Delta Community’s factional bodies unite, form Ndoshimili Development Union
Inauguration
By Mercy Neme
Aboh (Delta), Dec. 14, 2025 (NAN) The Ndoshimili Development Union (NDU), a socio-cultural group in Ndokwa East Local Government Area (NELGA) of Delta, was on Saturday night inaugurated to promote unity and overall development of the area.
The union, comprising prominent sons and daughters of the LGA from different spheres of life,
was inaugurated, following the successful merger of two previously factional socio-cultural bodies.
The event, which took place in Aboh, the LGA headquarters, was a culmination of several months of consultations, negotiations, and reconciliation efforts, ending the division between the former Ndoshimili Development Association and the defunct NDU.
The merger produced a single, stronger, and more representative umbrella body now repositioned to drive development across Ndoshimili land.
Addressing a large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, and indigenes from within and outside the state, various speakers at the event described the inauguration as a defining moment in the history of the Ndoshimili people.
In an address of welcome, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Paul Enebeli, said the occasion symbolised “a new beginning, built on unity, cooperation, and shared purpose.
Enebeli commended the leadership of the two former bodies for their maturity, selflessness, and vision in putting aside their differences for the greater good of the people.
According to him, in spite of its rich human and material resources, Ndoshumili has remained one of the least developed parts of the country, largely due to years of internal squabbles and division.
He said that the decision to merge the two distinct groups was a deliberate response to the persistent challenge.
“Our forebears taught us that strength lies in unity.
“Today, we have chosen a different path – the path of unity, vision, and transformation,” he said.
Enebeli urged members of the interim Executive Council of the union, led by Mr Ike Onyenokwue, to work in harmony and prioritise the collective interest of Ndoshimili above personal or sectional considerations.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of the new leadership to take the union and Ndokwa East to higher heights.
He described the chairman and his team as individuals with the experience and commitment required to steer the union at such a critical period in its history.
Delivering the keynote address, entitled: “The Ndoshimili Golden Age: A Covenant of Unity, Vision and Transformation,” Prof. Julie Umukoro, described the inauguration as “a generational moment that offers Ndoshimili an opportunity to redefine its future”.
Umukoro, who was Deputy Governorship Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, said the golden age being envisioned was not one of luxury or celebration.
According to her, the golden age is an era of clarity, purposeful leadership, and inclusive development.
She also emphasised that unity must move beyond rhetoric to structure, policy, and action.
She said that effective leadership in the new era should be rooted in service, accountability, and the ability to build institutions rather than personalities.
She, therefore, charged the new executive to rebuild trust, harmonise interests, and create systems that would outlive individual tenures.
She also outlined key pillars necessary for the success of the new NDU, such as social cohesion, cultural revival, human capital development, and economic empowerment, among others.
Umukoro also addressed the youths, describing them as drivers of present change rather than leaders of tomorrow.
She urged the young people to actively participate in the development process by bringing their skills, innovation, and energy back home.
She paid tribute to elders for their guidance and women for their “often-unrecognised role as the backbone of community development”, arguing that no meaningful transformation could occur without their full inclusion.
Guests at the event described the inauguration as both symbolic and practical.
They said that the emergence of a single development union offers Ndoshimili a stronger voice in engagements with government and development partners.
They expressed optimism that the newly-found unity would translate into tangible progress in infrastructure, education, economic opportunities, and political representation.
The new executive, which comprises technocrats, professionals and political office holders, also includes the Vice Chairman and Secretary, Chief Chris Uzoalu and Dr Oke Oziakpono.
Others are Prof. Adaobi Ugbomeh, (Treasurer), Mr Malachi Ugwummadu ( Legal Adviser), Chief Sony Neme (PRO), Mrs Gloria Church (Financial Secretary), and Mr Austin Anochie (Assistant Secretary).
In a brief remark, the Chairman of NELGA, Chief Vincent Oshilomya, assured NDU of the council’s unwavering support.
Oshilomya expressed joy over the emergence of a united NDU, saying that the council, under his watch, “is ready and willing” to work with the new executive to continue in his mission to develop the entire Ndoshimili.
In an acceptance speech, the NDU chairman, expressed profound gratitude to the people for the confidence reposed in him to lead the union.
Onyenokwe welcomed the Delta Government representatives and others at the event, saying: “the occasion is far more than ceremonial.
“We are not gathered here merely to decorate a few individuals with titles.
“We are here to renew a solemn covenant with our people and our land.
“Today represents both a celebration and a call to duty. ”
He recalled that for more than six decades, Ndokwa East had borne the heavy burden of hosting oil and gas resources that had sustained the nation’s economy since the early 1960s.
In spite of the contribution, he lamented that Ndoshimili communities remained largely underdeveloped.
“Our land produces wealth that powers industries, lights up distant cities and sustains the national treasury.
“Yet, our communities remain in darkness.
”We lack access roads, the existing rural roads are largely impassable, health facilities are inadequate, schools are dilapidated, poorly equipped and understaffed.
”And our young people are forced to migrate in search of opportunities that should exist at home,” he said.
Onyenokwe emphasised that Ndoshimili people had remained peaceful, law-abiding and protective of national assets, but had not received fair treatment in return.
He cited the long-standing 13-Point Demand presented to the Federal Government and various memoranda and advocacy efforts by Ndoshimili sons and daughters as evidence of consistent and lawful agitation for justice.
“The message has always been clear and consistent: NELGA seeks equity, not charity; partnership, not pity,” he said.
Onyenokwe urged the people to embrace self-help and collective responsibility.
“No one will build Ndoshimili land for us more than we are willing to build it for ourselves.
“Governments may change and companies may come and go, but our responsibility to our homeland is permanent,” he said.
He called for total commitment from all stakeholders, describing the moment as the true beginning of a renewed journey.
“From this point forward, it must be all hands on deck,” he said.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MOA/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah