Owerri, the Imo state capital weekend stood still in honour of the Ondo State First Lady-Chief (Mrs) Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu who was conferred with the Chieftaincy title of Ada Owere by the traditional rulers of Owerri Federal constituency which involved 43 autonomous communities in Owerri West, Owerri North and Owerri Municipal Council.
The august ceremony held at the Graceland Event Arena Irete, off Owerri Onitsha Road attracted dignitaries from all walks of life including the husband of the recipient and governor of Ondo State -Rotimi Akeredolu, his Deputy members of the Ondo State Executive Council, traditional rulers from both Imo and Ondo States, religious leaders, captains of Industry and members of the academia.
Those of the Ondo State House of Assembly, leaders of women and youths organizations and of course, a former deputy governor of Imo State- Prince Eze Madumere who was the chairman of the occasion were also present at the ceremony.
HRH, Eze David Akujobi Osuagwu- Chairman of Owerri Zone Council of traditional rulers who performed the conferment title on behalf of his colleagues from Owerri North, Owerri West and Owerri Municipal explained that the gesture was in recognition and appreciation of her wonderful contributions and service to hear people through her various pet projects.
Eze Akujobi Osuagwu who is the Ezikoche II of Awaka ancient Kingdom noted that Mrs. Akeredolu had continued to bring honour and pride to the people of Owerri Federal constituency through a number of developmental projects and infrastructure and enjoined her to sustain the spirit.
Prince Eze Madumere, in his remarks earlier equally extolled Mrs. Akeredolu as a virtuous woman, an ideal mother and a helper of the poor, the down trodden and the less privileged.
The former deputy governor noted that the Ondo State First Lady had continued to touch the lives of the poor and the needy in society while contributing her own quota towards the transformation of her maiden community of Emeabiam and those around it through her Youth Empowerment Programmes and the NDDC.
He lauded governor Akeredolu for his impressive performance in Ondo state and prayed God to continue to guide and protect him in his selfless service to his people.
Responding, the Ondo State First Lady, Akeredolu expressed gratitude to the Royal fathers for the honour done her which she said was in recognition of her accomplishments in her ancestral home, Ondo State and the nation at large.
Mrs. Akeredolu who is the founder of a numberf of NGOs including the Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF) pledged to facilitate access to ICT facilities and Solar Technology in the rural areas of the Owerri Federal constituency to boost rural and virtual learning.
“I will continue to strategize to reduce feminized poverty through widow care platform and my pledge as listed will be championed through my foundation BAAF” she stated.
Governor Akeredolu in his remarks praised his wife-Betty as a caring loving wife, mother, a reliable and dependable partner and companion who has become his pillar of strength.
The governor recalled with relish, how their union was contracted some years ago and commended the people of Emeabiam for the good and moral upbringing of their daughter, assuring that the relationship between Imo and Ondo States will continue to grow from strength to strength.
He also commended the traditional rulers of Owerri zone for the honour done his wife and pledged that she will continue to sustain those qualities that earned her the title.
