PH Mundial – Port Harcourt Online Newspaper News Across The Region
Related Articles
By Young E. Freeborn, Warri
It was celebration of longevity and old age as Olorogun Pa. Samson Ughojor Abrucha was recently installed and celebrated as the Okpako-Orere (oldest man) of Unenurhie community, Evwreni kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The special traditional event which brought together Papa’s children, family members, community leaders, guests and members of the community, including men, women and youths was held at the community event centre, with many people pouring encomium on the celebrant during the celebration.
Speaking to our correspondent during the installation, Papa’s eldest son who is the Okpahor (deputy speaker) of Unenurhie community, Dr. Johnson Abrucha, thanked God for his father successful and peaceful installation.
Hear him: “I want to thank God for giving us this privilege to witness this august occasion. In fact, this is the first of its kind in the community. It’s a new cultural innovation for others to emulate as well.
“I want to again thank God for the life of my dear father. Even at this old age, my father is still very hale and hearty. It’s just the grace of God upon him. For somebody to live to attain this golden age and position as the oldest man in a community like this, I think it’s worth celebrating in every aspect.
“As it’s today, my father is well around 120 years of age. I believe in the whole of the Urhobo ethnic group, my father should also be the oldest. Old age is a special gift and favour from God. It’s not practically the matter of religion or tribe. It has to do with your heart and hands. It’s all about our righteousness and spiritual cleanliness as human beings. As God has done it for our father to become the oldest man of this our community, we, the children, family members and with the support of the community leaders now deem it fit to celebrate him in this glorious way. As Papa is happy and rejoicing today, we are equally happy and rejoicing.”
Speaking further, Dr. Abrucha said, “At this time, on behalf of my siblings and the entire Abrucha family, I want to appreciate all those that supported us financially and in other areas to enable us organize a hitch-free event today. In this way, let me thank the president-general of our community, Mr. Peter Maison, and other respected leaders of the community for creating this enabling environment and opportunity for us to celebrate our father in this grand style.
“We want to also thank our family members from Evwreni town and also from Eghwu town for their tireless efforts to see to the success of this event. In the same way too, I want to happily thank all guests to this occasion. Time and space won’t permit me to mention names of every supporter to this event. May God continue to bless them and also prolong all their lives to see old age as my father in Jesus name.”
However, after observing the traditional installation process, the stage was set for eating, drinking and dancing with the oldest man. It was an event to behold and also remarkable as the Papa was giving out powder to every person who made contact with him. At this time, the teeming crowd that graced the occasion was anxious to get Papa’s blessings by rushing to him so as to get the powder.
All those that spoke to our correspondent during the event described Olorogun Pa. Samson Ughojor Abrucha as a humble man and someone that detests evil in his life, even though he’s a core and notable trado-medical specialist in the community.
They also adjudged him as a prudent and God-fearing person during his time as a community leader.
The installation event however ended with the presentation of different gifts, including cash to the celebrant.
