From Joseph Obukata (The New Diplomat’s N’Delta Correspondent)
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, on his 96th birth anniversary.
The governor said that the Asagba had provided purposeful, courageous and tenacious leadership for the Asaba people over the years and deserved to be celebrated on his new, great and enviable age.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba on Tuesday, the governor commended the monarch for making Asaba peaceful and investment-friendly since he ascended the throne of his forefathers 29 years ago.
He joins the Edozien family and people of Asaba at home and in the Diaspora, in celebrating the nonagenarian monarch, scholar per excellence, bridge-builder and elder statesman on this outstanding point in his journey of life.
The governor prayed that the traditional ruler would remain in good health, wisdom and strength to continue ruling the people of his kingdom.
He lauded the erudite professor and monarch for his contributions to the development of Asaba and for being a good host to Deltans and Nigerians as the traditional ruler of the capital city of Delta State.
Okowa added that His Majesty also initiated cultural and traditional reforms for the enhancement of the living conditions of the people of the kingdom, and ensured their appropriate recognition and strategic relevance in the ever-important traditional institution in our society.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I warmly felicitate with His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, CFR, the Asagba of Asaba, on the occasion of his 96th birth anniversary.
“We pray that the Almighty God will continue to give you good health and wisdom to pilot the traditional affairs of your kingdom and offer valuable contributions to the development of our dear Delta State and Nigeria,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has felicitated with the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien on the occasion of his 96th birthday anniversary.
In his good will message on Tuesday 28th July, 2020, Hon Elumelu said that the life of Obi(Prof) Edozien has been amazing and a blessing not only to the people of Asaba, but humanity in general, saying that his intellectual and leadership qualities has paved way for development in different facet of human endeavour especially in medicine and academics.
Elumelu commended the Monarch for being an exemplary king who has contributed immensely to the rapid transformation of the Kingdom of Asaba where he has sustained and strengthened the rich cultural heritage of the people, adding that his reign has witnessed the transformation of Asaba into a vibrant social and investment hub in the South Eastern region.
“Nnam, as you celebrate today, I appreciate you greatly for your fatherly role in the development of our dear State Delta. We will ever remain grateful for the stability your leadership as the traditional ruler has brought to bear in Asaba being the capital of Delta State.
“Your life and your reign have brought unprecedented prosperity to the people, attesting to the biblical fact, that when the righteous reign the people prosper. Your life has been an epitome of peace, love and unity and at 96, we look forward to benefit more from your ageless wisdom and intellectual abilities.
“As your loyal subject and on behalf of my family, the entire people of Delta State and Nigeria as a whole, I congratulate you on this auspicious occasion and pray that the Good Lord God Almighty, who has kept you so far, will continue to strengthen you in good health, sustain and keep you for His own glory, Amen,” . Elumelu stated.
