By Sunday Apah
The Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom Elite Forum, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, has sworn in new executives with the task of using their wealth of experience to uplift the Kingdom.
Those sworn in include Engr. Evang. Clement Ekagha as President; Engr. Humphrey Okagbare, Vice President; Hon. Chief Paul Etaga, Secretary; Mr. Godfrey Igboma, Assistant Secretary; Engr. Peter Oghoredafe, Assistant Secretary; Chief Patrick Emurese, Financial Secretary; Mr. Matthew Evuarherhe, Publicity Secretary; Mr. Mike Etaga, Welfare Secretary; Mr. Ben Atakpor, Assistant Welfare Secretary; and Barr. Emmanuel Igowe, Legal Adviser.
Others are Chief Sam Adjedjor, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, along with Prof. Edmund Atakpor, Col. Patrick Umukoro, Prince Shell Oyibo, and Evang. Clement Ekagha as members.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the 2CR Event Centre, Usiefrun, the President of the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom Elite Forum, Evang. Clement Ekagha, stated that the forum started on the 19th of May 2024 with twelve members, under an interim executive to run the affairs of the forum.
He noted that it has metamorphosed into twenty-eight active members, with others in line to join in the drive to push the objectives of the forum to enviable heights.
According to him, “We gather not just to inaugurate a new executive body and Board of Trustees, but to celebrate what binds us together: the spirit of unity, service, and excellence that flows through the veins of our great Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.
“First and foremost, we give all glory to God Almighty, who in His infinite mercy has blessed us as individuals and as a forum. From His abundance, He has lifted all of us in diverse professions, and today, we proudly celebrate our members who have been appointed, recognized, and elevated in their various fields of service. Your success is not just personal; it is a collective pride for the entire Ewu-Urhobo community.
“This inauguration is not merely about taking an oath of office; it is all about service to humanity. As Executives and Trustees, we are not leaders for the title’s sake. We are stewards of trust, custodians of vision, and servants of our people.
“The mandate before us is clear: to channel the blessings God has given us into meaningful contributions that uplift our community, empower our youth, and strengthen the bonds of unity among us.
“In line with this sacred duty, it gives me great joy to announce one of our foremost commitments—the launching of the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom Elite Forum Education and Skill Acquisition Trust Fund, which I appeal to you all to support.
“This fund will stand as a pillar of hope for our children and youth, equipping them with knowledge, practical skills, and opportunities to compete and excel in today’s world. Education and skill acquisition are the strongest gifts we can give to the next generation, and through this trust, we shall invest in their future so that they, too, can rise and in turn give back to their community.
“Our forum was founded on the noble principle of giving back to our community. We recognize that to whom much is given, much is expected. It is our resolve that no matter how high we rise individually, our roots will remain deep in the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.
“Through our collective efforts, we shall support education, encourage entrepreneurship, promote peace and unity, and extend a helping hand to the less privileged in the kingdom.
“On behalf of the newly inaugurated Executive and Board of Trustees, I pledge dedication, transparency, and accountability. We shall work hand in hand with every member to ensure that the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom Elite Forum shines as a beacon of hope, progress, and community love.
“Let us move forward with courage. Let us move forward with unity. Let us move forward with faith in God, knowing that the future of our forum and our community is bright.
Earlier, the Eldest Statesman, Chief John Aaron Okenabirhie, who was also honoured, commended the initiative of the members of the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom Elite Forum while performing the swearing in.
He prayed for them to remain united and focused in order to continue to drive the aims and objectives of the forum.
The Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom Elite Forum also honoured some of their illustrious members who were elevated in their various careers and areas of work.
Those honoured were Prof. Edmund Atakpor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Delta State University, Abraka; Col. Patrick Mukoro, Nigerian Army; and Mr. Michael Tagar (DSP Rtd.), Chief Security Officer, DELSU.
In their responses, those honoured expressed deep gratitude, saying, “we are profoundly honored and humbled to receive this recognition from the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom Elite Forum.
“This acknowledgment is not just a personal achievement; it is a testament to the hard work and commitment we have all made toward the betterment of our kingdom.
“We appreciate the trust placed in us and commit to using our positions to serve our people diligently. Together, we will ensure that our collective goals of unity, education, and empowerment are realized, and we look forward to collaborating with our fellow members for the greater good of the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.”
Former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Chief Andrew Orugbo, Hon. Chief Charles Kwode, Hon. Michael Oghenegueke, Barr. John Ebireri, Chief Josephine Oduaran, Chief Ovis Uto, Hon. Alfred Waka, Hon. Akpos, CEO of Sunny Eru Motors and many others echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the value of community service and the strength of unity in achieving their shared goals.
