New Year's day was marked in Okerenkoko Federated Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, with a get-together 'Beach Party' that witnessed two notable sons of the community, High Chief Michael Johnny and Hon. George Ekpemupolo, among other personalities hobnobbing together in the mood of celebration.

The Beach Party which held close to the shore and near the palatial residence of a former deputy governor of Delta State, Dcn. Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, was chaired by the former chairman of the Warri South-West Local Government Council, Hon. Ekpemupolo, and coordinated by the community's executive and the youth council.

Among the coordinators are Comr. Philemon Bebenimibo (President, Okerenkoko Youth Development Council), Comr Andrew Bebenimibo (Secretary-General, Okerenkoko Federated Community), Mr Samuel Ijeleba (Assistant Public Relations Officer, Okerenkoko Federated Community) and Engr. Tonbra (Public Relations Officer, Okerenkoko Youth Development Council).

The ceremony kicked off an hour past noon with an opening prayer from Amb. Ernest Bebenimibo, founder of the Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation, EBF, and then followed by a brief speech from the chairman of the event.

Hon. Ekpemupolo in his brief address, lamented the deplorable state of the waterfront in Okerenkoko which he noted is sinking gradually, with a call to all stakeholders of the community to join hands together to make sure that the beach be improved upon, just as he wished everyone a "Happy New Year".

On the part of entertainment, the Bayelsa-born Mr. Right featured in comic appearance while MC Collabo and MC Abioka AKA The Fiyei Pere, both anchored the event, with music supplied by Prince Smally and his musical band.

Among the comic attractions were a presentation by the comic Mr. Right, who dramatizes the essence of focusing on meaningful investment than on wasteful spending. In his presentation and act, which include casting a fishing net on dry ground—symbolising hardship in his struggles—Mr. Right appealed for financial assistance from well-wishers for his daughter's education rather than the gifting of new clothes and expensive hair for the Christmas and New Year celebration, which are but a one-day affair.

Interestingly, the day's celebration coincided with the birthday of a one-time chairman of Okerenkoko and Senior Special Assistant in the Ifeanyi Okowa administration, Hon. Akpodikumor Oturubo, who made use of the event to celebrate his anniversary.

The party continued into the day with dance to the tunes of Prince Smally, comic presentations by the MCs, and refreshments.

In a note of appreciation, the youth president, Comr. Philemon Bebenimibo, thanked the personalities of Hon. Dr. Shadrach Otuaro (the executive chairman of Okerenkoko Federated Community), High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, High Chief Michael Johnny, Hon. George Ekpemupolo, Amb. Dekawei John, Hon. Seiyefa Ekpemupolo, Hon. Chief Simeon Bebenimibo, Hon. Famous Ololobou, Engr. Gabriel Bebenimibo, among others sons and daughters for the success of the celebration.

View more photos of the celebration on our Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0YBumvCSDQvmXtpM1NkxWhAqCWWUUZZQRagoCNHxX9bLgkXcbHnrvbD4BnN3rk6mBl&id=100041939655507

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