By Magnus Emuji/Chukwudi Asoya
A prominent community leader, politician and entrepreneur of high repute, Chief (Dr.) Anthony Onwuka from Umuomahe village, Obodogba Quarters, Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, has been installed as the Oza of Okpanam Kingdom.
The chieftaincy title was conferred on him by the traditional ruler of Okpanam Kingdom, HRM Dr Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, the Ugoani of Okpanam, at his palace in the presence of notable Chiefs of Ugoani in Council, among other individuals from all walks of life.
In his remarks, the Okpanam monarch said that the new Oza of Okpanam Kingdom was morally and academically sound and qualified to receive the title, adding that he had continued to demonstrate uncommon passion and commitment to the development of the community.
For his part, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Council, Chief (Dr.) Obi Kelvin Ezenyili stated that the Oza title recipient was a good and generous man, pointing out that the overwhelming crowd of guests and well-wishers at the ceremony was an indication of the kind of person he is and congratulated him on his chieftancy conferment.
On call for him to aspire for a higher political position in 2027, Ezenyili said that he was focusing on finishing better and stronger and prayed for peace and good health for the people of Oshimili South.
Earlier, the Ikejani of Okpanam Kingdom, Chief Felix Okafor, also known as the CEO of Felinco Motors, worldwide, described Chief Onwuka as a dedicated and trusted partner in the growth of the Okpanam community, stressing that the title bestowed on him was well deserved.
While emphasising the need for the good people of Okpanam, especially the youths, to always respect their elders and constituted authority in the community, Chief Okafor said that the integrity and track records of the new Oza were commendable.
The councillor representing Okpanam in Oshimili North, Hon. Eziuchebuogalanya Barry Okonkwo, in a statement, said that Chief Onwuka was a pragmatic, trusted and dependable elder brother, who cares about the welfare of his people.
For his part, a cousin brother to the celebrant and a Customs Officer, Mr Raphael Ebigwei, noted that Chief Onwuka, who was his schoolmate in Ibusa, was a very unassuming, intelligent and accessible individual, describing his recognition by the traditional ruler of the community as a welcome development.
In an interview with journalists, the new Oza of Okpanam, Chief (Dr.) Anthony Onwuka said that Oza’s title was a service-oriented one, stating that his new title would provide him with the opportunity to contribute more in advancing peace, unity and development in the community.
Onwuka, however, told the youths in the community to embrace education and skills for their future survival, just as he said that there were a lot of economic opportunities in the community apart from selling land.
He urged the people, particularly youths, to continue to do the right things that would impact their lives and be closer to God in 2026, and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him by the traditional ruler and the good people of the community.
