Rivers LG Boss Barr. Awortu named ‘Icon of Peace’
Port Harcourt, Oct. 23, 2022 – Chairman Andoni local government area in Rivers State, Barr. Erastus Awortu together with his wife, Prof. Beatrice Awortu was on Saturday conferred with a chieftaincy title ”Ogwu Ibot Esu 1 of Obolo land’ by the Unyeada Council of Chiefs.
The conferment was an appreciation for the chairman’s peace initiatives in the area.
Paramount Ruler of Unyada kingdom, King Isreal Otuo ix, while performing the installation rites on Saturday at Unyeada Community of Andoni, lauded Awortu on his ‘people’s oriented’ peace strategy.
“Upon assumption in office, you hit the ground running by building a very robust synergy which encouraged collective participation of the security agencies, traditional leaders and youths towards sumounting insecurity in the area council,”.
“This ceremony is a memorial on the return of peace in Andoni local government area and your love for the people who were once displaced following hightened insecurity and cult rivalry,” he said.
Discribing the council chairman as an illustrious son and labourer worthy of his wages, the Paramount Ruler said that the chieftancy title was more than an honorary tittle but an embodiment of life-time rites and privilages according to laws governing the Unyeada Council of Chiefs.
Similarly, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), an affiliate of the United Nations also named the Council Chairman the ‘United Nations Eminent Peace Ambassador.
Conferring the title on him, Amb. Emmanuel Nkweke, International Spokesman of the group noted that the council chairman emerged worthy of the honor after a carful scrutiny in the area of administrative peace and grassroots development.
Responding, Awortu commended the bodies for finding him worthy of traditional and international honor.
He, however, dedicated the titles to youths of the area whom he said demonstrated support in the pursuit for peace.
‘I have been receiving accolades, but I want everybody to know that this award is dedicated to the youths who have listened to advise and also decided to embrace a change of attitude.
“I have seen them and I’m happy that they’re all looking fresh, before now, you cannot see this clan in such a mood of celebration so I appreciate the collaboration with security agencies and especially the youths,” he said.
The council chairman assured on his continued support for grassroots development and youth empowerment while also adding that the return of peace in the area council was a confirmation that local participation is key in the fight against insecurity.
Amb. Desmond Akawo, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, represented by the party’s state secretary Dr Benibo George, Senator Barry Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East senatorial zone, Mr Victor Ere, Chairman, Andoni PDP were amongst dignitaries at the occasion.
