The Ughelli Kingdom was aglow with worship, thanksgiving and celebration as indigenes and residents gathered for the 15th edition of the annual Ughelli Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, with a renewed call for unity and sustained commitment to the spiritual growth of the kingdom.
The event, which has become a significant fixture in the kingdom’s calendar, drew traditional rulers, clergy, community leaders and citizens from across the 23 towns and villages that make up the kingdom.
In his welcome address, the President of the planning committee, Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi, described the milestone as a testament to God’s faithfulness over the years.
He said the theme for this year’s edition, “Divine Visitation,” reflects the collective expectation of a supernatural turnaround for the kingdom.
“For 15 years, the Lord has helped us. We stand here not by our strength, but by His mercy,” he said, adding that the gathering signified a shift “from petition to manifestation” in the spiritual journey of the kingdom.
Bishop Enakirerhi expressed appreciation to the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, Wilson Oharisi III, as well as members of the traditional council of chiefs, the Ughelli Descendants Union (UDU), church leaders and partners for their steadfast support.
He also announced that the 16th edition of the prayer and thanksgiving programme would hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Speaking in a interview, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, Wilson Ojakovo, Oharisi III, underscored the importance of the yearly spiritual exercise and urged all indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain committed to it.
The monarch explained that the vision for the programme was inspired after he attended a similar prayer event in Uvwie, which motivated him to establish the Ughelli version the following year.
“It is always good to emulate good things. Each new year comes with new prayers. I encourage both indigenes and non-indigenes in this kingdom to continue to participate every year,” he said.
The royal father, accompanied by members of his family and community leaders, led prayer sessions across major roads and markets in Ughelli Town, drawing a large crowd of worshippers.
Delivering the sermon titled: “Divine Visitation,” the guest preacher, Venerable Charles Badawusi, emphasized unity among Christian denominations and called for collective prayers for the peace and progress of the kingdom.
“Divine visitation is when divinity meets humanity to bring about definite change,” he said, urging believers to remain steadfast in faith and united in purpose.
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Also speaking, the President-General of Ughelli Kingdom, Samuel Akpemegi, called on the people to rally behind the monarch and support the annual programme.
Chairman of the planning committee, Venerable Isaiah Oguay of the Anglican Church, acknowledged that organizing the event came with its share of challenges but described the outcome as a success.
“In every organisation, challenges are normal. Bringing people together is not easy. There were late nights, movements and logistical hurdles, but they were challenges, not problems. We thank God it ended successfully,” he said.
He added that lessons learned from this year’s edition would help improve future programmes, assuring that the next edition would be even more impactful.
The event was marked by vibrant praise sessions, dancing by both young and old, and an atmosphere of unity as the kingdom once again reaffirmed its commitment to seeking divine guidance for its growth and prosperity.
