By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has said, his administration will look into and consider the establishment of sporting academy and a campus of the Dennis Osadebe University in Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
The Governor made the disclosure at official presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Obi Sylvester Enecheziem, The Ogbeleani of Illah, on Wednesday, 6 April, 2022.
Governor Okowa, who was represented by the State Deputy Governor Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, gave the assurance that his administration is doing it’s very best to ensure that communities benefit from the various sustainable development projects in the State.
He noted that the State Government was convinced that the people of Illah would all strive to promote the integrity of the stool by according the Obi, the honour he truly deserves.
While appealing to the Ogbeleani of Illah to ibibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in all his dealings with his people, Okowa noted that as the custodian of the traditional and customs of his people, it was important that Obi Enecheziem do not, in words or actions, give cause to his subject to doubt his ability to uphold the sanctity of their customs.
He thanked the people of Illah for the kind sentiments expressed on the appointment of Illah sons and daughters, including the confirmation of support for the State Government.
Okowa commended them for the various self-help projects they have embarked upon over the years, especially the Skills Acquisition Center built by the Illah Community.
While congratulating Obi Enecheziem on his appointment and recognition as the Ogbeleani of Illah, Okowa said “Illah is well known for it’s abundant agriculture. I, therefore, use this opportunity to call on the sons and daughters of Illah, to take advantage of various programs of government particularly those In the agricultural sector, to improve on their production capacities.
“I also urge you to form cooperative societies, so that you can easily access credit facilities to increase and add value to your harvest”. He added.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, noted that the process of selecting a traditional ruler was always fraught with a lot of controversies. And implored his people within the council area to imbibe peaceful attitude while choosing successors to their traditional stools.
Esewezie, who pleaded that the construction work on Ugbolu – Akwukwu-Igbo road be hastened, noted that the completion of the road would greatly contribute in opening up communities within that axisas well as improve their economic wellbeing
In his remarks, Obi Enecheziem said his mission as the Ogbeleani of Illah was manifold and multi dimensional. That he wants to return Illah to the fold of invisible synergy among all groups and strata for the unity they highly desired.
The Ogbeleani of Illah who noted that Unity and Love is the key to Development, disclosed that his vision is to ensure repair of all damaged and fragmented areas of their rich culture and traditional customs that are on tune with today’s trend for significant progress and upliftment of Illah.
He said “In doing this, I have come up with a workable strategy and administrative modules anchored on four pillars. PUSH. P – Peace cultivation through general reconciliation. U for Unity of purpose for enhance team work. S for strategic security provision for the protection of lives and properties. While H is for harmony and love for sustainable progress and advancement.
Presenting his address on behalf of Illah Development Union of Nigeria (IDUN), at the occasion, the President General Ogbuenyi Tony Nwegbu, said the presentation of staff of office to Obi Jugai was phenomenal.
Nwegbu expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire people of Illah to Governor Okowa for finding five Illah sons worthy of being appointed into enviable positions in his government.