Stakeholders Charge People of Ndokwa to Start Early to Negotiate Development Interests
ASABA/Nigeria: The people of Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East, and Ukwuani Local Government Areas had been called upon to start the process of indicating their interests early, during any political circle, and not after the elections to be able to attract better deal and development to the areas.
This advice was given by stakeholders during a Conference held on Sunday, April 30, 2023, on Zoom, organised by Ndokwa Committee For Growth and Development.
They opined that it’s only through early preparation that the area can get a better deal for the area.
The event which had many speakers on different topics, had Mr. Eze Anayi a former National President of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, UNAA, speaking on the recent political development, following the just concluded General Elections, and how it affected the Ndokwa area.
He stated that the area is bedeviled with a lot of challenges, which need to be sorted out and can only be done by having the right people in positions of authority. He, therefore, called for the people to learn how to do the work, by poisoning themselves, and that it’s the only way proper development can come to the people.
He stated that too many issues in the area are for calling for attention and they must have people to drive it, as they all are begging on how they can be prioritized to have maximum impact on the people.
“We are talking of flood, we are talking of electricity, we are talking of security, we are talking of electricity and other infrastructure needs. The question is how do we prioritise all this? He asked.
“We must position ourselves, we must start early, by knowing what we need and go for it. And this should not be after elections. But as the process starts.” He said.
He, however, called for inclusiveness to drive the development of the area, through the worship, and community development centres, by using the enterprise of charismatic leadership to approach the issues, and advised that the management of the socio-cultural development of the area should be separated from politics, but the synergy between the people and the political class must be established and maintained.
On the upcoming Population Census, though postponed, they called for the sustained sensitization of the people on the need to be part of the exercise and called on them to be patient during the enumeration exercise, as there will be many questions. They however agreed that education should be followed seriously educating the people to know their ethnic nationality, as it will form a major base for policy advocacy and execution in the future.
Other topics discussed were security, electricity, perennial flooding challenges, and the increasing identity issues that are taking centre stage in the social lives of the people of Ndokwa.
The event was moderated by Mrs. Eunice Pen-Ogbolu and Engr. Ike Onyenokwe.
In his vote of thanks, the coordinator of the conference, Mr. Ossai Udom appreciated the conference attendees for their contributions, promising that suggestions at the event will be looked into.
