Activities marking the 35th coronation anniversary His Royal Highness Oba Idogu III ( J.P) OON, GBUGBULU GBUGBULU the Olokpe of Okpe kingdom ended on a joyous note for the community at the weekend following the promise of the Edo State government to rehabilitate and reconstruct the long abandoned road leading to Okpe Town from other parts of the State
Edo state Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade, Philip Shuaibu gave the assurance on behalf of the State government at a thanksgiving service culminating the week long events marking the anniversary.
He said: “Let me on behalf of Mr Governor, the government and good people of Edo state, once again congratulate the king, the Olokpe of Okpe on his 35th years anniversary. I pray for God’s continuous guardiance and protection for him, wisdom and resources both human and capital for the growth and progress of our kingdom, the Okpe kingdom”
He noted that the road was on the front burner of Edo state government as efforts were being made to work on it.
“Okpe road took the centre stage of my discussion now with the former deputy governor of Edo state and former chief of staff to Good luck Jonathan, chief Mike Ogiadomhe on our way here. We have made promises in the past to fix it but were limited due to paucity of funds.
“We are aware that the economic viability of this road is enormous and unparalleled. This is why we sent people here recently to do a check on it. I give you my word on this today and so, be assured of our resolve to do the needful this time around”
The Deputy Governor noted that the Olokpe is very dear to the heart of Edo state government, positing that whatever will make him happy would be done by the speed of a bullet.
“He is not somebody we want to offend but someone we want to make happy at all times because of his disposition. Everything about him is how to develop this kingdom and not what will profit him. By the grace of God, we will join hands with him to fulfil his lofty dreams for this great kingdom”
The deputy governor further disclosed that some roads were earmarked for construction and rehabilitation in the dry season noting, “Actually, we have earmarked a road each across the LGAs in the dry season for construction. As I go back to Benin, I will remind my boss to ensure that Okpe is one of them. We are committed to fixing Okpe road irrespective of the poor monthly allocation we receive from the federal government in view of the changing economic realities”
Comrade Shuaibu decried the fact that he could not spend some more time with the celebrant owing to other engagement in where he is expected as a host which he noted the revered king was aware of, assuring of his widow’s might to support the Anglican communion church that the Olokpe worship.
-By Mercy Andrew
