WHEN NEMBE HONOURED A WORTHY SON
A prophet, the saying goes, does not command respect in his own community. But this is not the case with Dr. Charles Opuala, the immediate past Commissioner for Finance and Budgeting in Bayelsa State. He was recently honoured by Nembe Furo, the highly respected socio-political organization of the Nembe speaking people in the state.
The hall of Udeme Hotel where Dr. Opuala was honoured was filled to capacity with a galaxy of stars. These included Senator Emmanuel Paulker, second time senator representing Bayelsa East in the senate, Dr. George Allen Fente, Managing Director of the Royal FM, Dr. Lionel Omo-Jonathan, Dr. D.K Deri, Hon. Amalanyo Yousuo, leader of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Macaulay Jokori, Director-General of Bayelsa Tourism and publicity Bureau, His Royal Highness, King Owei Pere of Akugbene, Rev Cannon I.B Theophilus, Mr. Kesiye Frank-Oputu, Chief Patrick Ogoun, Dr. Benson Dadigi and Rev O.J. Oworibo, the immediate past Head of Service in Bayelsa State.
The Nembe Furo organization does not dish out awards to just anybody. Guiding its integrity jealously, the group celebrates excellence in a special way with its award. A member of the group, Chief B.F Amakiri- Duo said a cursory look at the activities of Dr. Opuala Charles would reveal that he deserves every award his people can give him.
'His deep involvement in issues relating to professional, corporate and governance, notwithstanding, Dr.Opuala-Charles has also not relegated community development to the background.
'For instance, he awards scholarship to first year University students of Nembe Bassambiri origin, organized the first ever cultural carnival in Nembe in 2010 and embarked on massive infrastructural development including the construction of a mini stadium among others.
'It is his invaluable contributions as a corporate personality, administrator per excellence, philanthropist and social crusader that motivated the Furo of Nembe headed by Chief Erewari Oruwari to organize today's reception to say, our son you have done well.'
Dr. Markson Orutari Amaegbe, the Chairman of the occasion gave kudos to the Nembe Furo group for deeming it fit to honour Dr Opuala Charles. According to him the award was in recognition of the sterling qualities and excellent performance of the recipient while serving in Bayelsa State Executive Council.
He described Dr. Opuala as talented young man sent out as a masquerade, noting that he has distinguished himself.
'Nembe people have a cause to rejoice because out of his vast experience in the banking industry, Sylva picked him and he excelled as chief economic adviser where he designed and formulated economic policies that have gone a long way to impact on the economic planning and fortune of the state.
'We have a cause to rejoice with Dr. Charles Opuala who Chief Timipre Sylva invited to serve and majority said he has performed well and deserved to be re-appointed,' Dr Amaegbe said.
Speaking on behalf of the Nembe Furo, the Sergeant at Arms of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Chief D.J Oruwari said the Nembe Furo is a socio-cultural club made up of people with like minds and poised to discuss and articulate issues that promote peace and progress of the Nembe People. He said the group decided to organize a reception and present an award to one of their own, Dr. Opuala who had not only made them proud but also excelled in his profession. He said throughout his tenure no civil servant complained of his policies and he systematically executed projects which were eloquent testimony of his performance. He further disclosed that though the executive council had been dissolved, the Nembe Furo must celebrate, encourage and blow their trumpets noting that Opuala is qualified to serve in Bayelsa state and beyond.
Chief Lionel Omo-Jonathan also poured encomiums on him and applauded Nembe Furo for their initiative to celebrate excellence, creativity and entrepreneur. Responding, the elated and joyous Dr. Sylva Opuala Charles said he was overwhelmed by the show of solidarity, saying that prophets are now being recognized in their own country. He noted that with the reception and award, he would not relent in rendering invaluable service to humanity and would be spurred to do more.
'I am elated and humbled. I am grateful and will do more. I thanked God for the knowledge and contribution made to government security and the participatory approach in governance,' he declared.