Woji, Rivers State — The Paramount Ruler of Woji Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Highness Emeke Ihunwo, has been commended for fostering peace, unity, and development over the past decade of his reign.
The accolades came during a special thanksgiving service held at St. Nicholas Anglican Church, Woji, to mark the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary. Leading the tributes was the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Evo, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu, who described HRH Ihunwo’s leadership as exemplary.
“Your reign over the past ten years has brought peace, unity, and tremendous progress to the people of Woji,” Bishop Ordu stated. “You’ve created an enabling environment for everyone—indigenes and residents—to pursue their goals peacefully.”
The bishop further praised the monarch’s humility, wisdom, and commitment to education and youth empowerment. “You have not only united the community but also encouraged young people to embrace education. That is the mark of a true king—one who serves, not exploits.”
Calling on other traditional rulers to emulate Ihunwo’s leadership style, Bishop Ordu urged the community to continue supporting the monarch. “Leadership is sweetest when it is collective. Let all hands be on deck,” he added.
Speaking to reporters after the thanksgiving, HRH Ihunwo reflected on his decade-long journey, admitting it hasn’t been without challenges.
“It’s not always rosy—there are good days and tough ones,” he said. “When leading a community, there will always be varying demands. Even those who have eaten might still feel hungry. We try to do our best, but we must also stay alive to serve.”
He emphasized that all 12 villages that make up Woji have benefited from his administration in one way or another, particularly in youth empowerment and education.
“We’ve empowered people across all our communities,” the monarch said. “We’ve supported students with cash gifts, and some companies operating in the area have helped us sponsor children’s education—one of them is even training a student in a private university.”
HRH Ihunwo also expressed concern over the declining interest in education among young people, calling for renewed efforts to redirect them toward learning and skill development.
“Our youths are running away from school. We’ve done our best. We want to see more lawyers and engineers from this community. Education must remain a top priority.”
He thanked corporate partners supporting the community and expressed optimism for the future, pledging to continue promoting peace and progress in Woji.
The event drew dignitaries, community leaders, and residents who gathered to honour a decade of steady leadership and positive transformation under the traditional ruler’s reign.
