In a heartfelt show of gratitude to God for a decade of peace, unity, and progress, the Paramount Ruler of Woji Community, His Royal Highness Dr. Emeka G. Ihunwo (Eze Woji), has hosted a thanksgiving service at St. Nicholas Anglican Church in Woji, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The event marked the 10th anniversary of his coronation and also served as a moment of rededication of the Woji community to God.
It was attended by a cross-section of dignitaries including government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, women groups, and youth organizations.
In his address, Eze Ihunwo reaffirmed his commitment to fostering more impactful development projects across the Woji Kingdom.
He promised to continue providing educational scholarships to both indigenes and residents, urging the people to remain patient and steadfast in their trust in God.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, he stated, “It has not always been rosy, but we are enjoying it. Leadership comes with different seasons, like summer and winter. As leaders and fathers to all, we adapt and continue to serve.
“My message to our good people of Woji is that, they should be patient and they should trust in God. We have 12 distinct villages that make up Woji, and these 12 are intact, there is no one we have not empowered. Go to one compound, they will tell you, if not for any other thing, we have been able to empower at least 20 or 30 people, to ensure they work and go to school.
“Unfortunately, some of our young boys today are running away from education, we have tried our best. In June, we released N500,000.00 per annum, we gave a second year law student and we are still looking for medical student, a boy. We have trained three before, they have gone for youth service and returned.
“For those who agree to go to school, we are putting in our best and some companies are also helping. We want to have many lawyers, doctors and engineers in the nearest future. We are also in partnership with private schools here.”
To traditional rulers present, the Eze charged them to “go back home, catch owners of private schools through their CDC, youth, because it’s enshrined in their constitution that they will be giving scholarships to their host communities annually, we saw that clause and the people here are doing it.
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“Sometimes to meet up that number we bring in some non-indigenes with good character and send their children to go learn for free. This should be an eye opener to my follow traditional rulers.”
He highlighted his ongoing efforts to empower Woji youths, although he expressed concern over the declining interest in education among some of them. He shared that in June, N500,000 was disbursed to support a second-year law student, and efforts are ongoing to support more students, particularly those pursuing careers in medicine.
Delivering the sermon, Bishop Innocent U. Ordu of the Diocese of Evo commended the monarch for dedicating the anniversary to God, noting that leadership is a divine call to serve, not a position to exploit.
“You have created an atmosphere of peace and unity over the past 10 years. We thank you for your service and for coming before God with gratitude. Continue to seek wisdom from God’s Word, for it will guide your leadership.”
Several community leaders and stakeholders joined in congratulating the Eze on his milestone.
Chief Tony A. Chuku, the Traditional Prime Minister of Woji, praised the monarch’s accomplishments. “It’s on a note of delight that I join your numerous friends, acquaintance, relatives and family to celebrate God’s grace and faithfulness upon your life; the Eze Woji In-Council and the entire Woji Community, on this mementous occasion of your tenth coronation/ enthronement anniversary on the ancient stool of Eze Woji.
“The period under reference, remains indelible in the annals of WOJI; apparently, on account of the giant strides made under your leadership; unarguably with the robust support of your surrogate, the Chiefs’ council and the good people of Woji.
“I earnestly beseech the Almighty God to preserve, shield and endue you with wisdom, strength and the courage to effectively superintend the affairs of Woji Community; as we joyfully leap into the next decade.
“Consequently, I urge all and sundry, with profound humility; to go to God in penitence with a resolve to eschew bitterness, unforgiveness and embrace Love, Unity and the peace founded on Justice, equity and mutual respect.”
Also congratulating the paramount ruler, Eze Oro-Chinwo Woji, Chief Ernest Woke Chinwo, said “Your Highness, your ascension to this exalted throne is not only well-deserved and the expression of the collective will of the people of Woji Town, it has also brought about the peace and unequalled development of Woji Town as you have brought your wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of your functions in the interest of the people and residents of Woji Town.
“We pray that God Almighty will keep you and your household, grant you peaceful and long reign; equip you with the strength to continue to render effective and purposeful leadership to Woji Town.”
