OBUAMA (RIVERS)-Chief Omubo Odibo, the traditional ruler of Obuama community in Degema council of Rivers, has called on Nigerians to imbibe peaceful coexistence in order to attain greatness.
Odibo said made the remark in Harrytown, also known as Obuama, during a news conference to mark the 100 years of the death of the community founder, the late Chief Odibo Harry.
He said that development, increase, greatness, reward of hard work could only be achieved and sustained through enduring unity, peace and love for one another.
Odibo said that the attributes of peace and love had been tested in their community through the late Harry, who they would be celebrating as from December 24.
He said that the late Harry, who was 27 years old when his father died in 1886, ensured that his siblings were brought up in a peaceful and united way.
“At the age of 27, when he was still very young, his father decided to make him a war canoe chief at the old shipping (Elem-Kalabari) because he was very proud of him.”
“Our patriarch’s greatness was crowned as the paramount ruler of Chief Omubo Harry group of houses, his father’s house in Buguma, two years after his father’s dead.”
Odibo said the peace and development seen in the community epitomized the love and unity he instilled in his siblings.
He said that the late Harry symbolized greatness and his legacy should be emulated by every Nigerian.
Odibo said that due to the great foundation which made Obuama great, the community had planned to mark the 100the year of his demise.
“The youths would take over the community on December 24, in a free for all possession of goats, fowls and plantation to celebrate their forefather,” he said.
Odibo said other activities outlined were free medical treatment for natives and residents of the community on December 26, and candle rally in the evening.
He said there would be a book lunch in honour of their great father on December 27 with the Amayanabo of Kalabari, King Theophilus Princewill, as royal father of the day.
“The grand finale would be a thanksgiving at St. Alban’s Anglican Church, the first Church in the community that was founded by him,” he said.
Harry was one of the founders of many communities in Kalabari, but later settled in Harrytown (Obuama).