A Worthy Home Coming
The Mboho Edemaya clan in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State recently celebrated one of their own, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Obong Nsima Ekere, writes Ejiofor Alike
The Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere is a prophet with an honour in his homestead. He is loved by his people, celebrated by his community, respected by both the elders and the youths, admired by those who have had cause to interface with him.
It is for this reason that the entire 23 villages that comprise the Mboho Edemaya in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, came out recently to honour their illustrious son who has made them proud, at a grand reception, held at the Methodist Central School, Ekpene Enin in Edemaya.
To the people of Mboho Edemaya Clan, Ekere is God’s gift to his community, a biblical Joseph who has brought good fortune to his people.
The unobtrusive community of Ekpene Enin was literarily shut down as thousands of dignitaries from across the country trooped into the community to honour Ekere whose worthiness and respectability has remained a signpost in all his endeavours at a two-day event, which culminated in a thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church Ikot Abasi Diocese.
As an entrepreneur and innovative thinker with impactful public service career, the NDDC boss has attracted numerous accolades from all over the country and beyond.
His Edemaya community, as a show of the value and high premium placed on their son chose the occasion of the grand reception to bestow the chieftaincy title of Obong Unwana Edemaya, by the Mboho Edemaya Clan Council of Chiefs, upon him as a mark of honour for his contribution to his community and service to the nation.
The National President of Mboho Edemaya, Mr. Edidiong Ubeh, in his speech at the occasion stated that Ekere represents the best in Edemaya Community.
He said the occasion of his honour was unique and ordained by God as the date coincided with the date the people of the clan gathered to rededicate their land to God.
Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, Ekere, thanked his people for the honour done him.
He expressed surprise at the huge turnout for the reception which according him was to be small reception by his community.
Speaking during his thanksgiving service conducted by the Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN) at Government Field, Ikot Abasi, Ekere attributed all his accomplishments in life to the grace of God.
While assuring the Mboho Edemaya people of a fair share of developmental projects, he cautioned them to always co-operate with contractors handling projects in their communities
Ekere traced his life story from his humble beginning in life to his experience in the private and public sectors and declared that it was only God that has brought him so far.
“There is absolutely nothing I would have accomplished but for the grace of God. I am extremely grateful to God. The grace of God has always been sufficient and enormous. We have come here to give God all the adoration,” he said.
Ekere, a Knight of John Wesley (KJW) of the MCN, also thanked the church for being a pillar of support to him right from childhood and his wife, Ese, for her love, patience, tolerance and support over the years.
The NDDC boss recalled the long wait for their three children and encouraged other expectant parents that “God answers prayers.”
On the 2019 elections, the NDDC boss said it was too early to focus on the elections.
“Many speakers talked about 2019 today. My message to Akwa Ibom people is that the time for elections has not yet come. Allow me and other government officials to do the job we are doing for you. When the time for elections comes, if you make that demand again, I will respond. But for now, allow me work in NDDC,” Ekere said.
Even when the turn out at the grand reception organised by the Mboho Edemaya community had almost overwhelm the community, the turn out at the thanksgiving service by the Ekere family of Ikot Oboroenyin, was humongous as distinguished Nigerians across the country including top political office holders, senators, former governors, governors, ministers, captains of industries, traditional rulers and security chiefs across the country.
Ekere was adjudged a worthy son of Akwa
Judging from Ekere's devotion to God, I want to assure the Niger Delta region that he will not disappoint Nigerians in his duty as the Managing Director of NDDC. He is scrupulously performing his duties with integrity, honesty and diligence
This thanksgiving is not just ordinary thanksgiving.You can see the outpouring of support for a man who has successfully restructured NDDC. Akwa Ibom people are very proud of him. Akwa Ibom people say Nsima Ekere has brought a lot of joy and hope to the people
Ibom State and the Niger Delta region at the thanksgiving service.
In their separate speeches, the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Prelate Samuel Kalu Uche and the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, expressed their satisfaction at the achievements of Ekere since assuming office as the CEO of the NDDC.
Prelate Uche, while speaking during the thanksgiving service said Ekere’s devotion to God, his sincerity and dedication to his current assignment, have provided hope for the Niger Delta region.
