By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

The Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom in Bomadi local government area of Delta State, HRM Pere Kalanama Viii, (JP), yesterday, gave out scholarships to secondary school students, as well as conferred chieftaincy titles to deserving subjects at the occasion of the king’s annual thanksgiving service at Akugbene, the kingdom’s seat of power.

The annual thanksgiving service with the theme, “The True Worshippers” with scripture reading from John 4:23, featured praises, worship and prayers for wellbeing of the kingdom, Delta State and Nigeria at large.

The chairman, Akugbene Christian Fellowship, ACF, Evang. Good Nawerebode, in his address thanked God for the many battles the He fought on behalf of the kingdom, stressing the time had come for true worshippers to worship God in spirit and in truth.

He also thanked all religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and well-wishers who came from far and near to participate in the programme.

However, HRM Kalanama Viii, in his address, thanked God Almighty for His faithfulness to him and his people, stressing that there was no other way than to thank, worship and praise Him in spirit and in truth.

He said: “This thanksgiving is a yearly programme and this the 12th edition. God has been faithful to us and we have no other choice than to give thanks to Him. Thanksgiving has been an integral part of me and without God I’m nobody and I always reverence God Almighty for His wonderful gifts.

“For the scholarship we have given out today, this is of course the 11th year. It was in 2012 we had a 15-day anniversary and I brainstormed on what legacy I’m going leave for the younger generation, when seeing that after providing enough drinks and food for the people to drink and eat and they leave after every occasion.

“So, I came up with this scholarship initiative and from the chairman of the scholarship scheme, we have been able to empower about 122 students from various schools across the kingdom from inception of this initiative.

“I know that some of these students will grow to become successful entrepreneurs in life, and when they would trace and write their histories, they will also remember that, this throne contributed to their success stories.

“So, it gives me great joy and pleasure to do for humanity and by God’s helping hand, I will continue to do more.

“On 2024, I pray for the government of Delta State, I pray for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I continue to pray for the Akugbene-Mein that there’s peace and harmony and I wish each and everyone prosperity in the year 2024 and beyond in Jesus Name!”

However, highpoint of the occasion was the conferment of chieftaincy titles to deserving subjects.