Rivers
Community Celebrates 271 Years Anniversary
December 25 will remain indelible in the annals of Ottoni Ama Community in Nkoro Kingdom for generations to come.
That was the day the community trooped out in its large number to mark the 271 years of its foundation with a thanksgiving service.
History has it that Prince Opu Ottoni founded the community in AD 1750 after departing from the estate of Kirika monarchy.
According to tradition, Prince Opu Ottoni who was a direct heir of Kirika, the founder of Nkoro Kingdom separated to become the founder of Ottoni Ama in 1750 AD. “This was the reason why even after Otonni’s revolutionary departure from the estate of Kirika monarchy, tradition held that whenever the monarch anoints a worthy person for kingship, the said person was taken privately to Opu Ottonni’s estate for collaborative blessing before the public presentation to Nkoro Kingdom”.
According to some respondents of the occasion, Ottoni Ama was pioneer in everything that has to do with development in Nkoro Kingdom in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area.
According to the vice chairman, Community Development Committee (CDC), Ottoni Ama, Mr. Peterside Abel, the community was pioneer in Christianity education and other good things in Nkoro Kingdom.
Abel said 271 years was a longtime ago, adding that God has been good to the people.
Also speaking, the youth leader of the community Samuel B. Peterside regretted that the fortunes of the community have dwindled adding that Ottoni Ama indigenes were responsible for the establishment of a secondary education in Nkoro Kingdom.
Also speaking, vice Chairman of Opobo /Nkoro Local Government Area, a daughter of the community Hon. Angela Anthony Ojukemie described the service as awesome, saying that with the service, God will bring back the fortunes of the community.
She called on the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
Also, Secretary to the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council, a son of Ottoni Ama Chief Elect Edward Nanues Imagha described Ottoni Ama as one of the ancient communities in the Niger Delta.
He said the service was to thank God for his benevolence towards the people within the last 271years.
Earlier the guest preacher Rev. Emeka Peter prophesied that the community will take its rightful place in the scheme of things.
Rev. Peter however urged the people to run away from idolatry and whatever that will stop the community from attaining its rightful position in the scheme of things.
He described the founder Prince Opu Otonni as a courageous man whose exploits brought about the progressive Ottoni Ama.
The service with the theme: Thanksgiving of Restoration also featured awards to eminent sons and daughters of the Kingdom.
By: John Bibor/Oribim Ibama