OKPANAM/Nigeria: The Ugoani of Okpanam, HRM Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu has stressed the need for elders and leaders of the community to be accorded respect at all times.
He made the call in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State during the coronation of Diokpa Snr. Apostle Joseph Igwuagwu Aninyei as the eldest man (Diokpa-Isi) of Ugunadagbe quarter, Ogbeozoma.
Dr. Ogbolu, who said that respect for elders was important for the overall growth and development of the community, prayed to God to give the eldest man of Ugunadagbe the expected wisdom to impact positively on the throne.
In his remarks, the youth chairman of Ogbeozoma, Comrade Anthony Okocha described the diokpa Aninyei as a man of impeccable character whose outstanding contributions to the community were worthy of emulation.
Comrade Okocha, who congratulated him on behalf of the youths of Ogbeozoma Quarters, said that Pa Aninyei had been known for his sincerity and uprightness at all times, and added that he was a peace-loving individual who also strongly believed in the unity of his people.
In an interview with newsmen, the chairman of Umulaguti family youths where the diokpa hailed from, Comrade Charles Ezewani said that the installation of Snr. Apostle Aninyei as the eldest man in Ugunadagbe would usher new dawn.
He advised youths to come together with the fear of God, adding that the strength of a people depended largely on their unity.
On their part, one of the councilors representing Okpanam community in Oshimili North Council, Hon. Nkem Franca Nwankwo and a youth leader in Ogbeozoma Quarters, Comrade Emmanuel Ezeadigwu advised youths to always embrace peace and shun violence just as the duo commended them for their cooperation at all times.
