OCTOGENARIANS’ INITIATION: SOLUDO COMMENDS OBOSI PEOPLE, SAYS OBOSI IS CITADEL OF LONGEVITY 

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, on March 2, at the initiation of 200 octogenarians into Ogbueshi society of Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, described the community as citadel of longevity.

Explaining further, he said, “this is my first time of coming to Ito ogbo ceremony of Obosi, we want to celebrate, thank Obosi people for giving Anambra, Nigeria and the world a celebration of longevity.

“Let the world learn how to celebrate with the living and not the dead, Obosi is one ward that is more than a local government. It deserves to be a local government. The celebration is part of the burial law in Anambra State. It is better to slaughter a cow for the living than dead.

“I urge the youths to decide to be 80 years and above, but killers, touts, among others will not live up to 80 years. Live a decent, responsible life style to be able to live up to 80 years,”  he charged the youths.

Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Obosi, HRM, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, while commending the governor for being physically present at the function, described it as an age long cultural heritage of the people, adding that about 200 octogenarians were initiated into the Ogbueshi society.

“Those initiated have been exempted from all manners of taxations/levies, and my prayer is that all who attended this ceremony will attain 80 years and above.

In his contribution, the Prime Minister of the community, Chief Austin-Anibogwu,  said that the aim of the occasion was to promote longevity.

One of the inductees, Ogbueshi Paul Ebugobe Uwakwe, aged 80, thanked God to have attained 80 years and prayed for more years.

Another beneficiary, former Minister of State for Defence, Chief Dan Chuke, expressed satisfaction to have attained 80 years, adding that extra years from God means the person is lucky.

Highlight of the occasion was honouring of some people who have distinguished themselves in serious fields of human endeavor that included, Commander, Special Anti Cultism Squad, SPACS, Obosi, Mr. Isaac Nuhu, who dedicated the award to the IGP, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and Anambra CP, Mr Ederemi Adeoye, for posting him to Obosi where the community found him worthy to be accorded the honor.

“The honour will spur me to perform more than I have been doing for the interest of God and humanity. The award is a call to duty,” he said.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State