Story by Dili Utomi.
It was a grand occassion, Saturday the 7th of February as the crémé dé la crémé of the society from Uwvie Local Government in Delta State trouped to the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie as the monarch celebrated his 18th Coronation anniversary and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on 37 deserving persons.
Indeed, the personalities that were conferred with titles on the day were men and women of means and visible contributions within the Kingdom, this was evident in the density of the population of persons who thronged the Ovie’s Palace on the day.
The person of particular interest on the day is none other that a middle aged woman who hails from the Urhumarho community of the Kingdom and who has dedicated her time and other resources to the upliftment of her native locality. She is none other than Onome Joy Monije, an open hearted woman who has over time conquered the tough and murky world of business. She was conferred with the title of Omeosiri R’Uvwie.
Onome is a Freight Forwarder, (a Licensed Customs Agent) of note whose accomplishments have earned her many accolades.
Onome Monije who hails from Urhumarho Quarter Etche R’Ogbe is deeply committed to promoting and Preserving the local Urhobo cultural heritage.
She has over the past three years organised events of Dialect Speaking classes for the Urhumarho community and the children of Etche R’Ogbe, providing enriching cultural experiences during their holidays.
With a firm belief in the importance of “catching them young,”, she follows the visionary guidance of the Ovie, HRM Dr. Emmanuel Sideso Abe 1, JP, OON Umogu, to ensure that the local dialect continues to flourish and does not fade into extinction.
In addition. she was the co-chairman of the Uvwie Day 2025 Planning Committee with the Uvwie General Improvement Union (UGIU) Lagos and also served as the Social Organisation Secretary of (UGIU) Lagos. She is also the present social secretary of the Urhobo World United Union (UWUU) an umbrella body of Urhobo indigenes and like minds. The association was led to full attendance at the event all the way from Lagos by their chairlady Mrs. Ruth Orji
As a licensed maritime customs agent specialising in import and export, chief Onome is passionate about her work and dedicated to the betterment of her native community.
She continues to preach togetherness as said quipped “let us celebrate our heritage and ensure the legacy of Uvwie endures for generations to come’.
There was clearly, a powerful support base from those who have earlier been crowned with some chieftaincy titles by the Ovie. Notably among them is Chief Ndidi Aminu, who was on hand to give the needed moral, social as well as financial clout to the activities. Chief Aminu was physically present to make sure that every activity at both the place and the reception was accorded the great touches it deserved.
In an interview with Chief Onome Monije after the conferment of the title of Omeosiri r’Uvwie, meaning the good daughter of Uvwie, she spoke briefly to the press. She said ” I feel happy, grateful and honoured to be one of those chosen today to be crowned an Olorogun. Being chosen today for the title means that I should do more in terms of contributing to the society. In our own little way, we try to organise local language lessons for the children on every holiday so that that aspect of our culture does not die”.
Chief Onome Monije profusely appreciates the love shown by those who attended the occasion from far and near and promised never to take their love for granted.
The reception after the ceremony featured a live band with hundreds of people attending. Food and drinks flowed with the accompanying music, deep into the evening as people were thoroughly entertained.
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