Ugwumba Conferred With ‘Oboresiri’ Chieftaincy Title

Dr Rukevwe Ugwumba has been conferred with the ‘Oboresiri of Ughievwen Kingdom’ chieftaincy title

Gatekeepers News reports that Ugwumba has been conferred with a chieftaincy title – “Oboresiri of Ughievwen Kingdom” in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, South-South Nigeria.

Ugwumba is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Family Health, one-time Special Adviser on Health Matters to former Governor of the State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, and President Jesu Marie Empowerment Foundation, JMEF.

The Uwheru born philanthropist and politician who spoke to newsmen shortly after the conferment of the title stressed the need to encourage customs and traditions that promote peace, unity, progress, and development in African communities.

According to her, some of the values and norms that bind the people together were being neglected. She, therefore, emphasised the need for government at all levels to continue to accord the traditional institutions due respect and recognition.

She also used the medium to congratulate the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Mathew Egbi, Owahwa II, on his 10th coronation anniversary, noting that the ten years reign of the monarch had brought peace and development to the kingdom.

Dr Ugwumba also expressed profound gratitude to the Ughievwen king for honouring her with a chieftaincy title in recognition of her commitment to uplifting the standard of living in society.

“I can recall when Jesu Marie Empowerment Foundation, JMEF, which I am the Founder and President, held a free medical outreach in this community and its environs. The Okobaro was very supportive and did not hide his joy in seeing us care for those in need of quality medical services and other efforts to give them life lines. I so much believe that my efforts to promote good health, empower the people and give support, particularly to indigent persons in the society were not unnoticed”.

“I was installed today as the “Oboresiri“ of Ughievwen kingdom, meaning the Doctor, the healer or the blessing of Ughievwen. It is a challenge for more service to humanity. I thank God for life, I thank God for the enablement to support His projects, I thank God for people around me and pray that He continues to promote my dreams for mankind to His glory and joy of His children”, Dr Ugwumba said.

The amiable Princess of Uwheru community stated that that the honour was her second as she was decorated with the title “Ugochukwutunonye of Mbiri kingdom” in 2013, while two others are pending.

The elated Canada-based medical practitioner explained that she appreciates the honour as it has afforded her the opportunity to remain abreast of the values, customs, and traditions of the people, despite her sojourn in a foreign land, and to better understand the needs and aspirations of the people.

Dr Ugwumba said “I want to be closer to the people in my desire for a better society. Distance had never been a challenge as I am always around. Most of the activities of my Foundation are carried out here in Delta State. I sought to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives but was denied. I was a Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2019 election but my party lost. So it is work in progress. The desire to serve remains and at God’s appointed time, nothing can stop it. The people know me and I know them and I see that majority of them are craving for my service. It shall surely come to pass. In any case, we work for humanity and will continue to progress in that regard.”

Relatives and friends who graced the epoch-making event described Dr Rukevwe Ugwumba as a worthy ambassador, stressing that the honour bestowed on her by the Ughievwen monarch was well deserved.

Those who spoke include the President, North America chapter of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Olorogun Onome Dema, an industrialist, Francis Okumagba, the Secretary General, UPU, Kenneth Iwhewhe, and the President, Rotary Club of Osubi District 9141, Ighodalo Akpasubi.

The dignitaries who praised the princess noted that her philanthropist gesture would continue to stand her out for more recognitions and honours.

The Okobaro, HRM Mathew Egbi, Owahwa 11, had while conferring the “Oboresiri of Ughievwen kingdom”, title on Dr Ugwumba, commended her large heart and encouraged her to remain committed to the promotion of peace, love, unity, and human values in the society.