Omu Okpanam/Anioma, Obi Martha Dunkwu institutionizes Anioma Tradition
- Celebrates 20th Coronation Anniversary as Omu of Okpanam/ Omu Anioma
The 20th Coronation anniversary of the Omu of Okpanam set the community agog with the crème de le crème of the society pouring encomiums on HRM, Obi Martha Dunkwu, Omu Okpanam/Omu Anioma/Nneoha( Mother to All and Mother Without Borders) for institutionalizing the Omu culture both at home and abroad.
Speaking in a media parley which included Gentechnews, Her Royal Majesty, Obi Martha Dunkwu stated in her palace at Okpanam, that the Omu institution started about 822 ago going by the ancient metrology.
She explained that Yam represented the man, while the Palm frond (Omu) represented the female, adding that the Omu institution was created by the men who decided that the spirituality of the community be given to the women who hear messages from God and communicate the same to the community.
According to her, the past 20 years as Omu has been an eye opener, painstaking and sweet memories and thanked God for His Grace, Mercy and Benevolence.
The Omu of Okpanam who has been a media practitioner for close to forty years noted that as a result of her activities, the Omu institution has gained local and international recognition.
“We vigorously promoted our native attire (Akwa Ocha), our language, our food, our culture and tradition. To this extent, some foreign universities have been coming to understudy the Omu Institution for the benefit of research and documentation.
“My palace has been a study centre, open to the training and knowledge acquisition of women. We have continued to print and distribute the Historian Emeka Esogbue’s book on Omuship to persons who will further advance the course of learning,” her majesty said.
HRM, Dunkwu disclosed that she has also set up a centre for Omuship and Women Development Initiative which is dedicated to the study of Omuship in Anioma Nation.
She hinted that prior to her coming on board; only five Omus were on the saddle and herself, making them six.
She highlighted that as a result of her campaign and advocacy to different communities to begin to enthrone Omus, it has paid off because at the last count there are over 15 Omus in Anioma Nation, with more coming.
She stated further that she has also commissioned the Historian Emeka Esogbue to write a second edition of his historic book on the Omu Institution to include the profile, interview and photo page of current Omus.
The Obi Martha Dunkwu Foundation was set up to give scholarships to indigent Anioma girl children, she said, who will be engaged in academic studies, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, development and micro investment.
Her Majesty said that a building in her palace has also been dedicated in perpetuity to this NGO for effective operation.
Speaking further on the scholarship scheme, the Omu Anioma pointed out that the foundation has just been registered for takeoff and that her concern is to make it look like the Ford Foundation in order to redefine the prototype woman via education.
She commended the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori who gave the Omu Institution its due recognition, but lamented that no law has been made by the State, yet to that effect because they allude to the fact that the Omu is operational in Anioma Nation of Delta State.
She urged the local government authority in the Anioma Nation to spearhead the campaign to make a law for the Omu Institution in the state.
She eulogised all the royal fathers of blessed memory which includes, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa of Benin, Obi Okonji Okeze, Diokpa-isi Charles Ezenweani, Diokpa-isi Gibert Igweonwuof Okpanam as well as all past Traditional Rulers of Okpanam that she worked with.
“Without my late parents, Ogbueshi Adimefe Dunkwu and Mrs Comfort Ishakwue bringing me to this world, I will not be where I am today and I’m exceedingly grateful,” Nneoha enthused.
She applauded all her friends, well wishers, people of goodwill all over the world and the media for immensely supporting her course for the past years and urged them not to relent in their support, encouragement and prayers.
Earlier, many dignitaries and traditional rulers who graced the occasion delivered goodwill messages, which were in agreement that the Omu institution started like a mustard seed and there were testimonies under HRM, Obi Martha Dunkwu reign that was being witnessed at the 20th Coronation Anniversary in Anioma Nation and abroad.
Highlight of the event was the tour of the exhibition stands by the HRM, Obi Martha Dunkwu, other dignitaries and traditional rulers, where native attire, Akwa Ochi, Coral Beads, among other paraphernalia were displayed to showcase the Anioma tradition.
