Regional News of Friday, 21 May 2004

Source: GNA

Azantilow holds memorial service for predecessors

Sandema (UE/R), May 21, GNA - The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mahami Salifu on Wednesday advised the youth of Builsa to emulate the shining examples of their forefathers by being disciplined and hardworking.

Mr Salifu gave the advice at the 92nd memorial service of the late Nab Ayieta Apoeteba, father of Nab Ayieta Azantilow, Paramount Chief of the Builsa Traditional area at Sandema.

Mr Salifu said the colonialists in 1908 acknowledged the bravery and superior militarism of the late Nab Ayieta and the Builsas that enabled them to defeat notorious slave raiders Samora and Babatu. He praised Nab Azantilow as a true son of his father as shown by his able and exemplary leadership, saying there was the need to immortalized him, while he is still alive.

The minister urged the youth to shun drug abuse and alcoholism, and contribute to build on what their ancestors left behind. On his part, Nab Ayieta Azantilow traced the biography of the late Nab Ayieta Apoeteba and said it was during his reign that feeder roads were constructed to link up the traditional area.

He also credited his late father as the first person to introduce money into Builsa land.

The Builsa District Chief Executive (DCE), Reverend James Agalic could, however, not attend the colourful ceremony because of unresolved differences between him and the traditional authority.