Uwkel-Obudu Community in Obudu local government area of Cross River State on Sunday, held a red-carpet reception in honour of the Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR. His mother, late Queen Gertrude Jedy-Agba hails from the community.
The Community also confered the Minister and his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba with the “Ugaba 1 of Uwkel-Obudu”, which translates to “Number one Lion and Lioness”, respectively Chieftaincy titles. He was also given a hundred by two hundred free piece of land, located beside the Obudu Dam Resort to the Minister.
The colorful event which featured special traditional dance by the famous Ikpatimana amongst other activities to entertain the guests started with a thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Father Afelamse Linus.
Speaking, the elated Minister said that he was humbled by the display of love towards him as exemplified by the freewill land donation as well as, the elaborate reception organized in his honour.
He averred that he has always held the community and entire Obudu people very dearly to his heart which is why at every given opportunity, he has tried to give back to the people.
Jedy-Agba maintained that “when I was told about this event, I didn’t know it would be this huge. I don’t really know where to start from; do I really deserve all this love? It’s said that a king has no honour in his place but this assertion has been proven wrong today with what I have seen.
All the issues you have mentioned are not new to me because I’m one of you. But one thing I’ll assure you is that I’ll continue to do my best for my people and Nigeria at large. We’ll bring light, we’ll support our youths anyhow we can so they can grow to contribute meaningfully to the development of our local government, state and country at large.
On the civil centre project which you’re doing groundbreaking today, me and my lovely wife will support it from this foundation stage till it’s finished. My friend, the Managing Director of Cross River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Bassey Nkposong has also said he’ll support us by donating borehole. So, we need to ensure we finish the project quick so that he can put the water “.
The Minister who is also the son of the Paramount Ruler of Obudu, Uti Uka I 1 of Obudu, reputed to be the longest serving monarch in Nigeria, used the opportunity to encourage the people to support and pray for the President.
In his words,”I’m a Minister today because of President Muhammadu Buhari, so if you love me and support me, you must also love and support the President. We understand the challenges Nigerians are facing and I can assure you that the President is not sleeping. He’s working tirelessly to make Nigeria great again”.
The Minister was also presented with “All-time Leadership Icon” award by Mountain Cinema, the organizer of the Obudu Face of culture pageantry event.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the community, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Gabriel Agba said that “our people are elated to his Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for considering you worthy to mount the leadership of the exalted position of Minister. We’re proud of your accomplishments so far in the power sector and have no doubt that you’ll do more”.
While thanking the Minister for previously building a clinic and two boreholes for the community, he however drew his attention to the power challenges of the community, appealing for his intervention.
“The power supply in our village which comprised of four other communities is not regular enough because of the low tension cables down from Igwo community to Uwkel-Obudu. We therefore, fervently appeal to you to look into this major problem of ours by drawing high tension wires from Bebuagbong in Urban 1 to Uwkel-Obudu for us to enjoy regular electricity supply”.
Continueing, he said that “even when you were not yet a Minister, your philanthropic gestures spoke volumes of your humanitarian and selfless endeavours. Uwkel-Obudu village has benefitted immensely from your benevolence. You have built and donated two functional boreholes and clinic to us and they are still functional till date and we remain grateful.
However, like the legendary Oliver Twist, they want to feel some more of the impact of your appointment. Remember that to whom much is given, much more is expected. And so no matter how much you have done, much more is still been expected of you to do”.
