IT was a day of honour and recognition for the Executive Director of Projects on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, and his wife, Princess Faith Akpowhevwe Okorodudu.
Friends and political associates of Agbor Kingdom rolled out the drums in a grand celebration to acknowledge his unwavering support, assistance, and dedication to the progress of Agbor Kingdom and its people.
The historic occasion, a well-orchestrated homecoming reception, took place at the Becca Civic Centre in Agbor, Delta State. It was a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions to the empowerment of the Agbor people have left an indelible mark.
On Saturday, 22nd February 2025, the celebratory atmosphere was palpable. The meticulously planned event was a fiesta of great magnitude, setting the stage for a hero’s welcome. As Chief Okorodudu made his entrance, he was greeted by an electrifying traditional performance by the Agbor Atilogwu dancers, symbolising the deep cultural appreciation of the people.
The Executive Director of Projects and his wife basked in the glory of the moment as accolades poured in from distinguished guests and well-wishers.
In her welcome address at the occasion, a Member Representing Ika Ethnic Nationality on the DESOPADEC Board, Hon. Cordilia Anyangwu, who was also a special guest of honour, remarked, “As your Agbor friends and political associates welcome you in their thousands to this grand reception, it is a testament to the fact that you are a politician with a positive agenda not only in your constituency but also in the entire Ika Ethnic Nationality.”
Describing him as “a politician of note, a good administrator, and a dedicated public servant,” she expressed confidence in his ability to excel in his new role as the Executive Director of Projects on the DESOPADEC Board. “This grand reception is further proof that you are a brother to the people of Ika Ethnic Nationality. I pray that the good Lord grants you wisdom to succeed in your new assignment.”
In his speech, Guest speaker, Professor Adagbonyin Obiaza, reflected on Chief Okorodudu’s longstanding contributions to Agbor Kingdom. “Going down memory lane, we can proudly state that your association, fellowship, support, and promotion of the interests of Agbor Kingdom and its people span over a quarter of a century.
“In the course of this period, you have remained steadfast and consistent as a true friend of Agbor. At local, state, and federal levels of governance where you have held positions of influence, you have continually leveraged your network to assist, support, and uplift Agbor Kingdom and its people since 2003.”
He went on to list some of Chief Okorodudu’s key contributions to Agbor, including the upgrading of Ogbemudein Mixed Secondary School to a state model school with top-tier infrastructure, the establishment of Dein Primary and Dein Model Secondary School in Ime-Obi, the sponsorship of Agbor youths for training programmes in Shanghai, Delta State, scholarship awards for Agbor sons and daughters, employment facilitation for indigenes, and securing contracts and developmental projects for the community.
“It is for these reasons that we proudly declare Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu an Agbor man in every sense,” Professor Obiaza added.
The event was also an opportunity to express gratitude to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for appointing Chief Okorodudu to his esteemed role.
Barrister Emmanuel Egbomah echoed these sentiments, describing Chief Okorodudu as “a dependable friend of the Agbor people.”
He provided a brief overview of the honouree’s illustrious political career, which has seen him serve in various capacities, including Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chairman of the Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board, Senior Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister for the Niger Delta, PDP Publicity Secretary, Chief of Staff to the Honourable Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Delta State Publishing Company Limited.
An indigene of Agbor Kingdom, who was employed at the Specialist Hospital, Asaba, through Dr Okorodudu’s efforts, Nurse Nwasiwe Chukwuyem Vincent and his cousin, Ignatius Favour, who gained admission into the College of Nursing, Agbor, thanks to him, were overwhelmed with joy as they presented an award to the honouree.
Speaking on behalf of the Nwasiwe Obuh family, they expressed their appreciation: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to our people. Your leadership, generosity, and commitment have had a remarkable impact, bringing growth, development, and unity to Agbor.
“Your efforts in uplifting the sons and daughters of Agbor Kingdom have not gone unnoticed. We are truly grateful for the positive change you continue to inspire. May your legacy of service and compassion continue to shine, and may you be blessed with the strength and wisdom to achieve even greater heights.”
In his response, Chief Okorodudu acknowledged the Dein of Agbor, HRM Dein Keagborekuzi Benjamin Ikenchukwu, who had expressed his support upon learning of his appointment. He reminisced about his relationship with the Agbor people, which dates back to 2006, when he served as Commissioner for Industry and was visited by the Agbor Political Forum led by Apostle Sunday Iyere with the blessings of the Dein of Agbor.
Highlighting some of the projects he had facilitated in Agbor, he proudly shared, “Most of the individuals I have helped secure employment and educational opportunities have proven to be outstanding. Mr. Vincent Nwasiwe, for example, distinguished himself at the Specialist Hospital, Asaba, receiving awards as both the best nurse and overall best staff within a year of employment.”
Reflecting on the mutual support between himself and the Agbor people, he added, “They stood by me during my father’s funeral, and the Dein sent a representative of chiefs to honour the occasion. I do not take this for granted.”
Expressing his gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him, he said, “The Bible says a prophet is not respected in his hometown, but you have honoured and respected me. Thank you.”
Chief Okorodudu also reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside the Ika Nationality representative on the DESOPADEC Board, Hon. Cordilia Anyangwu, to drive further development in Agbor Kingdom.
A defining moment of the event was the adoption of Chief Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu and his wife, Princess Faith Okorodudu, as citizens of Agbor Kingdom. They were bestowed with traditional titles: “Dike Ewe Iwe” (a brave man has no enemies) and “Agbor Amaka” (Agbor is good).
The grand celebration concluded with the presentation of leadership awards to the honouree by the Agbor Friends and Political Associates, as well as the Nwasiwe Obuh family, in recognition of his selfless contributions to Agbor Kingdom.
Among the dignitaries present were chiefs of Agbor Kingdom, led by the father of the day, Chief Alfred Okoruwe; Member Representing Ika Ethnic Nationality on the DESOPADEC Board, Hon. Cordilia Anyangwu; the immediate past Acting General Manager of the Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation (DPPC), Mr. Godfrey Ubaka and the current General Manager, Mrs. Rosemary Nwaebuni, the Editor-in-Chief of Pointer Newspaper, Mrs. Edna Emeni, Chief Chuks Eboaswu, and many more.
The event concluded with a resounding celebration of a man whose dedication to public service has left an indelible mark on Agbor Kingdom and beyond.
