By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, on Saturday formally presented his autobiography, Odyssey of Royalty – The Reign of Abe I, at the Ovie’s Palace in Effurun, Delta State, marking a significant milestone in his 83 years of life and 18-year reign.
The event, held drew an array of dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, who chaired the occasion.
Traditional rulers from across the country, legislators, clergymen, chiefs and subjects of the Uvwie Kingdom were also in attendance.
In his keynote address, the monarch described the autobiography as an effort to preserve authentic history from his own perspective.
“The Elders would say that until the lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter,” he said.
He explained that the book documents not only his personal journey but also the collective milestones of the kingdom.
“This book, Odyssey of Royalty, is my attempt to document the truth of our era. It is a record of the paths we have trodden, the storms we have weathered, and the triumphs we have celebrated together,” he stated.
The idea for the publication, he disclosed, was proposed by the Centre for Traditional Rulers Advancement. Although initially hesitant, he later agreed, emphasising the importance of recording history without prejudice.
“Perhaps, there could be no better ways to preserve our core values, cultural identity, build critical thinking about our transformative experiences and inspire posterity towards greatness, than through such relevant, nonfictional and authentic publications,” he said.
Reflecting on his life, the monarch attributed his longevity and accomplishments to divine providence. “The truth is that the potency of providence can never be underestimated, when it comes to longevity and prosperity,” he remarked.
Before ascending the throne, Abe I had a 30-year professional career at the Nigerian Mint. His wife retired from First Bank of Nigeria as the bank’s first female Deputy General Manager.
The Ovie of Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, JP. OON and Alhaji Umar Muhammad, Emir of Akko, Gombe State, who is also the Chairman, National Council of Nigeria Traditional Rulers at the Royal Book Launch Ceremony
He also noted that his youngest son, Ediri, is the first black Head of Surgeons at the Oxford University Teaching Hospital in the United Kingdom.
Speaking on his 18-year reign, the monarch acknowledged the challenges that greeted his ascension. “My administration as Ovie started with almost a blank page. The terrain was tough to navigate. The task seemed daunting and cynics were at their best but we trusted in God with whom all things are possible,” he said.
He stated that his leadership style was anchored on transparency, compassion, agility and bold decision-making.
One of the standout achievements of his reign, he noted, was the construction of the multi-million naira Ovie of Uvwie Palace.
“The conception and translation to reality of the Ovie of Uvwie multi-million naira Magnificent Palace, in a record time, under my watch, stands out as a noble feat of our collective energy,” he declared.
According to him, Uvwie Kingdom has witnessed rapid economic growth, improved public facilities and sustained peace despite security challenges in parts of the country.
Expressing gratitude to his subjects, he said, “You are the architects of this success. I earnestly imagine that our future is boundless.”
On national matters, the Ovie commended the administration of President Tinubu for what he described as pragmatic efforts to reposition Nigeria.
He called for unity and constitutional reforms to guarantee justice and fairness for all Nigerians.
“We have come to a point in our national advancement that we must resolve to unite and produce a workable constitution that will give every Nigerian a sense of belonging and pride, guaranteeing justice and fairness,” he said.
ALSO READ: https://stonixnews.com/un-tasks-nigeria-to-lead-africas-charge-for-new-global-order/
The monarch also raised concerns over insecurity and rising transportation costs, particularly airfares. “With the fearful trend of insecurity in the country, flying is now presumed safer than all other means of transport but the sky-high cost of flying seems even scarier than skydiving,” he said.
He appealed to airlines to review fares downward, adding pointedly, “Some people said it was still cheaper to pay expensive airfares than to negotiate with kidnappers on the roads for payment of gargantuan ransom. That’s not funny.”
He stressed that government alone cannot address Nigeria’s challenges and urged traditional rulers and religious leaders to work in synergy with public authorities.
“More than ever, traditional rulers and religious leaders need to join forces with the government to propagate the core message of unity and compassion, economic empowerment and upliftment of the masses,” he stated, warning leaders to shun “self-aggrandisement, depravities and profligacy.”
Encouraging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said, “This challenging time shall pass sooner than we imagine. Every cloud has a silver lining, and it is always darkest at the hour before the dawn. We shall overcome all these problems and Nigeria shall triumph.”
The monarch also expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for infrastructural upgrades in Uvwie and for continued support of the Uvwie Education and Scholarship Scheme initiated by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
He further acknowledged the contributions of former governors James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan to the development of the kingdom.
The ceremony ended with resounding declarations from the monarch: “Long live Uvwie Kingdom! Long live Delta State!! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!”
What's your reaction?
