Chiemelie Ezeobi
For his contribution to Esan land in particular and Nigeria at large, renowned security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, was recently installed as the High Chief Ogbeni of Irrua Kingdom by the Ogirrua and Okaijesan of Esanland, HRH (Zaiki) Alhaji W. Okoeguale Momodu II JP.
Speaking during the installation ceremony, the Ogirrua praised Ekhomu for his contribution to Esan land in particular and Nigeria at large. He described him as someone who has consistently and relentlessly promoted security awareness and consciousness among Nigerian citizens. He explained that although Ekhomu had held the traditional chieftaincy title of Ogbeni of Irrua for over 20 years now, he however decided to upgrade Ekhomu to High Chief in order to reward his contributions in the security sector both nationally and internationally. The Ogirrua said Ekhomu has made significant contributions in giving advice to government on tackling the challenges of insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking during the reception after his installation, Ekhomu pledged to redouble his efforts at promoting the culture of security and safety awareness consciousness and action among Nigerians. He also pledged to use his international stature to attract foreign investments into Nigerian in order to “create employment for our citizens”.
In the same vein, he decried the killings in Southern Kaduna and called on the Federal Government to meet its part of the social contract – by keeping citizens safe. He also urged the government – federal, state and local to employ advanced risk mapping tools in order to obtain foreknowledge of risks and be able to mitigate them before they become loss events. He said, “The security situation in Southern Kaduna State and the constant shedding of blood there denotes weak governance at all levels.
This calls for a redesign of the security architecture of rural communities.” During the installation, Momodu decorated the security chief with a red cap and handed him a traditional sword – Ada. With this investiture, Ekhomu becomes a member of a small group of red cap chiefs who serve as the closest advisers to the King of Irrua. During the reception, the Commandant of the Nigerian Legion in Edo Central Senatorial Zone, Col. (Chief) Oziengbe Iyoriobhe also decorated Dr. Ekhomu and his wife Victoria as Patrons of the Nigerian Legion.
