By Jimitota Onoyume

Opuedebubor community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government area, Delta state , has said its Amafini Ugeh festival this year harped more on the relevance of education in community development.

The Amadiwei of Opuedebubor community, Chief Oguma Ebimobowei, who disclosed this in his statement on the festival also expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the successful celebration, adding , he thanked His Royal Majesty Oboro Gbaraun II Agadagba Aketekpe, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo and others for their roles in making the event a huge success.

His statement made available to the Vanguard reads : ” As the Opuedebubor Amafini Ugeh comes to a very successful end, our deepest appreciation goes to God Almighty and to humanity for making the New Year celebration of the Opuedebubor community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State a remarkable success . This event was far beyond an ordinary New Year celebration.

“It was a carnival filled with rich and inspiring programmes aimed at encouraging the riverine communities to embrace education as a pivotal path to community leadership and development.

“Our profound gratitude goes to His Royal Majesty Oboro Gbaraun II Agadagba Aketekpe, for his wisdom and trust in every community by appointing chiefs to represent their people. I am honored to serve as the Amadiwei of Opuedebubor community. Your confidence in your Council of Chiefs has given us value, dignity, and purpose in our individual lives. Thank you very much, Your Majesty.

“Our deepest appreciation also goes to High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, for ensuring that every community celebrates its value and heritage as part of the new movement of community consciousness. Father Igologolo, may God continue to bless you.

“To my boss, High Chief Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the Opuedebubor community cannot thank you enough for your immense support. Your financial contributions, human capacity development, and empowerment initiatives have strengthened our communities and enabled us to stand firm in our responsibilities. We truly appreciate you.

“We also express our sincere gratitude to the distinguished Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, for your hospitality, simplicity, and deep sense of community consciousness, which have renewed hope across our communities. Your presence at several community programmes, including your visit to Opuedebubor was highly impactful.

“We are especially grateful for your commissioning of the NextGen Reading Culture Initiative, An educational centre which includes a library established for riverine youths to prepare for leadership. This initiative encourages young people to read, learn, and aspire beyond fishing alone. Your commitment and support toward this project are deeply appreciated. My wife Mrs. Kerede Lizzy Oguma and I are sincerely grateful.

“To High Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, you are truly a man of the people. Thank you for your financial support and encouragement May God bless you abundantly. To High Chief Tare Pondi you are more than a brother, God bless you.

“We also thank our distinguished philanthropist, Mr.Matthew Tonlagha, Managing Director Matron Engineering limited a man of the soil, the people of Opuedebubor cannot thank you enough for your generous support and contributions. We are truly grateful sir, May God continue to bless you.

“To my supportive wife, I thank you wholeheartedly. I also appreciate the wife of the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly for standing by my wife and supporting our vision. Your encouragement helped bring the NextGen Initiative to reality, creating a safe and inspiring space where young people can read, learn, and grow rather than limiting themselves to only fishing and social activities. We are truly grateful.

“To all the chiefs, community executives, and leaders of Opuedebubor community who made time to attend and support this event, we say thank you. May God continue to bless you for your dedication and service. To the women, you people are so amazing

“We pray that God bless the women, men, elders, youths, and leadership of the Opuedebubor community. To everyone whose names may not have been mentioned, please accept our heartfelt gratitude. May God bless you all.”