The Paramount Ruler of Woji Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, HRH Emeke Ihunwo, has been applauded for his commitment to ensuring peace in the area since he ascended to the throne.
The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Evo, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu, gave the commendation while speaking during a special Thanksgiving to mark the 10th-year coronation anniversary of the monarch (Ihunwo) held at St. Nicholas Anglican Church in Woji, Rivers State.
Bishop Ordu said the monarch’s reign in the last ten years has been marked by peace, stability, and great achievements, which the communities in Woji and strangers are grateful for. He urged other royal fathers to emulate him.
The cleric stated, “Your reign over the past ten years has been characterized by a lot of achievements cutting across all the communities.”
The Bishop added, “We also thank you (HRH Ihunwo) for creating the enabling environment for those residing in Woji to pursue his or her personal interest.
“This thanksgiving is not only a celebration of the throne but also a celebration of the peace, unity, and progress your leadership has brought to the good people of Woji.
“Over the past ten years, you have stood as a symbol of wisdom, stability, and kindness,” adding that his humility, openness, and calmness have impacted positively on the Woji people and residents.
The cleric, in a sermon, said, “Kings are called not just for the throne but to serve the people and do the work of God, not to take advantage of the people by exploiting them. We thank you for carrying these roles well.
“We are encouraged by all the courage you have shown so far to unite the community and for encouraging the young people of this community to go to school.”
Bishop Ordu, however, called on the people of the area to continue to support the monarch to continue with his good works, saying, “Leadership is sweeter when it is collective, when all hands are on deck. When everybody contributes and does the right thing.”
In an interview with newsmen, Eze Ihunwo said there are a myriad of challenges while leading a people, but noted that at all times, there is a need to keep an open mind and deliver his best.
“In fairness to us, it’s not roses all the time, but we are enjoying it. You know there is summer and there is winter—any of the seasons that come, you will adapt to it.
“When you are managing a whole community, even those who have eaten will be hungry. What do you do? The much you should be able to give to the needy.
“There are people we have impacted, and even if we give them our blood, it would still not be enough. Some of them will think we have not done anything. So, the best we could give, we stop at that. We also need to be alive to serve the community and our immediate family.”
He called for patience and for them to serve and trust in God, noting that all the communities have been touched one way or the other.
“We have 12 distinct villages that make up Woji. These 12 are intact. There is no part of the community we have not empowered. We have been able to empower persons from each of the villages. Not only companies giving us food items, our people need to work, go to school.
“Unfortunately, most of our young boys today are running away from education. We have tried our best. Last month, we gave cash support to our students, especially a law student, not from SPDC. We have trained youths in school who have finished the National Youth Service Corps,” he noted.
While acknowledging the support of some companies operating in the area, he said, “Currently, one of the companies here is training our child in a private university. We want to have many lawyers and engineers in the near future. We are also in partnership with private schools in the community for our children’s education.”
