Yenagoa and its environs, Saturday, practically stood still as Nigerians and Bayelsans from all walks of life converged on Otuoke for the conferment of chieftaincy title of Odamiba I (Supporter of the Ladder of Success) on the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan, by the Otuoke Council of Chiefs led by its Obanema.

Instalation of the Wife of the President, Mrs. Dame Patience Jonathan as Odamiba 1 of Otueke in Ogbia Kingdom by the Obenewa of Otueke, Chief LJj Ogiasa Oke XI Saturday in Otueke, Bayelsa State.

The conferment of the chieftaincy on the wife of the President by the Otuoke chiefs is coming on the heels of the fund-raising for the take-off of a federal university in the fast-developing rural settlement in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State which also attracted prominent Nigerians to the serene community.

The Obanema’s cabinet, in an address delivered by Chief Promise Ikio, said the  title was conferred on the First Lady in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the socio-economic transformation of the once rustic community.

“The chieftaincy title conferment ceremony today is specially designed by the community to honour Her Excellency, Dame Patience Ibi-faka Jonathan, to express the community’s appreciation of her admirable and immense contributions to the progress of our citizens and the community at large,” he said.

In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, described as worthy honour the conferment of the chieftaincy title on the First Lady by the Otuoke chiefs.

He commended the community for the honour done Dame Jonathan and urged other communities to recognise the good work of their sons and daughters.

Responding, Dame Patience Jonathan thanked the people of the community for the honour done her. She also used the opportunity to canvass support for her husband in the April polls, assuring that his one-man-one vote mantra was no fluke.

The occasion was graced by President Goodluck Jonathan; his vice, Namadi Sambo and his wife; Governor Timipre Sylva and his wife, Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Mr. Werinipre Seibarugu and his wife, wives of governors, wives of service chiefs and captains of industry, among others.