Greetings. All Protocols Observed Introduction It is my honour and pleasure to welcome you to the 94th Anniversary of the Founding of Okpe Union. I welcome you on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union and of all our members in Nigeria and the Diaspora.
With profound reverence, we recognize the presence of His Royal Majesty Alaiyeluwa, Oba Engr. (Dr.) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, Adegorushe V, The Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, and Her Royal Majesty, Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi, The Treasure of Ikorodu Kingdom, who is a granddaughter of the Founding President of the Okpe Union, Pa Thomas Ometie Ake (of Blessed Memory).
Our being here today is thanks to the vision of Pa Ake and his colleagues who had the foresight to establish Okpe Union, which today makes Okpe Union the oldest registered ethnic organization in Nigeria. Pa Ake hailed from Mereje Town in the present Okpe Local Government Area in Okpe Nation, Delta State. The seed he and his colleagues planted here in Lagos 94 years ago has mushroomed into multiple branches across Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
Therefore, the presence of Her Royal Majesty at this event and the generous support that she and His Royal Majesty have rendered to the Okpe Union in Ikorodu and in Lagos State is a continuation of Pa Ake’s vision for the redemption of the Okpe Nation. We are here because Pa Ake and his colleagues were there. They deserve to be honoured for their selfless services to Okpe Nation.
Towards this end, I.