The Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, has said that the remodelling of the Akuku-Toru Cemetery is a symbol of gratitude to the departed souls “for their sacrifices in sweat and blood for the society.”
Mrs. Oniyide made this known today at the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction and remodeling of the Abonnema Cemetery in Abonnema.
The Council Chairman, who extolled the virtues of the traditional institution in Akuku-Toru for their support, called for a minute of silence in honour of the departed souls whose memories the cemetery holds.
The paramount rulers thanked the Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area for her trailblazing efforts in governance and prayed her to continue to serve the people diligently.
In his goodwill message to the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, said he was excited that the Local Government Council has started on a bright note, describing her as the Deborah of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs and Chief David Briggs, the State Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board, delivered goodwill messages at the event that was graced by the State Chairman of the Action People’s Party, Chief Sonny Wokekoro; the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Dr. Agiriye Agba Harty; the Chairman of Asari Toru, Engr. Sule Amachree; and the Mayor of Port Harcourt, Hon. Ezebunwo Ichemati.
Highlight of the ocarina was the foundation-laying ceremony for the remodeling of the cemetery by the Amayanabo of Abonnema and Chairman Akuku-Toru Council of Traditional Rulers Kinh Disrael Gbobo Bobmanuel who was accompanied by other Heads of Compound (Group of Houses) and Chiefs.
Mrs. Oniyide assured that the timelines for the completion of the project will be religiously kept, insisting that upon completion, the cemetery will continue to serve as a befitting, safe, secure, and sacred sanctuary for departed heroes and heroines of the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
“This place holds the memories and stories of our beloved, which we hold in reverence, and it is our sacred duty to preserve and honour their immortal legacies,” the Chairman added.
“The reconstruction of this cemetery, upon completion, will be a monumental testament of our community’s commitment to respecting and remembering those who have gone before us,” she said.
“It is a symbol of our gratitude for their contributions and enormous sacrifice in strength and blood to our society. Our heroes and heroines, may their immortal spirits continue to guide and guard our footsteps”.
Speaking at the event, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Gbobo Bobmanuel, thanked the chairman for her thoughtful decision in remodelling the cemetery, saying that it is in reverence to souls that has been provided rest for over 150 years.
