The Ogoani of Okpanam kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, on Thursday conferred the Olikeze of Okpanam kingdom on Engr. Emeka Wisdom Meldon.
Making the conferment in his palace in company of his chiefs and community members, the traditional ruler said Engr. Wisdom Meldon had contributed in different ways to the development of Okpanam community in Oshimili North local government area of Delta state.
He described Engr. Meldon as an accomplished engineer who believes in hard work and determination as the surest way to making breakthrough in life.
He said Meldon who is one of the few successful people of his age is sociable, humane, kind and generous to the people of Okpanam kingdom.
In his response, Chief Meldon said the community found him worthy of the honour, noting that he was not the richest or the most educated in the community.
He said: “This title is an honorary chieftaincy title. I never ask for it. I was called and told that from the decision of traditional ruler of Okpanam kingdom and haven seen my contribution towards the development of Okpanam kingdom, they have decided to give me this title.”
He expressed gratitude to the traditional ruler, saying the recognition accorded him will spur him to do more for the people both of Okpanam and the generality of humanity.
Meldon also said he has benefited much from Okpanam, saying though he is a native of Ute-Okpu in Ika North East local government area of the state, he has spent a greater part of his life in Okpanam kingdom.
He told this medium that the community had been helpful to him, adding that he had lived in the community since it was a village before it developed to the town it is today. He said his parents had lived in the community for more than 22 years.
He commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa whose tenure has developed the community, building roads and other infrastructure which added to the beautification of Okpanam. He added that the governor has made Okpanam one of the fastest growing towns in the state.
