NEWLY-PROMOTED MAJ. GEN. RAYMOND OCHEI VISITS THE ROYALES; CELEBRATE YULETIDE WITH COMMUNITY
By Oki Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
L-R: Major General Raymond Nkem Ochei with the Omu Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu when Man. Gen Ochei paid a surprise Christmas visit to HRM at her Palace in Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State.
The newly promoted Major General Raymond Nkem Ochei mni after his decoration with the new rank paid a Royal visit to his countryhome. This is as a way of paying homage and seeking royal blessings from the traditional ruler, Her Royal Majesty, Omu Anioma, Obi Martha Dunkwu while also using the opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season with indigenes and residents of the Onicha-Olona community of Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA, Delta state where he hails from.
During his stay at home, the Obi of Onicha Olona, Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Christopher Uzu Diji alongside other High Chiefs in the environs also paid a felicitation visit to the newly promoted Major General who is currently the Acting Director General, Bureau of Army Financial Management and Audit, Abuja.
His Royal Majesty, Christopher Uzu Diji, the Obi of Onicha Olona (3rd left); Major General Raymond Ochei mni (3rd right) during the visitation of Obi of Onicha Olona, Delta State with other High Chiefs to the newly Promoted Major General Raymond Ochei
Receiving the august visitor at her palace, the Queen Mother, HRM Omu Anioma, Obi Martha Dunkwu praised the new Major General for his patriotism to the Nigerian nation and for helping to keep the fabric of unity of the country together. She commended Maj. Gen. Raymond Nkem Ochei mni and described him as an illustrious son of Anioma with a heart of gold. She thanked him for finding her worthy to visit and to share the Christmas celebration with the community.
Queen Mother, Obi Martha Dunkwu then said prayers upon Major General Ochei who was born into the family of Mr and Mrs Samuel Maxwell Ochei in the Onicha Olona township some decades. The Omu Anioma pronounced the guidance and protection of God and Anioma’s Ancestral spirit upon the trueborn in his journey as Major General.
On his part, Maj. Gen. Nkem Ochei mni described the cerebral Queen Mother, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu as Anioma’s pride and popular voice of truth. His words, ‘Anybody could be proud of a mother like Omu Anioma. We are blessed with you. Your prayers and constant defence of our values give us reason to hold on to our obligation to our nation.’
On his reason for the visit, ‘It is proper for me to come in person to inform you of my promotion. And being a season of celebration, it is equally proper to take out this time to share the love of the season with a dear mother to all’. Major General Ochei then presented bags of rice and money to the Queen Mother and members of the community.
Major General Raymond Nkem Ochei who was born into the family of Mr and Mrs Samuel Maxwell Ochei attended St. Pius College, Onicha-Ugbo, Delta state before proceeding to the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy for the 5-year cadetship training. He was enlisted into the Nigeria Army on 10th September, 1993, after passing out of the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 40th Regular Combatant Course.
Ochei has since moved from rank to rank since his almost 30 years of service, the most recent being Major General. To his credit, he has earned holds Military Service Medals and awards including the Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS) and Distinguished Service Star (DSS) among other laurels.
