By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East local government area of Edo State, His Royal Majesty, Michael Sado on Sunday called for collaboration between traditional rulers and government to check insecurity in the country.

He stated this at a ceremony to mark his one year anniversary and the first Okpella Day celebration.

The event which was held in Okpella attracted traditional rulers from. Edo Noth Senatorial District including the Olokpe of Okpe, Oba Okhishimede Eshimokhai Idogu, Aideloje of South Ibie Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi, the Ogiagia of Three Ibie Clan Mallam Alli Suleman, the Ogieneni of Uzairue Kingdom, HRH, Alhaji Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai IV among others

Sado said he had on his own as a traditional ruler supported security agencies in the last one years to enhance security in his domain and beyond.

He said “Adequate security for residents of Okpella occupies top priority in my agenda. There can be no development in a community where people are not sure of seeing the next day.

“Security of lives and property cannot be left to government alone. Few weeks into my reign, I purchased a drone to comb our forests and those of our neighbours, to provide credible information on persons occupying our forests illegally.To achieve this, some of our security personnel were sent for training as Drone pilots. I am happy to report that the results have been wonderful.”

Besides this, he also built and donated the Police Arwa Command office which was commissioned by the Commissioner of Police, ESO State Command, Monday Agbonika and a Vigilante Group Building for vigilante members in the community.

On education, Sado commended BUA Cement PLC and Okpella Cement Limited owned by Alhaji Alikoe Dangote for their support by providing scholarships for students as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

He said a micro fiance institution, the first in the history of the community was also established within one year. “History was made today when the first indigenous finance house was commissioned in Okpella. The idea behind this enterprise is to assist our men and women in growing their business ventures.

“This financial institution is also open to persons and organizations who genuinely need short term funds to do business.

“As I look back at what we have done in a space of one year, I can boldly say that Okpella is on the way to greater future.”