By Paul Olayemi

The Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State came alive on Friday, December 27, 2024, as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Idjerhe District, in collaboration with His Royal Majesty, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, King Monday Obukowho Arthur Whiskey, JP PhD, hosted the annual Idjerhe Prayer Day.

This year’s event, themed “Gain of Unity” and tagged Idjerhe for Christ, drew a massive turnout at Oto’rho Idjerhe, where leaders and citizens gathered to intercede for the progress and prosperity of the kingdom.

The event was graced by the monarch, top chiefs, bishops, clergymen, political leaders, and community members from all walks of life. The atmosphere was charged with spiritual fervor as participants prayed earnestly for peace, unity, and development in the kingdom.

In his keynote address, King Monday Whiskey charged the people of Idjerhe to remain steadfast and law-abiding, urging them to prioritize the kingdom’s interests above all else. “Peace and unity are essential for development,” the monarch said. “I call on every son and daughter of Idjerhe, wherever you are, to remember your roots and come home to build. Establishing businesses and contributing to our land’s development will transform our kingdom into a beacon of progress.”

Reflecting on the successes of the past year, the monarch attributed the kingdom’s achievements to divine intervention and encouraged the people to sustain their prayers. He added, “Let us pray for more open doors and industrial development, not just for Idjerhe but for Nigeria as a whole.”

A high point of the ceremony was a collective prayer led by Bishop Great Améye, the first indigenous bishop of the kingdom alongside the king, chiefs, and other clergy. Together, they sought divine blessings for the kingdom’s unity and advancement.

Attendees and dignitaries shared their reflections on the significance of the event. Okakuro Onosia James Obriki, the Otota of Great Idjerhe Kingdom, expressed optimism about the impact of the prayers. “This year’s Prayer Day was extraordinary. The preaching resonated deeply, and miracles were witnessed. I believe this spiritual exercise will foster unity in Idjerhe Kingdom,” he said.

Honourable Blessing Achoja, a member of the Delta State House of Assembly, praised the initiative, emphasizing the importance of prayer in a growing community. “This event is a welcome development. With today’s prayers, I believe 2025 will be a better year for Idjerhe people. Whether at home or abroad, we must continue to pray for our kingdom’s growth and prosperity.”

Honorable Chief Sunday Ajaemue echoed this sentiment, calling for peaceful coexistence and collaboration. “Let us cooperate with our king and one another to ensure peace reigns in Idjerhe Kingdom. Unity is our strength, and we must uphold it,” he stated.

Former local government chairman, Honorable Pastor Owoso Nelson Oghenedoro, underscored the necessity of prayer for communal progress. “We cannot achieve everything on our own; we need God’s intervention. For peace and prosperity to prevail, we must come together as a community to seek divine guidance,” he urged.

Bishop Great Améye delivered a heartfelt message on the importance of love and forgiveness. “Unity begins with love and the willingness to forgive. Let us embrace one another with open hearts and work together to foster harmony,” he said.

Professor Robert Oghenedoro Dode highlighted the link between peace and progress. “When there is peace, development naturally follows. We must continually pray and work towards a peaceful, united Idjerhe Kingdom,” he advised.

As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed commitment to the values of unity, peace, and faith. The 2024 Idjerhe Prayer Day not only strengthened the spiritual foundation of the kingdom but also served as a rallying cry for collective action towards a brighter future. With leaders and citizens united in purpose, the vision of a prosperous Idjerhe Kingdom seems within reach.