The immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ikemba Ebem Ohafia by the Ezieogo of Ebem Ohafia, HRH Eze Ukoha Kalu JP.

The monarch also honoured Sylvia’s wife, Alanyingi Uduak with the Ada Oha Ebem-Ohafia (The Noble First Daughter of Ebem-Ohafia) title.

Honouring the Sylvas, HRH Eze Ukoha Kalu JP, Paramount Ruler (Ezie Ogo) of Ebem ancient Kingdom, Ohafia, said ‘During H.E Timipre Sylva’s first tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, he brought a lot of finesse to the position by dearly touching the lives of both the highly placed and the so called ordinary folks.

“The welfare of the people of Bayelsa State was his real concern. While he concentrated on Governance, His wife H.E Chief Mrs. Alanyingi Uduak Sylva concentrated on helping women and children’

“Together, the couple copiously empathized with all friends and relations in and outside of Bayelsa State. The only boundaries their philanthropy knows is the totality of humanity’

“Chief and Chief Mrs. Sylva drilled, built and presented two solid, precious boreholes with portable water which we commissioned this morning. We can’t thank them enough.”

Responding, Sylva said: “I thank his Royal Highness and the good people of Ebem Ohafia Kingdom for honouring us with these noble titles’

“When we did a few things here, we didn’t expect that we will get honoured for it or that it meant so much for people.

“I thank this great Kingdom once again, for the hospitality and all the love that has been shown us. It is also a great task and we promise not to let you down. Thank you your Highness.”

The event which had in attendance senior officers of the Armed Forces, the entire structure of the Bayelsa State APC, party chieftains and captains of industry ended with colourful photo sessions.

Earlier in the day, Sylva had commissioned water projects across Ebem-Ohafia to the applause of residents who were certain the move would mitigate the existing water anxieties.

Credit: The Whisperers

See photos below