Evbuoligun Duke With Leadership Award

Benin, Edo Nigeria – By Oladipo Airenakho.

Amidst the allure and fanfare of Igue Festival, an annual Thanksgiving practice of Edo people in Nigeria, an award of excellence in leadership has been presented to the Enogie (Duke) of Evbuoligun, His Royal Highness, Apostle (Dr.) Uyiekpen Omoregie (JP).

At an elaborate ceremony marking Igue festival in his Palace, located in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, members of the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council gave him the prestigious award.

Pastor Mike Erhunmwunse, chairman of the organization explained that they were honoring him for his exemplinary leadership qualities that have made peace and development possible in his domain.

According to him: “the kind of situations we have in other communities where lands are sold to multiple persons and which usually lead to quarrelling and fighting and the absence of peaceful environment for development is something that could not be found in Evbuoligun Dukedom.”

‘’We know what happens in many communities, all the ills of land speculators, but this community is not so.

The Enogie has maintained a high degree of integrity, and no wonder the Oba of Benin, in 2005, gave him an award.’’

Pastor Erhunmwunse said the Chapel had not deemed it fit to present an award to any individual since its inauguration by the current leadership of the Edo NUJ council in June 2012 until now.

The decision to issue this particular award, he hinted occurred when the impeccable character of the Enogie of Evbuoligun and his prompt response ability was brought to the attention of the panel saddled with the responsibility of advising the Chapel on such matter.

He named some of the Enogie’s achievements to include the opening up of his community through self help projects, such as providing electrical infrastructure, and portable water.

‘’The Enogie is not only a traditional ruler but also an Apostle of Jesus Christ. This made us to come closer to him with an eye of curiosity, as the journalism profession has made us to be.

We looked at the reason why he was made an Apostle and found out it was not just a mere title but a title based on deeds.”

In his response after the award, the Enogie thanked the journalists for considering him worthy of such an honor and promised not to rest on his oars in his search to better the lots of members of his community.

The Enogie who noted that journalists were the eyes of the people said he had received no less than 28 awards both within and outside the shores of Nigeria and that the new award would spur him to do more.

‘’All you see in the community is the result of selfless efforts of community members. I have only received one transformer from the government. Ninety eight earth roads, ten boreholes were all done through community efforts.’’

He dedicated the new award not only to God Almighty, but also to the Oba of Benin Kingdom and members of Evbuoligun community.

Members of the community present at the award ceremony included, Chief Godwin Izogie, the Enobare of Evbuoligun; Chief Okoro Osagie the Ogieayavbana of Evbuoligun, and Pa Patrick Okunrobo, the Odionwere of Evbuoligun.

Others were Prince Osamuyimwen Omoregie, the Youth Chairman of Evbuoligun, Pastor Jeremiah Ogbuji (Resident Pastor), Saint Joseph Chosen Church of God Headquarters.