Drums, cultural displays and a symbolic presentation of a live cow set the tone in Aladja on Friday as the community rolled out the red carpet for the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rev. Francis Ejiroghene Waive.
The colourful reception at the Aladja Town Hall was organised by community leaders as a thank-you event for Waive, whose ties to the community date back to his secondary school years and the early days of his ministry there.
Waive, who hails from Obi-Ayagha in Ughelli South Local Government Area, attended Aladja Grammar School and began his ministry in the community, a connection that speakers at the event said had contributed to his enduring relationship with Aladja.
The celebration featured cannon shots, performances by the Udje Aladja and Egbe Emete dance troupes, as well as tributes from community leaders and other prominent guests, including the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian, Professor Kingsley Akaba, who facilitated the reception.
Speaking on behalf of the community, President of the Aladja Community Council, Dr Richard Lafua, said residents were pleased with what he described as Waive’s representation at the National Assembly.
Lafua particularly cited Waive’s role in facilitating the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian, and the appointment of Professor Akaba as the facility’s pioneer Chief Medical Director.
He said the community considered the reception an opportunity to appreciate the lawmaker for his efforts and expressed confidence that the relationship between Waive and Aladja would continue.
“We are here to say thank you for the representation and interventions that have touched our community. Aladja recognises the relationship we have built with you and appreciates the efforts you have made on behalf of our people,” Lafua said.
He also expressed the community’s intention to support Waive in the 2027 elections.
‘Waive Is a Gift to the Constituency’ — Akaba
Professor Akaba described Waive as a significant contributor to the development of the constituency, particularly in relation to the Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian.
According to him, the establishment of the health facility has brought both healthcare and socio-economic opportunities closer to the people.
“Honourable Waive is a gift from God to the Federal Constituency and Aladja Community in particular,” Akaba said.
He further credited the lawmaker with helping to advance the establishment of the medical centre and said the facility had created employment opportunities.
Akaba put the number of jobs created at about 800, a figure that should be understood as his claim about the facility’s employment impact.
The legislative history of the facility shows that Waive sponsored the Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian Bill, which passed its third reading in the House of Representatives in November 2022.
Waive: Aladja Holds Special Place in My Heart
Responding, Waive said he was overwhelmed by the reception, describing the gesture as unusual and deeply meaningful because of his longstanding relationship with the community.
He recalled his years at Aladja Grammar School and the beginning of his ministry in the area, saying those experiences had given Aladja a special place in his life.
“Aladja is not just another community to me. This is a place where I went to school and where I began an important part of my journey. To come back and receive this kind of reception is something I deeply appreciate,” Waive said.
The lawmaker thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for their roles in the development of the Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian, and urged residents to continue supporting government programmes.
Waive also said he was seeking another term in the House of Representatives to consolidate existing projects and attract additional development to the constituency.
“I am seeking to continue the work so that we can consolidate what has already been achieved and attract more development, particularly in the health sector, to our people,” he said.
Other community leaders, including the Special Adviser to Governor Oborevwori on Political Affairs, Chief Jite Brown, and Chief Richard Iyede, commended Waive and expressed support for his political activities.
The event ended on a celebratory note with Professor Akaba and Aladja Community presenting a live cow to Waive, while a cake-cutting ceremony brought together the dignitaries and supporters at the reception.
Among those present were Deacon Eddie Ono-Sorhue, Sir Richard Odibo, Hon. Ator Okolosi, Hon. Ben Sharta, Dr Ricardo Oguma, Evangelist Andrew Dokie and Hon. Andrew Gbise, among others.
The gathering, which began with cultural performances and community tributes, ultimately became a reflection of the longstanding ties between a federal lawmaker and a community that helped shape part of his personal and ministerial journey.
