The sights of Ijaw and Itsekiri leaders mingling freely, exchanging pleasantries and meal at Ogbe-Ijoh town, headquarters of Warri Southwest local government area of Delta state, last Saturday, invoked feelings of joy and melancholy.
Prominent Ijaw leaders Harrison Gbenekama (JP), Hon Sam Ako, Chiefs Samson Oyinmi, Hitler Koredia, Government Korebor, Godwin Okori, Captain Joseph Zico, Apopo Okori among others, joined Chief Favour Izoukumor to welcome Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Mr. Taye Tuoyo and other Itsekiris to Ogbe-Ijoh.
Although the event was a party to honour Izoukumor on his birthday, the significance of the august gathering was lost on one, especially the leaders, most of who were actively involved in the dispute over the location of the council headquarters.
It would be recalled that the two age-long neighbours fought a fratricidal war over the an apple of discord – location of the local government council – instigated by the military junta that was led by then head of state, Brig Gen Sanni Abacha. Ogbe-Ijoh shot into national limelight as the Ijaws fought against relocation of the secretariat from the Ijaw town, which was initially announced as its headquarters, to Ogidigben, Ugborodo (Escravos).
But on that beautiful Saturday, the air of conviviality was palpable as the Ijaws hugged their Itsekiri neighbours and vigorously cheered the performance by the visiting cultural troupe, who joined them to honour arguably one of the most illustrious and philanthropic sons of Ogbe-Ijoh. It was significant that the chairman of the ceremony was Chief Ereyitomi, an Itsekiri from Ugborodo.
Roll call of guests included: Mr. Taye Tuoyo, Itsekiri-born chairman of Warri SW LGA, his deputy, Comrade Arthur Akpodubakaye (an Ijaw), Mr. Emomotimi Guwor, PDP candidate for House of Assembly seat of Warri SW, and Chief Queen Ajemitolu, among others.
In his speech, Comrade Bibo Ogbonna, President, Ogbe-Ijoh Youth Council, organisers of the ceremony, described Izoukumor as an exemplary leader, who impacted positively on youths across, not only the clan, but also the entire Ijaw land and beyond.
“We have had leaders in Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, but there has never been one as compassionate and worthy of emulation as Chief Izoukumor. That is why we decided to give him a pleasant surprise as part of activities marking his birthday celebration,” Ogbonna explained.
Speaking in the same vein, Comrade Jackson Timiyan, who anchored the event, remarked that Izoukumor had given several dozens of scholarships to indigent students, even beyond first-degree levels. Timiyan clarified that Izoukumor, who is the Commissioner representing Ijaw ethnic nationality on the board of DESOPADEC, did not become a philanthropist when he joined politics.
“Even before he became prominent, while he was still in the village as a fisherman, he had started sponsoring students and pupils in various schools across the state and beyond. Dozens of law and other graduates owe their educational attainments to this great man,” Timiyan noted.
Speaking in the same vein, Izoukumor’s former colleague at DESOPADEC and PDP flag-bearer for the Warri Federal Constituency House of Representative, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, remarked that the eulogies, calibre of dignitaries and rainbow of groups and nationalities present, were indication of the altruistic nature and benevolence of the celebrant.
This is a clear testament that he has done something wonderful in the past for his community and humanity. This places a responsibility on all human that has the means to be charitable and be of good disposition to all, irrespective of tribe, tongue or creed.
“I am happy to be associated with him and I promise to work in my personal capacity, and if elected, as a representative of all in this area, for the development of our people,” Ereyitomi assured.
A religious cleric and educationist, Dr. O’Neal Ijeoma, who delivered a lecture on the need for youths to stay away from cult and other violent activities, blamed poor value for prevailing negative youth cultures in the society. In a brief and lucid presentation, the speaker revealed his involvement in the vice, disclosing that not only was he involved in cult activities during his days but that he also went ahead to found his own cult group.
Pastor Ijeoma admonished parents to instil good and proper values on their children and wards. “The problem with the society is that of value; if you have poor value, education cannot change you. If you have poor value you elevate instant gratification over long-term gain and that is why you see people filling their belly today and selling their future.
He further explained that education is not same as schooling, noting, “You can go to school and still not be educated,” he said, adding that the society must deal with scourge of ignorance which tend to mislead youths to believe that rudeness and arrogance are same as confidence.
Later in his vote of thanks, Izoukumor expressed surprise at the avalanche of praise and huge turnout of guests. “I am forced to ask myself, ‘what have I done to deserve this?’” he asked.
While commending the youth groups from the kingdom and cross the Ijaw nation, pupils from several public and private schools in the area, for the honour, the University of Benin graduate of political science reminded them to always be of good character and to portray their communities and the Ijaw nation in good light.”
Izoukumor commended the emerging crop of Ijaw and Itsekiri youths for putting the past challenges behind them and looking ahead to a better, united future as their forefathers lived.
“When Ijaws and Itsekiri brothers and sisters danced together as they did today, it showed the strength in our unity and diversity. We must build on this because together we can achieve something bigger and better for our people when we unite.“
The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant and his wife, Chief Beatrice Izoukumor, and other guests, after the presentation of books, sports and other educational materials to various schools in the area.
There was also award to debaters from the schools, which contested on the importance of education to the society. Izoukumor also presented JAMB forms to about 50 indigent Ogbe-Ijoh students to enable them achieve their quests for higher education. For Itsekiri women of Warri Southwest MPCS, he doled out N2million to enable members start businesses.
The celebrant lamented the continued crisis between the people of Ogbe-Ijoh and neighbouring Aladja (Udu) communities. Izoukumor, whose mother hailed from Udu, told our reporter during an interview after the ceremony, that he was determined to work towards an amicable resolution of the crisis.
“I am the most pained by this crisis because we have been age-long neighbours and friends, if it weren’t so my father wouldn’t have taken a wife from Aladja and I wouldn’t have been. So, I implore all involved to make room for peace, as a peace and neighbours, we have lost too much during these clashes.”
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