Akpekpe Dynamic Youth Association of Auchi on Saturday held a summit to recognize and award former governor of Edo state, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomole, General overseer of Omega Fire, Ministry Apostle Johnson Suleman and other notable sons and daughters who have shown a great deal of commitment to the overall advancement of Akpekpe.
The colourful event was held at Olele Junction under the chairman of Hon. Busari Experience, a former Local Government Chairman of Etsako West.
Mr. Musa Shaka, the youth president in his address well all in attendance and appreciated the people of Akpekpe for giving him the opportunity to serve. he related to the people how together with his exco and members, the association is doing all within its capacity to bond youths, carry the aged along and network people and resources necessary for bringing home developmental projects that will address the challenges currently faced and to forestall potential drawbacks.
Shaka noted that since the inauguration of his regime in August 2022, the association has been able to among other things engage 9 community teachers to close the gap of teaching personnel in Akpekpe Secondary School, Renovate Akpekpe Town Hall, Build 2 Public Toilets at Olele Market Square, Provide 50 Plastic Chairs and 2 Tables and Construct/erect a Signpost at the School of Children with Special Needs.
He noted that the association has also engaged and have continued to pay stipends to security men at Ikelebe Secondary School, Donate to Promoting Grassroot Sports by Supporting Interhouse Sports Programmes of Akpekpe Primary School and many other projects too numerous to mention.
To bring the people up to speed on the historical context of Akpekpe, the event featured the delivery of a lecture presented by Chief (Barr.) S.I. Musa, Daudu of Akpekpe. The traditional head of the heritage zone lectured all about “The Position of Akpekpe in Relation to the Development of Auchi.”
He noted that Afè-Èkpè which means home of the leapard (or Tiger) is the actual name of the heritage and also stated that the name ‘Auchi’ is the corrupted version of the actual name -Evbho nitsi’Uchi which means Home of Uchi who is said to have historically migrated from Udo in Benin.
“Èkpè, the 2nd son of Uchi was very close to Ogun -Uchi’s 1st son (now known as Utsogun). They were almost like twins growing up and Utsogun would always seek the advice of Èkpè before deciding.
Èkpè was the protector of the home for being fearless and decisive.” he said.
Two major highpoints gave weight to the event. First being the arrival and presentation of award to Apostle (Prof.) Johnson Suleman in recognition of his contribution towards developing Akpekpe and more so, his philanthropic gestures generally and the arrival of former Comrade Governor of Edo State, Chief Aliu Oshiomhole who happened to be an award recipient.
Oshiomhole seized the opportunity to appreciate His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh, Ikelebe III, Otaru of Auchi Sacred Kingdom and stated that Auchi has indeed experienced and enjoyed meaningful development in his reign as King. He appreciated the Award of recognition, gifted the JSS 1, 2 and 3 winners of the Akpekpe 2022 Scholarship Exercise and donated generously to helping Akpekpe Dynamic Youth set up a proposed Akpekpe Education Trust Fund.
In recognition of his selfless contribution to the course of Akpekpe, Late Hon. Zakawanu Garuba of blessed memory was honored with a Posthumous Award.
Hajia Aminat Suleman fondly referred to as ANIKAD, Mrs. Habibat T.Y. Momoh, Chief Gandhi Omane, Dr. S.S. Umar (Rector of Auchi Polytechnic) Chief Chimobi of Mobilux,Mr. Abdul (Chairman of Akpekpe Security Committee) among others were also decorated with Awards for their various contributions to help Akpekpe, Auchi grow.
The youths had in attendance the Daudus of the villages that make up Akpekpe Heritage zone together with Yamahs, Tomos as well as members and residents of same villages who trooped into the venue to felicitate with Akpekpe Dynamic Youth Association.
Other dignitaries include, Chief (Hon.) Musa Yakubu Oshirenua a.k.a Yakson, Barr. Shaibu Elamah, Mr. Tijani Muhammed amongst others.
Source: Auchi Blog