From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

Oba Ewuare II Foundation has started donating foodstuffs to Nigerians of different social statuses in Edo State, towards reducing the effects of food insecurity that has driven prices up.

Chiefs, Dukes (Enigie), members of the Benin Royal family including Prince Omorowa Ovoranmwen and Uvbi Evbakhavbokun Ovoranmwen, Princess Esther Eweka, Princess Ewemade Eweka, Princess Enoghama Eweka, Princess Eunice Akenzua, Princess (Mrs) Emovon Akenzua, Uvbi Osowmonyi Akenzua, Prince Omoregbe Erediauwa, Prince Osama Erediauwa and Prince Ehioze Erediauwa, groups and traditional rulers across the three Senatorial districts of the State, have benefitted from the gesture, which comes barely two weeks after the one year Birthday party of Oba Ewuare II set of Quadruplets with Queen (Oloi) Aisosa Ewuare II.

Also, orphanage homes and other less privileged persons in the State had been listed among over 150 groups and individuals to partake in the staple food items comprising, rice, garri and corn.

Some of the traditional rulers who benefited from the food donation which began recently include HRH Imah IV of Somorika, Otaru of Auchi, HRH Alhaji Haliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, Oloila of Anegbete, Ogiegba II of Ekperi Clan, Ogie Aviawu of Avianwu in (Edo North), Onojie of Ogun, Onojie of Uzea, Onojie of Okalo, Ulele of Uokha Clan, Onojie of Ebele who was represented by his son, Prince Usifoh Imadojemoh, Onojie of Ubiaja, Onojie of Ekpoma, Onojie of Egoro, Onojie of Orowa, Onojie of Opoji, Onojie of Ewu and others in (Edo Central), Senatorial districts of the state.

Other groups, dukes and individuals who benefitted from Oba Ewuare’s Midas touch include, Duke (Enogie) of Egbaen Siluko, Enogie of Iguogbe, Enogie of Ukpera, Enogie of Ologbo, Enogie of Uhogua, Enogie of Umegbe, Enogie of Obadan in (Edo South Senatorial district, in addition to Oba of Benin palace functionaries, staff of Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Chiefs from Edaiken palace, Princes and Princesses in the Benin Kingdom as well as members of the Benin Royal family amongst others.

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Similarly, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, and Royal Guilds at Oba of Benin palace namely, Iwebo, Iweguae, Ibiwe, Ewaise, Ihogbe, Isienmwenro, Edion, Ibiwe N’ Ekhua, Uzama N’ Ibie and other organisations as well as security personnel, schools, were also not left out in Oba Ewuare’s act of philanthropy.

Responding, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Festus Alenkhe, commended the Benin monarch for helping to reduce economic hardship, particularly the downtrodden in the society who have been priced out of the market and cannot afford food.

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He lauded the foundation for showing concern for Nigerians and assured that the donation would get to all Journalists in the State.

“We thank His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, our revered Grand Patron of Edo NUJ. This is a very good development. We can see that the palace of Benin is feeding the people. Journalists in Edo State are not left out.

“We thank the palace and the people of the great Benin Kingdom for the Royal food that has been donated to us today.

“Every journalist in Edo State must have a feel of this support from his Royal Majesty,” he promised.

The Coalition of Benin socio-cultural organisations Representatives, Dr Usiosefe Anthony Ereyimwen, pledged the loyalty of members of the group to the Royal father and promised to champion the interest of Benin.

Ereyimwen who benefitted from the gesture stated that the food donation is one of the several unprecedented impacts the donor has made in recent times.

Also speaking, Chief Uyi Ese, the Esere of Eguae Edaiken palace said the intervention has helped Nigerians who are struggling to put food on the table, especially during tough times.

“Those of us from Eguae Edaiken’s palace in Uselu are glad to be Oba of Benin subjects and we will remain grateful for his love and support.