By Jimitota Onoyume

Sports developer and business mogul in Delta state, Engr Silva Omars Ofugara was among eleven others honoured at the 96th anniversary celebration of Okpe union worldwide in Okpe local government area , Delta state.

President of the Union , Honourable Godwin Omamurhieme Atose said the awardee, Engr Ofugara has been committed to sports development in Okpe and the entire state with his annual Ofugara peace and unity football tournament in Okpe , adding that the tournament was another opportunity for youths of the kingdom and the state to showcase their talents to the international community for productive engagement. The chairman of the event Chief Dr Austin Arieja, the Ogbane of Okpe kingdom, formally presented the award to Engr Ofugara, describing him as a worthy son of the kingdom.

An elated Ofugara In his brief remarks , said he deeply appreciated the honour from his kingdom, urging parents and guardians to teach their children and wards the Okpe language. One of the super eagles stars Azubuike Ekwekwe was among those that accompanied him to receive the award.

” I never expected this award. I was out of town but I had to come back because I wanted to receive the award personally. I appreciate this award sincerely from the bottom of my heart. I urge all parents and guardians to ensure they teach their children the Okpe language. A super eagles ex player , Azubike is here with me. The annual Ofugara peace and unity football tournament is all about productively engaging the youths “, Ofugara said.

His wife , Mrs Omamoke Ofugara who also spoke to journalists said she was happy with the recognition. She further appealed to youths to productively engage themselves in legitimate activities.

Earlier in his welcome address, president general of Okpe union worldwide, Honourable Atose recalled that the body was formed 96 years ago by forefathers of Okpe kingdom to among others promote unity and progress in the kingdom.

” Okpe union was a vision of some of our forefathers and this vision was a quest for identity and the unity of our people. The founding fathers understand that our strength , our voice , our uniqueness as a people and our progress were seriously linked to our together hence they came together and found the union “, he said.

He said the body was set to revive the scholarship trust fund started by the founding fathers of the body , adding that it would also begin the process to build an Okpe House in Orerokpe and others.

Professor Kenneth Eni later gave a brief lecture on the migrational history of Okpe kingdom, tracing it across several parts of Edo and Delta states. He said the kingdom is among the oldest in Africa.

The other awardees include Chief Dick Gberevbie, Chief Tony Owumi, ,Chief Edward Ederaine, Chief Victor Efe Jakpor, Dr Ejiro Imuere, Chief Kimberly Jakpor , Comrade Patrick Godwin, Edafe Odjuwvederhie and Merit Otuburu.