THE excitement was infectious, as people of Anioma, from far and wide, gathered to honour Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, the Super Eagles’ coach, and renowned arts and culture icon, Prof. Demas Nwoko, in a colourful ceremony held in Asaba, Delta State as part of activities marking the 10^th anniversary celebration of the Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC).

The event, which attracted a host of dignitaries from Aniomaland such as Chief Benjamin Elue, former deputy governor of Delta State; Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, lawmaker representing Delta North at the National Assembly; Chief Philip Asiodu, former Permanent Secretary; Prof. Pat Utomi, founder, Lagos Business School and member of trustee, OFAAC, also featured the anniversary lecture with the theme, Prospect, Potentials and Place of Anioma in the Geopolitical Evolution of Nigeria with special focus on Anioma, Her Burning Issues and the Fourth Cockcrow, delivered by Prof. Sam Ukala, former Provost, Delta State University, Anwai Campus.

The Royal fathers in attendance also included the HRM Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba, who was also the Chairman of the Occasion, HRH Obi Azuka David (JP), the Obi of Akwukwu-Igbo; HRM Obi Chuwkwumalieze, Obi of Onicha-Ugbo; HRM Obi of Ejeme Aniogor; HRH Obi Vincent Nmor, the Obi of Ugili Amai and others.

In his address, Arc. Kester Ifeadi, President of OFAAC, said there was no better time to celebrate the two illustrious Anioma sons as they have brought honour to the nation and stand today as role models.

Ifeadi said, “we have chosen to celebrate Coach Keshi because of the consummate feat achieved by him at the just-concluded 2013 Orange African Cup of Nations in South Africa, which has further re-enforced great human resource of the Anioma area. We as Anioma people may not have all the silver and gold to thank him but we know that coming together in the magnitude of today’s occasion sends a brighter message of gratitude and invariably to the youths of Anioma and Delta on the need to engage in productive ventures.”

He also described Prof. Nwoko as an acclaimed painter, designer and sculptor who has practiced with great aplomb. The iconic artist, he said, has performed beautifully with landmark artistic designs and constructions that dot the Nigerian landscape.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Prof. Nwoko, who had his own award presented to him by HRH Prof. Chike Edozien, thanked the entire Anioma nation and OFAAC for the honour bestowed on him and Keshi.

He stated humorously that he and members of his household know Keshi very well and have followed him as he trades in skill both as a prayer and a coach, but unfortunately, Keshi does not know him.

“That is a measure of true greatness, a situation where you bring joy and fulfillment to millions of people; you attract more friends and relatives without you knowing everybody, but everybody knows you,” the iconic sculptor submitted.

Keshi, whose award was presented to him by Chief Philip Asiodu, was however, full of joy as he declared: “No honour is better than the one received from your people at home.”

He said he was humbled by the show of love and appreciation from all and sundry, particularly from his people in Anioma who showered prayers on him and wished him more accomplishments.

Senator Okowa, on his part, commended OFAAC for a job well done in the promotion of Anioma culture and its people.

The telecom giant, MTN Nigeria, Grand Oak Ltd, makers of Seaman’s Royale, Guinness Nigeria Plc, West African Food Seasoning, 911 Energy Drink, Brian Munro Ltd., Orchid Hotels, Asaba and representatives of government both at federal and state levels and members of OFAAC were acknowledged for their support over the years.