Ogbakiri Indigenes In Diaspora Return Home

Eleven years after the end of the communal crisis that engulfed Ogbakiri in Emohua Local government Area, the last batch of indigenes led by former Registrar, University of Port Harcourt Mr. Emmanuel Acheru, returned home last Saturday.

The paramount ruler, Eze Ferdinand S. Mekwa Eleni Ekenta in his address at the reception ceremony said that since the crisis ended in 2002, many indigenes have returned home and been reintegrated.

According to him, the community decided to receive the last batch of returnees with a warm embrace and great celebration. He enjoined all sons and daughters of the community to join hands to build a new Ogbakiri clan.

He said one of the greatest achievements his administration has recorded since he ascended the throne in 1997, is peaceful co-existence which has ushered in progress in the community.

Eze Ekenta lauded the state government for the various development programmes in the area, including the establishment of markets, schools, health centres and electricity while their roads are under construction.

He however called on the state government to establish companies in the community that would harness the abundant national resources such as sand and clay as this will provide job opportunities for the youths.

Eze Ekenta also urged the state government to reinstate the first class status of the Ekenta stool which had been recognised since 1967, stating that most of their contemporaries have been elevated.