Associate Professor of Medicine and Family Health, Dr Rukevwe Ugwumba has stressed the need to encourage those aspects of custom and traditions that promote peace, unity, progress and development in African communities.
Dr Ugwumba, a one-time Special Adviser on Health Matters to former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and President, Jesu Marie Empowerment Foundation, JMEF, stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after being decorated with the chieftaincy title of “Oboresiri of Ughievwen Kingdom” in Ughelli South Local Government Area area of Delta State.
The Uwheru born philanthropist and politician averred that some of the values and norms that bind the people together were being neglected and emphasized the importance for government at all levels to continue to accord the traditional institutions due respect and recognition.
Dr Ugwumba congratulated the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Mathew Egbi, Owahwa II, for his 10th Coronation Anniversary, stressing that the ten years reign of the Monarch has brought peace and development to the kingdom.
The elated Canadian based medical practitioner also expressed profound gratitude to the Ughievwen Royal father for honouring her with a Chieftaincy title in recognition of her commitment towards uplifting the standard of lives in the society.
“I can recall when Jesu Marie Empowerment Foundation, JMEF, which I am the Founder and President, held free medical outreach in this community and its environs. The Okobaro was very supportive and did not hide his joy in seeing us care for those in need of quality medical services and other efforts to give them lifelines. I so much believe that my efforts to promote good health, empowering people and give life support particularly to indigents in the society were not going unnoticed”.
“I was decorated today as the “Oboresiri“ Ughievwen kingdom, meaning the Doctor, the healer or the blessing of Ughievwen. It is a challenge for more service to humanity. I thank God for life, I thank God for the enablement to support His projects, I thank God for people around me and pray that He continues to promote my dreams for mankind to His glory and joy of His children”, Dr Ugwumba stated.
The amiable Princess of Uwheru community in Ughelli North disclosed that the recent honour was the second of such as she was in 2013 decorated with the title of “Ugochukwutunonye of Mbiri Kingdom, in Ika North East local government area, while two others are pending.
Dr Ugwumba explained that she cherished the honour as it had provided her with the opportunity to remain abreast with the values, customs and traditions of the people, despite her sojourn in a foreign land as well as in understanding the needs and aspirations of the people.
“I want to be closer to the people in my desire for a better society. The distance was never a challenge as I am always around. Most of the activities of my foundation are carried out here in Delta State. I sought a ticket to contest for Federal House of Representatives but was denied. I was a candidate for Deputy Governor in the 2019 governorship race but my party lost. So it is a work in progress. The desire to serve remains and at God’s appointed time, nothing can stop it. The people know me and I know them and I see that majority of them are craving for my service. It shall surely come to pass. In any case, we work for humanity and will continue to progress in that regard”, Dr Ugwumba said.
Some relatives and friends who witnessed the epoch-making event described Dr Rukevwe Ugwumba as a worthy ambassador, saying that the honour bestowed on her by the Ughievwen monarch was well deserved.
Those who spoke include the President, North America chapter of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Olorogun Onome Dema, an industrialist, Chief Francis Okumagba, the Secretary-General, UPU, Chief Kenneth Iwhewhe and the President, Rotary Club of Osubi District 9141, Mr Ighodalo Akpasubi.
They eulogised the sterling qualities and lifestyle of Dr Ugwumba, emphasizing that her philanthropist gesture will continue to stand her out for recognition and honours.
Others who spoke including some Chiefs from Agbon and Ughievwen kingdoms congratulated her for being a great woman of valour and challenged her to provide more service to God and humanity.
The Okobaro, HRM Mathew Egbi, Owahwa 11, had earlier while decorating Dr Rukevwe Ugwumba as the Oboresiri of Ughievwen kingdom”, commended her good heart and encouraged her to remain committed to the promotion of peace, love, unity and human values in the society.
