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| L-R: Prince Clem and Princess Catherine Ikanade Agba, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo GCON, HRH H.A.Momoh, Comrade Philip Shaibu, Dr. Mrs. Zainab Amhed and others |
By Lois Otse Adams & Blessing Etim
The Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, a Community Service man, retired Chevron worker and a two-term Commissioner under Governor Adams Oshiomhole between 2008 to 2016, has been conferred with the customary title of The Oduma (Lion) of Auchi Sacred Kingdom by the Otaru of Auchi Sacred Kingdom, Alhaji Highbred Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe 111.
The conferment which took place on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at the palace of the royal father in Auchi, Edo State had in attendance the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo GCON SAN, Minister of Finance Dr. (Mrs) Zainab Shamsuna Amhed, Edo State Governor represented by his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria Kim Young, alongside the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunga Kazuyoshi and other Diplomats.
The Vice President while speaking, said that coming to Auchi, the administrative Headquarters of Edo North Senatorial District is like coming home, recalled his mandatory One Year compulsory National Youth Service Corps in Auchi over four decades ago.
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| A section of Guests/traditional rulers at the Otaru palace |
Osinbajo, however commended the Honourable Minister for being an asset at the Federal Economic Council, and a prophet that is honoured in his own town, he urged him to continue to use his endorsement for consistent service to bring honour to both
Auchi Kingdom, Edo State community and at the National level.
On his part, the Otaru, Alhaji Momoh while showering accolades on the Minister, maintained that he has indeed proven to be a Lion in the past and present, embedded with intellectual wealth and commitment to service.
In his response, The Oduma and Minister appreciated former labour leader and National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for guiding him into politics, and also expressed gratitude to the Auchi Royal Father for finding him worthy amongst thousands of Sons and conferred on him the title of the Oduma of Auchi Sacred Kingdom. Prince Agba pledged to facilitate more developmental projects as he will continue to care for the people through his foundation, The Clem Agba Foundation.
The Finance Minister, Dr. (Mrs) Amhed and the former labour leader, Comrade Oshiomhole also showered on the illustrious Son of Uzanu Clan and Ikanade Agba Dynasty brilliant accolades that inspired the crowd of admirers. His Amiable Wife, Princess Catherine Agba also received royal and presidential accolades from dignitaries for standing by her husband and the entire family of Ikanade Agba.
Other dignitaries were members of the Federal Executive Council, former and serving Governors, Director Generals, Federal Commissioners, All Progressives Congress Chieftains, State and National Permanent Secretaries, National Economic Advisers, Directors, Deputy Directors and staff of Finance, Budget and National Planning, staff from other Ministries and parastatals Religious and Traditional Rulers, leadership of Edo State Nigeria Union of Journalists, The Minister’s former Chevron colleagues, former state and federal Commissioners, members of the Edo State House of Assembly, other politicians, business men and women, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Schools Classmates, associations as well as former Justice of Edo state, Justice Constance Momoh.
The reception took place at his Uzanu home afterwards at about 4:00pm.
