NDELTA AVENGERS: LOYIBO INITIATES MOVES FOR LASTING PEACE, RECEIVES OMEZIOHA TITLE FROM IGBOLAND.

Foremost Niger Delta Activists, High Chief Mike Ekayama Loyibo, has put words to action, as he begins moves for reconciliation and peace building in the region, believing that the region can only experience speedy development, if various ethnic groups located in the region are synergised under a unified body in pursuit of a common goal that will amount to a better deal for the region.

In his honorary and chieftaincy conferment visit today, 19th June, with the Oil Producing people of Umuofor Kingdom in Imo state, which according to him was aimed at strengthening the age long relationship between the Izons and the Igbos, thereby creating a unifying ground in actualisation of a common goal.

This followed after months of the resurgent of the group "Niger Delta Avengers" and other armed militia, which carried out several attacks on pipelines last year, with its intention to cripple the Nation's economy to zero, and the engagement of Niger Delta Stakeholders by the Federal government in bringing lasting peace to the region, through constant dialogues and negotiations with all affected persons.

It could be recalled that a group known as PANDEF, met with the President and presented a 16Point demand, which shook the entire Nigeria, while it also assured the President of a lasting peace, if the government showed sincerity of purpose towards the people.

High Chief Mike Ekayama Loyibo, the convener of the Niger Delta People’s Congress and a foremost leader of the above stated group, Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, PANDEF, also a member of the Presidential committee on dialogue in the region, has already began to set a roadmap for sustainable peace in the region.

In the visit today, the OFOR of Umuofor Kingdom, HRH. Eze Dr. Eze A.F Chimaeze Emetumah III, LLB (Hon) DBA, PHD, JP, made it clear that the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable, adding that Nigeria belongs to all of us irrespective of our various ethnic backgrounds, adding that instead of demanding for secession that may amount to loss of lives and properties, it would rather be wise to settle whatever grievances that may be and push ahead as a people, stating that unity is the key.

The Ofor who was in his company of council of chiefs, welcomed Loyibo and stated again that the Izons and Igbos are people of same similar background with slight differences, making bold that the Igbos are always open to the Ijaws.

Loyibo in his words, proved to the Igbos that the Ijaws and Igbos are one indivisible people, who inspite of their little differences shared a common dream.

Loyibo was therefore conferred with another Prestigious title of "OMEZIOHA" translating in English as ' One who brings favour' by the great people of Umuofor Kingdom (Igboland) in same Imo State, who were so delighted in receiving him.

In the words of the OFOR, as he confers the title on Loyibo after all traditional rites were done, while Presenting him with a government issued certificate, he said " in recognition of your outstanding contribution to the peace/development of our community and pursuant to the powers bestowed upon me, by the Imo state of Nigeria Traditional rulers and Autonomous communities law, as the traditional ruler (EZE) of this community, I, HRH. Eze Dr. Eze A.F Chimaeze Emetumah III, LLB (Hon) DBA, PHD, JP, on behalf of our Autonomous community hereby confer on you, Mike Ekayama Loyibo, the honorary chieftaincy title of OMEZIOHA", congratulations" he said.

The event occurred today, 19th June, at the Palace of the Ofor, HRH. Eze Dr. Eze A.F Chimaeze Emetumah III, LLB (Hon) DBA, PHD, JP, in Oguta LGA, Imo state.

It could be recalled that as part of the peace moves, the good and great people of Urhobo, in Idjerhe Kingdom of Ethiope west LGA, Delta State, on 17th June, under the rulership of HRM. Edward Igho Otadaferua, ERHIEKEVWE 1, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of "OTUYOTA" translating in English as the " bearer of truth" on Loyibo, in a well attended event which became an harmonious ground for both the Ijaws and the Urhobos. An occasion where the Ovie declared that "Urhobos and Ijaws are husband and wife that can never be separated".

Loyibo who spoke, assured the Igbo people of continuous harmonious existence with the Ijaws, and stated that, within his reach, more development will be attracted to the Kingdom, but also pleaded for peace and appealed to the people to support government at all levels.

Loyibo is described as a Vocal, bold, truthful Niger Delta Activist, known for his philanthropic gestures, a living legend, known for his intellectual agitations which has opened doors of development, infrastructures, Job opportunities, Scholarships and development to the Niger Delta region.

Published by Bodmasnewsblog.com