Anambra monarch hails Nigerian hunters’ effort in tackling insecurity in Nigeria

By Olisemeka ObecheTraditional ruler of Umuoba-Anam autonomous community in Anambra- East council area of the state, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Igwe (Sir) George Obalim Ekwealor (Obagu II), has praised the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) for their gallant efforts in tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

Ekwealor, who who made the remarks while performing his 2023 Iwaji and Ofala festival at his palace at Umuoba Anam Otuocha on August 19, urged officers and men of the NHFSS across the country not to relent in securing the forest from criminals.He also appealed to state, federal and local councils, public-spirited individuals and corporate organizations to support the hunters in their quest to reclaim the forest from unknown gunmen, kidnappers, armed robbers and other social misfits.

Reacting Amb Metchie hailed the monarch for his efforts in sustaining peace in the area and pledge the efforts of NHFSS in ensuring improved local security and vigilance. He maintained that Nigerian hunters should be supported with working tools and other relevant materials to enable them to complement the efforts of other security agencies. Meanwhile, the monarch has described the traditional new yam festival, Otite Anam as a major landmark thanksgiving celebration for his people and the entire people of Igboland.

He stressed that the new yam festival celebration cuts across social, political, and religious strata of society. “Otite Anam is a feast of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest made by our people for the year and for the sustainability of our rich fertile land.“In the spirit of this thanksgiving, our people usually throw large feasts from whatever they produced, and old, young, rich, and even the poor eat to their satisfaction.

“This is also a time when our people send part of whatever they produce to their parents, relatives, friends, and well-wishers as homage or a show of appreciation for their long-standing relationship. So, it’s not a fetish celebration as many may presume”, the monarch who is the Secretary to the council of traditional rulers in Anambra North senatorial zone said.

Anambradaily gathered that the monarch also conferred the IFE OMAMBALA and EGBE EJI EJEOGU chieftaincy titles to the President General of Umueri, Chief Amb Johnny Metchie and the Division Police Officer (DPO) Otuocha Division.

Metchie is the Deputy Commander General of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS).Other officers that accompanied Metchie to the occasion included the Deputy Commandant General (Admin) Barr. Lawrence Okonkwo, Deputy Commandant General (Training and Development), the Southeast Zonal Coordinator, State Commanders of the five southeast states as well as other senior officers of the organisation.