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Reward For Humility …Obudibo: A Humble King’s Example
Royalty in any clime, especially most parts of the African Continent comes with an unusual aura of authority, benumbing panache, very intimidating clout, annoying display of wealth, over confident exhibition of power and majesty, a tempting air of grandeur and very often, a tinge of arrogance and pride. Perceived, seen, and beheld by subjects as first among equals in their Kingdoms, their words are laws.
In other far away lands, the British Monarchy remains one of the most relevant, enduring, respected, adored and powerful, if you like, even if the Queen performs mere ceremonial functions, as distinct from the political machinery that governs Great Britain. To date, most members of the Commonwealth view the Queen of England, the incumbent of British Monarchy as the symbol of traditional, even government authority to whom they demonstrate unimaginable reverence.
So worshipped, every issue affecting even her children and grand children are top of the news all over the world, and in some ways explain the awesome majesty of royalty as replicated in many other climes, though in various degrees.
Here, in Nigeria, monarchs are not only symbols of traditional authority, they wield so much powers that make, even the highest of political office holders, bow to them in reverence even if the laws of the land do not prescribe specific and or effective roles beyond advisory, for them in governance. By these pedigrees, it is very difficult for a King, Emir, Oba, Alafin, Obong, Eze, Ochiyi, Amananowi, Gbenemene, Nyenweli, Igwe or an Amanyanabo to live small. Infact, empathising too much with commoners, years ago, was seen as descration of royalty in some Kingdoms.
This is why a King’s display of great humility, unusual simplicity, rare patience, love for peace and the ability to endure scorn as reward for his chosen lowliness, carves out, King Emmanuel Ibiagoleka T. Obudibo, Ikwo The V, Amanyanabo of Ogoloma Kingdom, in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, South-South Nigeria, as a rare epitome of how power of any kind must be exercised, convinced it’s a gift from God.
From his communication style to his social disposition to life, constant distance from vain-anger, ability to foster peace, even in the most volatile of times and lowly attitude to affluence, King Obudibo radiates wisdom, love, warmth, leadership, fatherhood, friendship, piety and indeed the fear of God. These are why his increasing popularity in the affairs of the state and nation should serve as an example to both the young and aged alike.
I recall a day in mid-2004, at a time when royal fathers traversed every available landscape with an accolade of personal aides, using the choicest of automobiles, this royal father opted to join a queue at the Garrison Bus Stop, awaiting a cab on his way to Ozuboko. It took this writer more than 20 minutes of appeal to get the royal father to use the vehicle in which I was travelling, while I picked a cab.
Months later, this writer pioneered the formation of what became known as Ogoloma Developmet Association (ODA), amidst fierce opposition, from many who used to file around him, with the sole purpose of raising funds to purchase an official car for the Monarch’s use. Again, it took this writer days to get the Monarch accept such a gesture, his response being, ‘God’s time is the best’.
“Indeed, this is God’s time, otherwise this thought will not come to me”, was how I managed to convince the royal father to get the programme going. That 505 saloon car presented to him December 30, 2004, by the ODA a week after the fund launch, became the King’s first official car, which he accepted with great reluctance.
His devotion to faith is even more benumbing. As a monarch, but a Senior member of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, King Obudibo, according to worshippers, is a worthy example of humility before God and man, to emulate. An instance is when the place of worship elects to embark on open-air evangelism, a time when, members undertake a spiritual rally round designated areas in prayers, sanctification and praise to God. At such times, being a royal father, the King could leverage on his high position to withdraw from such exercise but no, his response to those who suggest was often, we are all simply dust before the creator.
But perhaps the most ‘annoying’ part of his humility was his protracted silence to obvious marginalisation by successive local government authorities, whose moral duty it should be to include the welfare needs of royal fathers in their administrations. Strangely, each time he was persuaded to make necessary demands as enjoyed by his ilk in other areas, his response was the same, in God’s time, all things will be beautiful.
In view of that disposition to life, some Chiefs even found in his humility, their own opportunity to rub shoulders with him and many times, even chose to undermine his relevance. At other times, planners of government events would insist that he waited at the chosen venue, along with others, without the familiar courtesy visits to Monarchs.
It was Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who broke the jinx in that respect. Shortly after assumption of office, in 2007, on his tour of local government areas, on a thank you and needs tour and to hold public parliament, Ogoloma was listed as one of the venues. However security and protocol arrangement did not provide for a visit by the Governor to the Amanyanabo of Ogoloma, even if, Ogoloma Market Square was venue for the parliament. Instead, the monarch was advised to join all others at the Market Square, amidst protest by few in the area.
But as soon as Governor Amaechi arrived the town, he observed the mood and enquired from this writer, what the frowning faces meant. Told that it was in protest against plans that the Governor would not pay homage to the Amanyanabo of Ogoloma, against security and protocol concerns, Amaechi asked to be shown the residence of the royal father, where he found his host even ready to make it to the Market Square, against the protests.
An amazed Governor Amaechi told his host, the Amanyanabo of Ogoloma that he had been told of his rare humility and love for peace, but didn’t know that what he had heard was far less than a quarter of what everyone needed to learn from the monarch.
That indeed became the first day a serving governor would honour the Ikwo stool with such courtesy, since King Obudibo’s ascension to the throne of his fathers, in July 1978, presentation to the Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs on Saturday August 12, 1978 at the Ogoloma Town Hall and his formal elevation to Amanyanabo of Ogoloma and eventual government recognition on March 21, 1981.
From thence to date, King Obudibo has remained the truly blessed servant of God who must be adored, a ‘priceless bride’ to the political elite, a father, who is ever willing to listen and advise, and his humble residence, a Mecca of sorts to all desiring alternative approach to rancour, bloodbath, hatred and indeed strife.
Last week Thursday, King Obudibo played host to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, his wife, the First lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, accompanied by Governor Amaechi and other top National and State officials, where, he conferred on the President, the Chieftaincy title of Selolia meaning, Star of the Nations, and the First Lady, Se-Nyengibo, Mother of the Nation.
Such is the affluence, popularity and acceptance King Obudibo today enjoys after years of humility and dedication to exemplary leadership and service to the throne and his people.
Emmanuel, thou hath blesseth, might well have been the divine inheritance to which he was destined, to be heir, without many knowing, while some others considered his legendary love for peace, service, fear of God and true humility as signs of royal weakness.
But in King Obudibo, can be learnt one of many lessons – God’s own time is truly the best.
My Agony is that in our clime today, once a young man is made family head, even on acting capacity, elected Councillor or appointed Supervisor by the Council, his GSM phone becomes too heavy to carry, he requires aides to take or ignore calls and would demand to be respected and worshipped.
Methinks, Nigeria would be a better place, if one and all, see life through the eyes of King Obudibo, and subject self to patience, tolerance, humility, endurance, empathy with the weak and embrace of solitude, all the time as a bride. The rewards, in recognition though slow in coming, still do come and in amazing ways.
President Jonathan And King Obudibo
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.