Interview
ODAVWE R’URHOBO committed to promoting selfless leadership, unity, networking among Urhobos – EFEVWERHA
LADY THELMA MAY EFEVWERHA (Ovie-Eya) is a mother, lawyer, publisher and events promoter. She is the Convener of LEADERSHIP and ACHIEVEMENT INITIATIVE INTERNATIONAL and ODAVWE R’URHOBO Organisations. Winners of the maiden award ceremony which held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja on November 17, 2013 are UPU President General, Gen Patrick Aziza; HRM Ochuko Ararile, Ovie of Umiaghwa-Abraka; Dr Bright Okogu, DG Budget, Ministry of Finance and Chief Peter Igho, former DG, National Lottery Commission. She is also the promoter of the NIGERIA FASHION FESTIVAL and the publisher of OXYGEN Magazine. She is based in Abuja. In this chat with Our Correspondent shortly after the inaugural edition of the Leadership and Achievement Initiative International Award ceremony, Efe Thelma spoke on a wide range of issues of public interest. Excerpts:
What is your motivation and mission in convening the Leadership and Achievement Initiative International?
Let me start by telling you what these Organisations entail. LEADERSHIP and ACHIEVEMENT INITIATIVE is an international organization that strongly advocates good leadership and hence celebrates outstanding, remarkable leaders and achievers who have done tremendously well in their chosen field of endeavor in life. ODAVWE R’URHOBO simply connotes ‘PATRIOTISM as it relates to the Urhobo nation’. So, as an Urhobo, I said to myself, why can’t great Urhobo notables who have contributed to the growth and have attracted development to the Urhobo nation be honoured and celebrated for the world to see and take a leaf from their leadership styles and spirit of patriotism. And we also see it as a way of telling them’ well done and thank you’; hence the occasion.
Today, the 17th day of November 2013, this great award ceremony has just been held by the organisation, what is your comment on the outcome of the event?
This is the first of its kind in the history of Urhobo nation; and it was a very huge success.
Could you please share your thought on the quality or calibre of people who attended the event?
Frankly speaking, I was not surprised at the massive turn-out of guests at this inaugural ceremony. This is because the four Awardees are heavy weights in Nigeria who have paid their dues in all spheres of life; hence Senators, Ministers, Honorable members of parliament, Monarchs, heavyweight politicians, local government chairmen, top Urhobo associations and Urhobo Elites from all over Nigeria all graced the event. With the caliber of guests in attendance, you will agree with me that we were not wrong in our choice of Awardees.
How were you able to pull such a crowd at the maiden edition of the award ceremony?
Naturally, everybody wants to associate with success and good tidings, hence the crowd.
What is your vision for tomorrow or are you going to end it with just that impressive outing?
Never! What you saw today is just a tip of the iceberg. This is just the beginning. As stated earlier, the LEADERSHIP and ACHIEVEMENT INITIATIVE INTERNATIONAL is an international organization. Our focus is celebration of good leadership, remarkable and outstanding leaders and achievers all over Nigeria and beyond. Its partners, the ODAVWE R’URHOBO organisation strongly focuses on the progress and patriotism of the Urhobo nation; hence the collaboration of both organisations.
What are your plans to enlarge the scope of the group to embrace greater participation and attract greater value to your efforts?
Broadly speaking, ODAVWE R’URHOBO as an organization which focuses on the progress and patriotism of Urhobo nation is a social platform whereby Urhobos from all walks of life converge in oneness to fraternize. The supreme aim of this yearly inaugural ceremony, is to create a movement that will promote selfless leadership, unity and networking among the Urhobos. This is because, the Urhobo story should be a record of multiplex achievements involving ordinary people who have risen to make differences in the lives of their communities –‘Charity begins at home.’ Therefore, we honour and celebrate those who have shaped such local communities along with others who have impacted so many lives in Urhobo nation and Nigeria in general. Well, we’re using this medium to appeal and urge Urhobos far and near, representatives or Stakeholders from all the 24 Kingdoms, all Urhobo Unions, Congresses, Forums, Social Clubs etc to all participate, support and sponsor this yearly inaugural event. The year 2014 edition promises to be better in grandeur.
Who are those people you would like to appreciate as having assisted in one way or the other in making this dream become a reality?
Firstly, I give all thanks to God my creator. I also salute the good people of Urhobo nation who believed, participated and supported the maiden edition even when it all seemed vague.
Who are your role models in life and business?
My dearest Mother who inculcated the spirit of boldness, toughness and firmness in my decisions in life and business. And also my inestimable ‘‘OCHUKO’’ who saw the peak in me even when nobody was looking. You’re ‘’THE WIND BENEATH MY WING’’ to fly very high. In fact, I will be nothing without you. You’re my Heroes! Thank God for you in my life.
Away from your business and life, what is your take on the present political development in Nigeria with some PDP Governors moving to join the APC?
In Politics, there is no permanent friend or enemy. Meaning, in Politics, anything can happen at any time.
Do you have interest in politics? If yes, what is the focus of your political direction?
Never!
Back to the award ceremony, how did you come about the names of the high class Urhobo patriots listed for the award and your plans for future awards?
They were nominated by Urhobos and Nigerians in general on glowing recommendations .Permit me to say here that come year 2014, we’re looking forward to nominating four notables that fit into the true ODAVWE R’URHOBO.
What were some of the challenges you encountered during the process of planning and organising the event?
Just the usual challenges associated with organizing such a huge event. But above all, God was faithful.
In what areas do you wish to improve upon in future events?
None.
In your opinion, how best can our leaders tackle the problems of integrity and moral deficit bedevilling the society today?
Imbibing the spirit of patriotism and good leadership styles.
What other thing do you wish to say?
I want to use this medium to appreciate all that made the maiden edition a success story. Also, to enjoin all Urhobos to embrace the spirit of oneness. URHOBO, OVUOVO!
