The Chief Executive Officer of Trans Atlantic Centre (TAC), Mr. Mohammed Bougei Attah (MBA), has described the Ohindase of Okengwe, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Okidi, as an accomplished teacher, social scientist, community builder and a man of exceptional destiny.
In a birthday tribute to the monarch, he said the life of the traditional ruler exemplifies how preparation, service, opportunity and divine favour combine to produce a remarkable legacy.
Attah, who is also a member of the Friends of Ohindase Ceremonial Committee and head of the research, recreation and community development initiative in Okene, congratulated the Ohindase on his birthday on Thursday.
He stated the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the life, achievements and continuing contributions of the monarch to education, community development and the preservation of cultural values.
He described the monarch as a man of impact, noting that his career as a professional teacher and social scientist had enabled him to make significant contributions to society before his emergence as the traditional ruler of Okengwe.
According to him, the Ohindase’s journey through different spheres of life had been characterised by distinction and service.
He further described the monarch’s ascension to the traditional stool as more than a change of status, saying it represented the culmination of years of preparation, experience and service.
He noted that traditional leadership should be measured not merely by the splendour of the crown, but by the ability of a traditional ruler to unite people, preserve cultural values, promote peace and contribute to the development of the community.
He expressed optimism about the potential of the Ohindase’s reign to contribute to cultural preservation, unity and community development.
He recalled that the recent Colloquium on Ebira traditional heritage and perspectives on peaceful co-existence, organised in honour of the monarch, had provided an important platform for intellectual and cultural engagement.
The colloquium, held at AFIMS Hotel, Okene, brought together academics, traditional leaders, community stakeholders and prominent sons and daughters of Ebiraland, with participants calling for the institutionalisation of the event as an annual platform for dialogue on Ebira heritage, tradition and development.
He congratulated the Ohindase on his birthday and prayed for continued good health, wisdom, peace and divine protection, as well as the strength to discharge the responsibilities associated with the traditional institution.
He appreciated the opportunity to serve alongside other members of the Friends of Ohindase in supporting the ceremonial activities surrounding the monarch’s coronation and pledged his continued commitment to initiatives that promote cultural heritage, community development and peaceful coexistence.