By Kennedy Atevure,
The Executive Director of the Olotu and Rowland Ekuogbe Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF), Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete Ph.D (JP), has extended soft grants to thirty (30) women of Otor-Ihwreko Community, Ughelli.
The event, held on April 9, 2025, commemorated the life and legacy of his late grandfather, Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D, the Otota R'ovie of the Ughelli Kingdom, who passed away on April 9, 1995.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Akpodiete described his late grandfather as a compassionate community leader and philanthropist. He expressed his deep admiration and commitment to carrying on the philanthropic values of his grandfather through OERAF, pledging to continually use the foundation as a tool for improving lives.
The guest speaker, Chief Dr. Linda Ikpuri, a member of the Warri South Properties and Investment Board, encouraged the women to wisely invest the grants in their businesses. She emphasized the importance of making good use of such opportunities, noting that failing to do so might mean missing out on future support.
Earlier, Barrister (Mrs.) Agboka Akpodiete-Omale presented a brief biography of the late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D, describing him as a principled legal luminary, generous philanthropist, and respected community leader whose values continue to shine through his descendants.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Elizabeth Oboroh expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Olotu Akpodiete for his generosity. She assured that the women would judiciously utilize the grants to grow their various businesses.
Comrade Emonena Akpodiete gave the vote of thanks, appreciating the women for honouring the invitation and commending Dr. Olotu Akpodiete for his unwavering dedication to community development.
Other family members present at the ceremony included Chief Mrs. Grace Akpodiete, Mrs. Elohor Esakpaide, Captain Oghenevwegba Akpodiete, Bishop Owhorode Akpodiete, Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale, Mrs. Aduviekeya Umoru, Ms. Ese Akpodiete, Ogheneogaga Akpodiete, Ayerode Akpodiete, Mr. Uremu Akpobasa, and Esther Akpodiete.
