Azama community, situated in the ancient but prominent Ijaw kingdom of Gbaramatu, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Saturday, December 30, 2023, hosted its homecoming maiden edition of a social ceremony tagged 'Amasuo-Ugeh', in its move towards fostering peace, unity and love among its inhabitants.

Though the Amasuo-Ugeh ceremony is officially the first of its kind to be ever organised in the community, however, Azama (an Ijaw word which when translated into English means 'a new town') is historically known to hold impressive records that have and will continue to stand the test of time. 

For instance, the first barrister to emerge from Gbaramatu Kingdom is from the Azama community. Also, it is on record that the community boast of the first politically appointed citizen in Gbaramatu to hold public office via appointment from the state government. Moreover, in terms of tradition, the community's ancestors were renowned men who played significant roles in matters of tradition, as well as in the jurisdiction of law.

Currently, Azama is the home town of the vocal Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Amb. Dr. Godspower T.D.A Gbenekama (JP), a one-time vice chairman of the defunct Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, sponsored by Chevron Nigeria Limited and its joint venture partner, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, before being replaced by the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.

The Amasuo-Ugeh ceremony which was chaired by a prominent leader from neighbouring Kokodiagbene community in Gbaramatu, Double Chief George Timiyan (JP), the Miyenkeremowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom and Mein Ibe-desimowei of Ogulagha Kingdom, also had in attendance Elder Godspine Ebikeme, the chief scribe of Gbaramatu Ibe Gboloi; Chief Prince Emma Agbaduba, a commissioner for oil and gas in the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration; Chief Felix Eguare, Chief Paul Ukuli, among other guests.  

The maiden edition of the Amasuo-Ugeh featured cultural and other traditional dance, with a brief history being retold of the important place that Azama community occupies in Gbaramatu Kingdom landscape. Also, marking part of the celebration was the gas powered turbine project which lit up the community for the first time.

Speaking during the course of the ceremony, Elder Ebikeme thanked God for keeping the inhabitants of the community to witness the celebration. Going back into time, he recalled how their ancestors used to mark the end of the year and the new year with celebration. On the maiden edition, he noted that the community had to host the festival to be in tune with modern trends especially as other communities were organising one form of celebration or the other, stressing that Azama cannot be left behind.

He therefore encouraged the people to continue in the legacy laid down by their ancestors by embracing education towards development and sponsoring their wards to school as well as equip them with skilled labour. He also urged all inhabitants to give attention to community development by participating in activities that will create opportunities job and wealth.

Prince Smally and His Izon Music Band were on ground to entertain guests with music from dusk till dawn while a Christian gospel singer, Bishop Felix Piniki also did a rendition of praise and worship.

The need to conduct the Amasuo-Ugeh ceremony was a last minute decision taken by the leadership of Azama. And as noted by the chairman of the occasion, Chief Timiyan, "I congratulate the people of Azama for coming up with the ceremony and I commend them for the superb planning despite the short time they had to plan for it," he added.

The coordinators of the maiden Amasuo-Ugeh ceremony include Chief Matthew Pudie, Chief Mercy Gbenekama, Hon. Shadrach Ebikeme (President, Gbaramatu Youth Council, GYC, Worldwide), Hon. Chris Omula (Secretary-General, Azama Federated Community) and Engr. Edwin Isanren (Public Relations Officer, Azama Federated Community).

The chairman of Azama community executive council, Engr. Oritsejolor Tamaraenade Mark, in his vote of thanks appreciated guests and the inhabitants of the community for turning out massively despite the short notice. He promised that the next edition will be much better and will feature more exciting activities.

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