The Olokpe of Okpe Kingdom, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in Edo, Oba Eshimokhai Idogu, has called for more developmental commitment from the elites in the community.
Idogu made the call on Wednesday in Okpe while conferring chieftaincy titles on Mr Saliu Ahmed, Managing Director, Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORDA) and two others.
The conferment of the titles by the traditional ruler on the beneficiaries was in celebrating his 35 years on the throne.
According to him, there is the need for the elites irrespective of where they come from to contribute to the development of the different sectors of society so as to reduce hardship of Nigerians.
Conferring the title of Odufade of Okpe kingdom (which means he who brought Joy to us), he Ahmed was well deserving of the conferment in view of his contributions to the development of the community.
He noted that the recipient had as part of his contribution to the development of the community established an integrated farm, modelled after the Songhai integrated farms in Port Novo, Benin Republic.
The farm, he said, had removed youths in the community from the streets, as well as provided them the opportunity to farm for money as well as engaged them in the farming business.
The Olokpe said in view of this, there was the need for the elites and those who find themselves in the position of authority to emulate the beneficiary.
Meanwhile, the beneficiary, while appreciating the traditional ruler for the honour, pledged to do more to better the lots of not just the community, but the state at large.
He pledged to construct a nine holes Golf course in the kingdom, to boost sporting and recreation in the community among the elites.
He noted that he would answer to the title conferred on him, by continually bringing joy to the community.
Meanwhile, Prince Clem Agba, Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, who was represented, in a tribute to the recipient said the conferment was a testimony of his hard work and outstanding performance for the downtrodden.
The ceremony had in attendance dignitaries including representatives of the Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba.
Others are the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Haliru Momoh, as well as Mr Lawrence Okah, Secretary of the Edo Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Ahmed hails from Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area in Edo.
