The Executive Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, DSSRS, FWASCA has stated that the remodeling of the Akuku-Toru Cemetery is a symbol of gratitude to the departed souls “for their sacrifices in sweat and blood for the Society”.
Mrs. Oniyide made this statement yesterday, the 3rd of December 2024 at the flag-off Ceremony for the reconstruction and remodeling of the Abonnema Cemetery in Abonnema.
The Council Chairman, who praised the virtues of the traditional institution in Akuku-Toru for their support, called for a minute of silence in honour of the departed souls whose memories the cemetery holds.
Mrs. Oniyide assured that the timelines for the completion of the project will be strictly adhered to, emphasizing that upon completion, the cemetery will continue to serve as a befitting, safe, secure, and sacred sanctuary for departed heroes and heroines of the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
“This place holds the memories and stories of our beloved, which we hold in reverence, and it is our sacred duty to preserve and honor their immortal legacies,” the Chairman added.
“The reconstruction of this cemetery, upon completion, will be a monumental testament of our community’s commitment to respecting and remembering those who have gone before us”.
Speaking at the event, the Amanyanabo and the Paramount Ruler of Abonnema, His Majesty. King, (Dr) Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel (II), Owukori (IX), Ekineye Gbobo, ESQ, JP, KSC, UN-MP, DSSRS, thanked the Chairman in Council for her thoughtful decision in remodeling the Cemetery, saying that it is in reverence to souls that have been provided rest for over 150 years.
The paramount ruler thanked the Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area for her trailblazing efforts in governance and prayed for her to continue serving the people diligently.
In his goodwill message to the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief. Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, DSSRS, said he was excited that the Local Government Council Chairman has started on a bright note, describing her as the “Deborah” of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
High Chief. Dumo Lulu-Briggs, ESQ, EBUYE LULU ( II ), INIKEIROARI VI, Paramount Head of Briggs Oruwari War Canoe Group of Houses of Abonnema and Alabo. Sir. Dr. David T. Briggs (State Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board) delivered goodwill messages at the event that was graced by the State Chairman of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Hon. Sunny N. Wokekoro, DSSRS, JP; Chief. Theodore S. Georgewill, Hon. Emmanuel Frank Fubara (Commissioner for Finance Rivers State), Dr. Agiriye Harry (Executive Chairman of Degema Local Government Area), Engr. Sule Amachree, Phd (Executive Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area) and the City Mayor, Hon. Ezebunwo Ichemati (Chairman, PortHarcourt City Local Government Arae).
The highlight of the occasion was the foundation-laying ceremony for the remodeling of the cemetery by the Amanyanabo of Abonnema and Chairman Akuku-Toru Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty. King (Dr) Disrael Gbobo Bobmanuel (II), Owukori (IX), Ekineye Gbobo, ESQ, JP, KSC, UN-MP, DSSRS, who was accompanied by other Heads of Compounds(Group of Houses) Chiefs, Hon. Odimabo Torukwein( Vice-Chairman, AKULGA), Political Appointees, Councillors of the 10th Legislative Assembly and Social Cultural Groups.
Signed:
Chika Elesi
Chief Press Secretary
Akuku-Toru Local Government Area
December 4th, 2024.
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