A High Chief in Benin Kingdom, Edo State and a philanthropist per excellence, Prof. John Ikimalo was among the eleven distinguished personalities recently honoured by the Omuma Area Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in Omuma LGA of Rivers State, recently.
He bagged a chieftaincy title of “Ochendu I” of Omuma land as well as an Award of Excellence for his achievements and contributions in the society especially in the medical profession.
The Consultant Gynecologist with the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and Chief Medical Director of “Prime Medical Consultants,” Rumuogba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State in his response at the occasion, said he was overwhelmed at the show of love for him and his family in appreciation of their humble contributions to the society, adding that the gesture will spur him to do more.
According to him, “I am indeed overwhelmed at the show of love on me and my family. I must tell you that I derive joy and happiness sharing what I have with the less privileged in the society and that is my strength”.
Others who were so recognized were the former First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Dame Patience Johnathan as “Nneoma I” of Omuma land; Chief Chimezie Nwogu as Ogbuga I of Omuma land; Chief Stephen Kelechi Chikeka as Ezienyi I of Omuma land; his wife Mrs Victoria Chikeka as “Ada Omuma” and former RSHA member that represented Omuma, Hon. Emmanuel Okatta as “Ozurumba I of Omuma land.
Some others were Chief Chinedu Onyenma as “Ihie I Omuma land; Prof. David Ogbonna as “Ahaoma I of Omuma land; Chief Obed Ndukwu as “Gidigigi bu Ugwueze I of Omuma land as well as Award of Excellence extended to Chief Okey Okah and Barr. Chidi Nwankwo.
Speaking at the occasion which was the Rededication of the Ancient Omuma stool to God, 10th anniversary of the monarch’s ascension to the throne and thanksgiving service for the Presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office by the Rivers State government; HRM, Eze (Barr.) Onyekachi Amaonwu, JP said he was grateful to God and Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for all he had achieved within the short period.
He made it clear that peace is the panacea to development hence Omuma, he noted, as one of most peaceful Local Government Areas in Rivers State is progressing rapidly.
“The feat achieved by the Omuma Area Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs and indeed the Omuma kingdom is an eloquent testimony of the acceptance of our leadership” qualities.
The monarch said they emphasized and direct their attention on reducing areas of conflict and increasing areas of cooperation in his administration.
He used the opportunity to further appreciate Gov Wike for his developmental strides which he noted cut across the nooks and crannies of the state, advising him to remain focus in his divine mission.
“The event is also used to honour some of our illustrious sons and daughters in appreciation of their hard work, patriotism and excellence”. He equally used the occasion to appreciate RSHA member representing Omuma constituency, Hon Kelechi Nwogu for the cordial relationship existing between the political class and the traditional institution which he noted, is the foundation of the peace in Omuma.
