Barry Agbanigbi – Asaba
The historic town of Koko in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State was agog as itinerant drummers and praise singers danced round the major streets of the community, chanting the Agumba one of Africa and great leader (Hon) Evangelist Michael Diden – Ejele.
The venue of the ceremony Sakpelepele Hall, Koko was a beehive of activities as guests came from far and near for the epoch- making event. Notable politicians, civil commissioners, senators, House of Representative members, State Assembly members, local government executives, high chiefs, royal fathers, media executives, top government functionaries and well-wishers were in long flowing Agbada, beads and specters.
Prominent personalities engaged in banters yet others saw the gathering as an opportunity to catch up on old times. Residents of Koko were not caught unaware as early as 7:40am, they had started arriving at the venue for a programme slated for 10am.
At exactly 11am, Hon. (Evangelist) Michael Diden, chairman Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission (DESOPADEC) alighted from a Toyota Hilux with a few of his aides and was received by ecstatic crowd. The crowd praised Diden who also waived at them. He hugged a few and shook hands with several others.
A moment after he was ushered into a special canopy by Miss. Omoni Olasukanmi representative of the Dudun Foundation, the reading of his citation was skipped as the crowd shouted “we already know him.
The presentation of the 1st edition of Koko highest award was done by Diare Omasan Dede Representatives of Diare Omasan Dede Dudu Foundation.
After the ceremony, Evangelist Diden, the awardee waived at the surging crown. It was the highest honour for any Itsekiri son and daughter by the Koko community.
He thanked God and the organizers for the honour done him; he paid tributes to his well-wishers and political associates who stood by him. In his remarks, Diare Omasan gave an insight into how the awardee was selected.
“This involved discreet assessment of his achievements. He described Evangelist Diden as a man with excellent track record in various fields including community development and philanthropy.
In a brief remark, the local government chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who was the chairman of the event Hon. Wilikie Isaac said the presence of some notable persons at the ceremony was an indication of Hon. Diden’s recognition in the state.
“Those who know Evangelist Diden very well, would readily agree with me that he is the Arch apostle of selfless service, an attribute which flows from his experience as former local government chairman, special adviser on security matters to the former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, commissioner representing Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality on the Delta state Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), former member of Delta state House of Assembly representing Warri North and current chairman of DESOPADEC.
Hon Wilikie’s remark about the awardee Evangelist Diden was quite memorable as they embraced each other to the admiration of the guests. Diden set a record that cannot be easily surmounted as former member representing Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality on DESOPADEC.
He attracted several projects to our Senatorial district. He has become a phenomenon among our people. Ejele’s homes at Sapele, Warri, Koko and Asaba are like Mecca. People troop in and out for one reason or the other, he is worth celebrating, Hon. Wilikie said.
Koko the administrative headquarters of Warri North has some significance in the anti-colonial history of Nigeria. Other major towns include Gbokoda, Ogheye, Idabaghene and Abigborodo.
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