By Danjuma Auta
The leadership of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), has described the paramount ruler of the Irigwe nation, retired Rev. Ronku Aka as a blessing not only to the Irigwe people but to the church and Nigeria at large.
ECWA General Secretary, Rev. Ayuba Asheshe said this at the 85th Birthday Thanksgiving held in honour of the monarch at the Kent Academy field Miango.
Rev. Asheshe, while paying glowing tributes to the traditional ruler described him as “a godly leader’’ whose leadership is rooted in Christ.
According to the cleric, the Brra Ngwe Rigwe had been a beacon of light adding that his commitment to service was immeasurable emphasizing that his leadership style had not only strengthened the church and the Rigwe people but Nigeria as a whole.
The ECWA scribe stated that the church would continue to thank God for its founding leaders including the Brra Ngwe who once served as ECWA Assistant General Secretary.
Rev. Asheshe acknowledged that the celebrant had made marks that the church would continue to cherish.
He prayed to God to continue to bless the royal father and grant him more wisdom to continue to lead his people right.
President of the Irigwe Development Association, Chief Robert Ashi Dodo, in a remark, thanked the people for celebrating with the monarch and the Rigwe nation.
Chief Dodo who praised the monarch described him as a “very humble leader’’ who has continued to rule his people with dedication and humility.
He added that the priesthood experience of the monarch had distinguished him among others.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Transition Implementation Committee chairman of Bassa Local Government Council, Mr. Fidelis Adara, described the celebrant as a blessing to the local government adding that Bassa LGC was proud to have the Brra Ngwe as a worthy father of the state.
Said he: “The Brra Ngwe Rigwe as the acting president, Bassa Traditional Council, is an exceptional leader who is innovative and a quintessential public servant who has shown rare qualities.’’
Governor Caleb Mutfwang who was represented by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman, felicitated with the celebrant and commended the traditional rulers in the state for supporting the State Government and pledged to continue to work with them in meeting the yearning and aspirations of the people, especially at the grassroots.
While reiterating his administration’s determination to ensure that the people enjoy peace and prosperity in the state, Gov. Mutfwang called on the Irigwe nation to continue to promote peaceful coexistence among the people.
Responding, the Brra Ngwe Rigwe thanked God for sparing him to attain the age of 85.
The royal father said the thanksgiving was in obedience to the biblical command to give thanks to God stating that God had been faithful to him, hence he could not afford not to hold the thanksgiving service to celebrate God’s faithfulness in his life.
While expressing gratitude to all who came to share in his joy, the monarch appealed to the government to consider upgrading the Irigwe traditional stool to first-class status because it was among the first to be given 3rd class in the state. The occasion was attended by prominent Irigwe sons and daughters, top government officials, religious leaders, title holders, and traditional rulers from within and outside the state.