Kogi State Government says it will continue to accord the traditional institution the deserved attention that will enable it observe its role in development and maintenance of peace.
The State Governor Capt Idris Wada, who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, stated this at the burial service of Late Dr Isaac Bola Ikuponiyi, the Oba of Ponyon, held at the first Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, Odo Ponyon, Yagba East LGA of Kogi State.
Capt Wada disclosed that the present administration in the state is not only committed to the pursuit of development in every community across the state, said it has in the last three years executed a comprehensive programme for rural communities in the state.
The Governor expressed satisfaction with the traditional institution in the state, disclosing that given the face of the enormous challenges facing governance in the country, it has enjoyed there tremendous support from traditional rulers.
Capt Wada assured that efforts is being made to solve the issues affecting Teachers and Local Government workers in the State, explained that it is not as if government is not aware of the complaints and not wanting to meet all demands for workers wage bill, but said there has been a mismatch between the wage bill and revenue acruing to the state and other states of the federation in recent time.
While noting that despite the drastic fall in revenue , Capt Wada assured the people of Ponyon Community of his administrations efforts to meets the pressing needs of the community,and commended the passion for development of Late Ikuponiyi, disclosed that the late monarch has left a big vacuum for his would be successor having left a high standard in community development. The Governor condoled with the people of Ponyon Community for the demise of the monarch whom he said served meritoriously, said he will be greatly missed, but remembered for his love for the indigents in the society.
In his sermon titled the Beautiful Place, Rev. Benson Ola of First ECWA, Odo Ponyon, read from the book of Revelation Chapter 21:24-27, urged Nigerians to strive for landmarks and legacies that would speak for them after their demise. He disclosed that as beautiful as the things of the world may look, man’s concern should be about making eternal life in heaven as that is where the eternal reward lies.
The Clergy man described the late Monarch as a man of peace who was much concern about development, improved lives of his people, urged Nigerians to live lives that will be pleasing to God after their demise. The Clergyman described most worldly pursuit of men as temporal and parishes with time, said death is a necessary appointment that all mortals will keep, urged all men to be prepared.
Earlier in a welcome address, Dr Oye Babatimehin, National Secretary, Ponyan Development Association,said the late Oba Ikuponiyi, steered the ship of development in the community, and described him as a patriotic personality who placed emphasis on western education. He solicited the support of the state government towards the completion of the St Marks University and the completion of the Civic Centre in Ponyon as a mark of honour for the late monarch.
Late Dr Isaac Bola Ikuponiyi was born in 1930, was a seasoned administrator and Educationist, became the Oba of Ponyan in the year 2000, was laid to rest amidst glowing tributes from dignitaries that grace the funeral.
Prominent among those that graced the ceremony include, Hon Hassan Salawu, PDP State Chairman, Prince Olushola Akanmode, Barr Bola Fabola, SSA to the State Governor who led other SSA’s, Traditional Rulers, Top Civil Servants and People from all Works of life from across the State, described the late Monarch as exemplary while on the throne, wished him eternal rest in the bossom of the lord.
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