“Judging from Ekere's devotion to God, I want to assure the Niger Delta region that he (Ekere) will not disappoint Nigerians in his duty as the Managing Director of NDDC. He is scrupulously performing his duties with integrity, honesty, and diligence,” Uche said.
Citing Luke 12:48-49, the Prelate advised Ekere on faithful service to God and humanity, adding that it is only when God ordains a person that one can attain such a position.
"God has made you the MD to provide succour to the people of Niger Delta region, endeavour to make the church, the state, the nation proud. Everyone in position of authority has to answer to God. Many in offices have disappointed the people,” Uche added.
Uche commended Ekere, for deeming it necessary to hold a thanksgiving service to appreciate God for his blessings on his life and prophesied that he will have another cause for thanksgiving.
“Your thanksgiving shows you are a child of God. It shows that you love God, that you put God first and that you revere God. You will have occasion to gather again for another thanksgiving. I don’t know what God will do,” Uche said.
The Prelate expressed the belief that the NDDC boss will perform creditably, meticulously, diligently, transparently and studiously.
Uche advised the NDDC boss and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Usani Uguru Usani, to do a comprehensive survey of the Niger Delta region to determine the infrastructural and other needs of the people of the region.
He called on the National Assembly to appropriate enough funds for the NDDC to develop the nine member-states evenly.
Uche also prayed for President Muhammadu Buhari’s quick recovery and condemned those wishing the President dead.
He used the occasion to encourage the federal government to translate its change mantra to food sufficiency, uninterrupted electricity supply, and job availability for the teaming unemployed youths. He assured that if such opportunities are achieved, the church will use prayers to destroy anybody that would come with campaign of acrimony in 2019.
His words: "Only those who delivered on their promises will be returned to office. Fire those who do bad roads, find those who do good job, find those who have the best intentions in project execution. Nigerians need only transparent people to change the country. Every Nigerian needs repentance."
On his part, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Attah stated that Ekere’s performance is positively affecting the lives of people in the Niger Delta through people-oriented projects and other humanistic interventions which have qualified him for higher offices in future.
“This thanksgiving is not just ordinary thanksgiving. You can see the outpouring of support for a man who has successfully restructured NDDC. Akwa Ibom people are very proud of him. Akwa Ibom people say Nsima Ekere has brought a lot of joy and hope to the people,” he said.
The Leader of Ibibio Nation declared that having done well at NDDC, Ekere could be entrusted with more responsibilities.
“Nigeria is talking about restructuring today. If Nsima Ekere can successfully restructure NDDC, there is every possibility that he can restructure a few more institutions,” he added.
“I want to appeal to Akwa Ibom people. He has come here to thank God by himself. We must call him to appreciate him,” Attah said.
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, who was accompanied by the President of Akwa Ibom Community in Jos, described Ekere as a true friend and brother and prayed God to continuously bless him and his family.
The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, represented by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Engr. Segun Oni, congratulated Ekere and his family for his success story at NDDC and expressed optimism that the NDDC boss will completely turn round the commission.
The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Senator Patrick Nwaoboshi, said Ekere’s thanksgiving service symbolised unity in the country as it brought together Nigerians from across ethnic and partisan lines.
The occasion was attended by a host of personalities from within and outside the state including the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Edidem Udo Joe Ntok Obom, the state Chairman of the APC, Dr. Amadu Attai, and the member for Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Obongunwana Emmanuel Ukoette., the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Oron and Onna.
Among Ekere’s friends from outside the state present at the occasion were the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai (Borno Central) and a former Senator for Kogi Central, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman.
Others include Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Edo State governor represented by Commissioner for Oil and Gas Edo State, Hon. Joesph Ugheoke, Ondo State Deputy governor, Agbola Ajayi, Hon. Leo Ogor represented the Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, wife of the Minister of Transport, Mrs. Judith Ameachi, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborebwori who represented the Delta state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs, Rivers State APC chairmen, D.r David Ekenya, Cross River, Bayelsa and Delta.
Also in attendance include Dr. Amadu Atai, the Akwa Ibom State APC chairman, Chief Umana Okon Umana, former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Don Etiebet, the NDDC Chairman, Senator Ndoma Egba, former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Ambassador Etim Okpoyo and representative of APC leadership in the state and the Diaspora.