ROYAL FATHER CHARGES EPA TO SUSTAIN UNITY OF EBIRA PEOPLE.
A traditional ruler in Adavi local government, the Adeika of Ezionogu, HRH Dr. Shuaibu Onimisi Ali has charged the current leaders of Ebira People’s Association (EPA) to sustain and strengthen the legacies of the founding members of the association. HRH Dr. Shuaibu Ali made the charge in his address during the launching of a book titled THE COMPENDIUMS OF EBIRA PEOPLES ASSOCIATION (EPA) authored by the traditional ruler at Ebira Community Secondary School, Ogaminana. He said,the book which is the collection of the EPA’s activities since its formation in 1967 to date was able to unite Ebiras after the military take over government of 1966. The author said the association established good legacies being enjoyed by Ebiras and non Ebiras alike in Nigeria and diaspora. The royal father maintained that getting a copy of the book and reading it, will make us appreciate the association better as. historians and people of wisdom often said that we cannot understand the. Present without understanding the past and we cannot fairly predict the future without regard for the present. HRH Dr. Shuaibu O. Ali who had held various positions including president General of EPA from 1997 to. 2001, said inspite its challenges, the association still remains and survives as the umbrella organization of Ebira Tao people In his speech, the Chief launcher of the occasion, Engineer Joseph O. Makoju commended the author for his ingenuity for adding values to learning and education. He appreciated those who have contributed positively to the success of the book and for attending the book launch. The chairman who was represented by Architect Tijani O., appealed to EPA. Leaders to continue to be examplary in leading Ebiras well for the progress and development of the area. Speaking, the Chief launcher, Professor Y.O. Aliu who was the President General for. EPA for many years (1985 to. 1991), reminded Ebiras to be 0their brothers’ keeper anywhere and in any position they found themselves. He praised the initiative of the author for the book and called on Ebiras to make the book their companion. The book Reviewer, Mallam Obeito S. Available applauded the author for painstaking putting his knowledge and experience in chronological presentation of EPA from. 1967 to date in a book. He said the founding fathers of EPA maintained the association’s motto Unity is Strength which the author presented in good content, well structured, devoid of any flattery but lucid which is good for reference material on association and many Ebira leaders. The book which is made up of twenty three chapters covered. 359 pages and praised the association for remarkable achievements like uniting Ebiras from their bitter politics and factions of ITU and NPC that continued to linger since 1950s. He stressed that the book showed how EPA facilitated the establishment of Ebira Community Secondary Schools at Ogaminana and Ihima while it assisted in the operations of other community colleges at Adavi- Eba, Etahi, EMCO Okengwe and Commercial college Ogaminana now GSSS Ogaminana established by Late JAG Ohiani. The book reviewer who recommended the book for historians, students, journalists and general public said it is going add values to knowledge and research On Ebira history. .. He said, the association became a mouthpiece for Ebira people in advancing the cause of Ebira especially in upgrading of traditional rulers, request for appointment of Ebiras ,in to posiyion of aurhority, agitation for the creation of more local government areas and complaint of marginalization of Ebira people in kogi state civil service. . Mall. Obeito S. Hassan stated that the book will go a long way to teach our people the values of leaders and leadership qualities and words of wisdom. He then made his observation and recommendations for the present EPA Executive to make the people feel much impact of the association like location of the national Secretariat of EPA in Ebiraland, EPA should publicizes her activities periodically not on the annual meeting, organization of scholarship , empowerment programne and. Entrepreneurship skills development. Again EPA National Secretariat and. Kogi state Secretariat should open EPA office in each five local government areas in Ebiraland as well as sustenance of her apolitical stance since 1967 to date for the peace, progress and development of Ebiraland. .. The Executive Chairman of Adavi LGA, Hon.Joseph Omuya Salami who was Chief Host at the occasion praised the initiative of the author for meticulously produced the book on which will be useful to both Ebiras and non Ebiras. He maintained that the author’s vision and mission for writing the book will not be in vain but handsomely rewarded by all in prayers and posterity yet unborn will appreciate the work of our royal father. Hon Joseph Salami then reminded the people to always come up with something novel that will contribute and make the society better than we met it. . He restated his desire not to derail in the task to reposition Adavi forj greater service delivery as he continues his administration programme to better the lots of the people.