AROGBO-IBE DAY 2026: PUBLICITY SECRETARY PEREJITEI TIEWEI HAILS PARAMOUNT RULER, PLANNING COMMITTEE, INDIGENOUS MEDIA FOR HISTORIC CELEBRATION
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi | Global Egberi Media International Ltd.
The Publicity Secretary of the 2026 Arogbo-Ibe Day Planning Committee, Hon. Perejitei Israel Tiewei, has expressed profound gratitude to the Paramount Ruler of Arogbo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Pere Zacchaeus Doubra Egbunu, Opukutu III, the Agadagba of Arogbo Kingdom, as well as the leadership and members of the planning committee, indigenous media practitioners, and sons and daughters of Arogbo-Ibe for their contributions to the success of the historic 28th Edition of Arogbo-Ibe Day.
In a heartfelt appreciation message following the celebration, Tiewei described his appointment as Publicity Secretary as a rare privilege and a responsibility he would forever cherish, attributing the opportunity to serve to the grace of Almighty God.
He specifically acknowledged the confidence reposed in him by the revered monarch, whose decision to entrust him with the publicity responsibilities for the 2026 celebration provided him with an opportunity to contribute to the promotion of Arogbo-Ibe’s cultural heritage, unity, and collective identity.
TRIBUTE TO THE AGADAGBA AND PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
Hon. Tiewei expressed deep reverence and appreciation to His Imperial Majesty, Pere Zacchaeus Doubra Egbunu, Opukutu III, the Agadagba and Paramount Ruler of Arogbo Kingdom, for finding him worthy of the assignment.
He described the appointment as a significant honour that reinforced his commitment to serving the kingdom and promoting its cultural values.
The Publicity Secretary also reserved special commendation for the Chairman of the 2026 Arogbo-Ibe Day Planning Committee, Hon. Samuel Ebijoh Jemi, who also serves as Chairman of Arogbo Local Council Development Area.
According to Tiewei, the chairman’s leadership, fatherly guidance, confidence in his abilities, and willingness to grant him the freedom to execute his responsibilities contributed significantly to his effectiveness throughout the planning and celebration period.
He described Hon. Jemi as a leader whose trust and support made it possible for him to discharge his duties with dedication and confidence.
INDIGENOUS MEDIA TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN AROGBO-IBE DAY 2026
One of the most remarkable highlights of Tiewei’s appreciation message was his recognition of the indigenous media practitioners who handled the publicity and coverage of the 2026 Arogbo-Ibe Day celebration.
As Publicity Secretary, one of his major responsibilities was to identify, supervise, and coordinate media coverage for the event. Rather than relying predominantly on established media organisations from outside the community, he said the committee made a deliberate decision to engage media professionals from within Arogbo-Ibe and its surrounding communities.
According to him, more than 95 per cent of the media outlets engaged for this year’s celebration were indigenous media organisations.
The decision, he explained, was driven by a belief in the capacity, professionalism, and creativity of Arogbo-Ibe sons and daughters who have established themselves in the media industry.
To his delight, the indigenous media practitioners rose to the occasion, delivering what he described as excellent, professional, and passionate coverage of the historic celebration.
Their work, he noted, demonstrated that local media professionals possess the competence and commitment required to promote major cultural events and communicate the identity of their people to wider audiences.
The publicity secretary’s position carries a broader message for community development: local talents must not only be celebrated in words but also given meaningful opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities.
His experience with the 2026 celebration, he said, reinforced his conviction that Arogbo-Ibe must continue to trust, patronise, and promote its own people.
“Our best is within us,” the message emphasised, reflecting a call for greater investment in indigenous expertise and homegrown enterprise.
A CELEBRATION BUILT ON UNITY AND COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
Tiewei also commended the distinguished members of the 2026 Arogbo-Ibe Day Planning Committee for their cooperation, encouragement, unity of purpose, and team spirit.
He observed that the collective commitment of committee members made his work as Publicity Secretary more seamless and rewarding, describing the experience as an honour.
He said the cooperation demonstrated by the committee reflected the values of unity, uniqueness, and love associated with Arogbo-Ibe.
Beyond the official organisers, he extended his appreciation to sons and daughters of Arogbo-Ibe at home and in the diaspora for identifying with the celebration and contributing to the atmosphere of cultural pride and togetherness.
The message underscores the importance of collective participation in preserving cultural traditions and strengthening the bonds that unite communities across geographical boundaries.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR DENIS POUNAH AND EBIBOH MONE
In a particularly personal part of his appreciation message, Hon. Tiewei singled out his friends and brothers, Denis Pounah and Ebiboh Mone, for their unwavering support throughout the demanding period of the celebration.
He acknowledged their loyalty, sacrifices, late-night efforts, and commitment, describing them as dependable friends who stood firmly by him during the rigorous assignment.
Their support, he noted, was an important part of his experience and deserved special recognition.
PRESERVING THE LEGACY OF AROGBO-IBE DAY
Although the 28th Edition of Arogbo-Ibe Day has concluded, Tiewei expressed confidence that its memories would endure, particularly because of the commitment demonstrated by the people and media professionals who contributed to its success.
His message goes beyond a conventional expression of gratitude. It highlights the value of indigenous participation, local talent development, responsible leadership, teamwork, and cultural preservation.
For Arogbo-Ibe, the emphasis on indigenous media presents an opportunity to build a stronger community-based media ecosystem capable of documenting its history, promoting its traditions, showcasing its achievements, and telling its stories to the wider world.
By engaging local media practitioners, the publicity team demonstrated how major cultural celebrations can serve as platforms for empowering homegrown professionals while strengthening community identity.
As the kingdom reflects on the 2026 celebration, the call for continued support for indigenous talent stands out as one of the enduring messages from the Publicity Secretary’s statement.
Concluding his appreciation message, Hon. Perejitei Israel Tiewei offered prayers for the continued progress of the kingdom, declaring:
“Long live the Agadagba!
Long live Arogbo-Ibe Day!
Long live Arogbo-Ibe!”
The statement was signed by Hon. Perejitei Israel Tiewei, Publicity Secretary of the 2026 Arogbo-Ibe Day Planning Committee.
Reported by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd.
About the Author
