By Jonathan Ugbal
The Ukpe, Alege and Ubang communities, of Obudu Local Government Area, commonly referred to as Ukalu last weekend rolled out their drums to receive the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh and his Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Richard Orim at the Primary School playground in Ashikpe village in what they described as a homecoming for the minister.
Enoh, 57, was just 23 as a young school-leaver when he was posted to teach at the Comprehensive Secondary School Ukpe in 1989 where he spent a year before leaving.
And, the Chairman of the Ukalu Traditional Rulers Council and Elders, Chief Iyang Thomas Odu in his address said the community is grateful for the appointment of Dr. Orim and are happy that the minister is visiting where his journey in public service started from.
“Our hearts are filled with immense pride to acknowledge that the Honorable Minister’s journey began here in our beloved Ukalu community,” Chief Odu, represented by Chief Ekunke Obi said, pointing out that the minister broke a jinx by giving the community what they never had.
“The minister’s recent act of kindness in appointing one of our own as a Special Assistant is a testament to his unwavering commitment to empowering our community. Dr. Richard Orim is the first Federal political appointee from our community.”
Chief Odu said the Ukalu community embraces the smallest gestures with utmost appreciation hence the welcome and assured him that Dr. Orim will serve him well even though they hope for more.
“We know Richard; he is an Ukalu son, he will serve you with integrity, loyalty and dedication. He will not be the last Ukalu son that you will push into high office,” he said, adding that, “may the story of your life, how you rose from a simple teacher to a trailblazer and molder of men, inspire all of us.”
Responding, the minister lamented that several speakers have been celebrating him when it should be more about their son. Senator Enoh who said he had informed the delegation led by a former Chairman of the Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Tony Adah, he did not think the event mattered, commended the Ukalu nation for being a people of honor and gratitude.
On Dr. Orim, he averred that nothing happens by chance, hence his coming to Ukalu in 1989 was the first step in a path that will see him and his aide meet again in the future, especially as not many expected him to stay and teach for a year before leaving.
“Dr. Richard Orim is not the only person that would have earned an appointment from me and by me, but because he comes from somewhere. More than 30 years ago, I walked through this land. 1989, 1990, I was posted here as a school teacher. I believe that even people that I met did not think that I would stay. Why? I came from Etung, I came from Ikom especially in those days when we were reputed to be cocoa people, cocoa farmers; we were reputed to be people that had abundance. So, they couldn’t understand how a young man from Etung will come and teach here. But I taught here for one full year.
“In the course of my political career, I met a young man. That young man now turned to be Dr. Richard Orim. It is possible that if I was looking for somebody from Ukalu and I say, give me someone, it is possible that it isn’t Dr. Richard Orim that they will give to me. But Richard Orim is not my aide because he comes from Ukalu, no! It is not because I was looking for someone from Ukalu, not that all.
“Life itself, is full of conspiracies. In certain times, those conspiracies are positive. I believe that there is nothing that takes place out of nothing. There is always a meaning attached to everything that takes place.
“I believe that there was a reason that I was sent to Ukpe in 1989, and I believe that God wanted me to come back to this land. That is why God led my path and that of Dr. Richard to cross,” he said.
On his part, Dr. Orim, an academic like his principal, said he lacked words to describe the faith bestowed on him as his heart is only filled with gratitude.
The event drew several bigwigs including the Member, Representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra federal constituency, Hon. Peter Akpanke, and two of his colleagues from Bayelsa and Edo; the Commissioner for Sports Development in Cross River, Mrs. Agnes Atsu; former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu; two former Chairmen of the Obudu Local Government Council, Mr. Eraye Ewhe and Chief Tony Undiaundeye.
Also, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu, HRM Utsu Felix Okudare who led other monarchs; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Obudu Chapter, Henry Ublibli as well as the President of the University of Cross River State Alumni Association, Mr. Peter Inyali and others.
See pictures from the event below…
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