Ndokwa Leaders Demand University and Road Projects
ASABA/Nigeria: The Ndokwa ethnic nationality has called on the Delta State Government to establish a campus of one of the state’s four universities in Ndokwa land.
The request was made during a courtesy visit by the President-General of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Brigadier General Mike Ndubisi (Retired), who led a delegation of Ndokwa people to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s office in Asaba on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
During the meeting, General Ndubisi thanked the Oborevwori administration for its role in facilitating the take of land for the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Kwale, but also made a fervent appeal for the creation of a Denis Osadebe University campus in Ndokwa land. Additionally, he advocated for the revival of the long-abandoned Aboh Polytechnic project, which was initially started under former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration.
Expressing deep appreciation for Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, Ndubisi conveyed the unwavering support of the Ndokwa people. Addressing the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and other dignitaries present, he praised the administration’s progress in human capital development and infrastructure, despite the economic challenges facing the state.
“Your Excellency, our people have asked us to thank you immensely for your love for the Ndokwa nation. We assure you of our continued support as you navigate the ship of governance,” Ndubisi said.
The retired military officer also commended Governor Oborevwori for the successful completion of the Ase Bridge, which now links communities in Ndokwa East, and for the ongoing construction of the Ewesi-Utagba Uno Road. He appealed for the dualisation of major roads within the region, including the Umusadege Road and the Old Sapele/Agbor Road in Obiaruku, while urging the Governor to prioritise the completion of the long-stalled Obiaruku-Umuebu Road project.
Another key issue raised was the Ndokwa House in Kwale, which is nearing completion but has stalled due to escalating construction costs. Ndubisi appealed for the Governor’s intervention to secure funding for the project, which is currently 65% complete. “This secretariat is crucial to the unity of the Ndokwa people. We humbly seek your intervention to bring it to fruition during my tenure,” he urged.
Ndubisi also raised concerns about the activities of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), accusing the company of neglecting its host communities and violating the Petroleum Industry Act. He warned that continued neglect could lead to unrest and called on the Governor to intervene swiftly to address the company’s disregard for community engagement and traditional institutions.
The NNU President-General also highlighted the importance of the rotational leadership principle at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC). While he expressed optimism about the current Managing Director, an Ndokwa son, he lamented the lack of visible DESOPADEC projects in Ndokwa communities and appealed to Governor Oborevwori to ensure the agency fulfils its mandate.
In closing, Ndubisi reaffirmed the Ndokwa nation’s full support for Governor Oborevwori’s leadership and prayed for divine wisdom to guide him in delivering a prosperous future for Delta State
This visit underscored the unity of the Ndokwa people and their collective aspirations for greater inclusion and development under the Governor’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.
In his response, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable development, emphasising the importance of the Ndokwa Nation in the governance of the state.
Describing their role as integral, he stated, “This is your government. You are number two in this government, so receiving you is like a homecoming.”
Those in attendance from Ndokwa nation include Brig. General Mike Ndubisi rtd, NNU PG, HRM. Isaac Obi, Oduosa of the Utagba ogbe kingdom, HRM. Roland Osawunta,the Ezhie of Ezhionum kingdom, Chief Godwill Obielum, Bar. Sam Osasa, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Hon. Emeka Osamuta, Hon. Obi Nzete, Hon. Possible Ajede, Hon. Vincent Oshilonya, Prof. Chukwuemeke Ojieh Ojione, Engr.Eugene Agadaga, Com.Ifeanyi Odachi and a host of others.
