The Okerewa Onensi Carnival 2023 holding at Okerewa Community Playground Aleto-Eleme of Rivers State has taken the center stage of every discussion with the Local Government Area as other communities in the area join in the world class standard carnival setting
The program which kicked off on the 21st of December was not only bid for entertainment purpose rather a significant celebration of lives and peace in the community haven gone through turbulence moment in efforts to rescue the community from dying and restoring life and development.
True Blue Reporters gathered that Okerewa Community is one of the host community to Indorama company and as such the community dividends from the company had gone through diversions and various degrees of squandering in the hands of individuals who either enriched themselves or intimidate the people with wealth acquired from supposed community dividends.
It took the efforts and unity of the community and other host communities to wrestle power out of the few, even though it wasn’t easy until the intervention of some key stakeholders and the government of the state to restore what is today community dividends.
Benjamin Ngokanya at Okerewa Onensi Carnival 2023
Speaking at the event, Benjamin Ngokanya, chairman Okerewa Community Development Initiative explained that the title ONENSI for the 2023 carnival which is the second edition of the program was carefully chosen as a mark of celebration for the peace, growth and development being enjoyed today in Okerewa Community against all odds.
He further revealed that, “though today is the first and opening day of the Okerewa Onensi Carnival 2023 which is the reason we began very early with project tour and commissioning. We have just began this evening with a crusade with various Gospel artists to perform. We will not end there, we will rejoice, celebrate and enjoy ourselves more as a community”
“The program will continue in days with more artists like Moses Bliss, Duncan Mighty, African China, StereoMan Ekwe, Alvin Spiff and so many of them. We are ready to engage in whatever that unites us as a community and will never go back to things that divides us, hence, the carnival and title ONENSI.” He stated
“Sit and enjoy yourselves, God is with us as a people.” Benjamin charges the people
In his address, the paramount ruler of Okerewa Community, Chief Ambassador Eteeh Osaro Elechi glorified God for the peace and unity being enjoyed in the community after trying times in the past. He expressed total satisfaction with the Okerewa Community Development Initiative under the leadership of Benjamin Ngokanya.
“Benjamin Ngokanya and his team, I am very happy and satisfied with you. Ben, I am proud of you anywhere. God bless you mightily for the development we see and enjoy today as a community.” He stated
He further laid curse on anyone who will wish that the community go backwards and into crisis, as he encouraged the men in the community to take up the challenge of loving and serving God instead of man-made gods that cannot protect rather destroys
True Blue Reporters reports that the program featured an opening prayer by Apostle Jeremiah Igwe, charge by Hon. Benjamin Ngokanya, Praise & Worship by De Praiser, first & second prayer by Pastor Mrs Maria VOP & Prophet Elijah Philip respectively.
Then the gospel artist Justman Ebere took the center stage with spirit filled worship, testimonies and praises that changed the entire atmosphere and got everyone into divine realm that later ushered in Rev. Steven Okerewa.
Apostle Samuel Nduka and then Minister Gideon on the stage for another set of excellent praises and dance. Land rededication was done by Aleto Believers Forum followed with a thank you message from Chief Eteeh Osaro Elechi and Bishop Kenneth Nwafor Gomba with closing prayer. The event ended with disco lightening
