…..As group Set up Pro-tem Executives to pilot affairs.
By Victor Bieni, Asaba
The people of Aniocha-Oshimili of Delta North have been called upon to embrace unity and brotherliness for a concerted and deliberate development through critical consultations and effective representation of the area in all sphere of leadership.
This call was made by the group’s Pro-tem President, Chief Peter A. Dunkwu, the Odogwu of Okpanam in a press statement made available to newsmen by the group’s Pro-tem Publicity Secretary, Uche Emma Aboh soon after the maiden meeting of Elders of thought of Aniocha-Oshimili people in Asaba, Delta State capital.
The leadership stated that, “the group is aimed at creating a more purposeful and collective platform for advancing the people’s welfare and to establish a dynamic livable society with a sustainable salutary value and integrity through creativity and innovation”.
The Body which is known as IZU IKEI ANIOCHA-OSHIMILI is envisaged to be made up of elders above 60 years with verifiable credentials and a track records of patriotism with independent mind that could view issues dispassionately as it affect the area.
The Convener of the forum, Odogwu of Okpanam, Chief Peter A. Dunkwu stated at the inaugural meeting, that there was need for introspection and actions by some thoughtful Elders for the creation of a community of brotherliness whose destiny have generally been threatened noting that the intrinsic essence of love in the attainment of unity within Aniocha-Oshimili people appears eluding the area.
The Convener stressed the need for Aniocha-Oshimili people to have a gathering of concerned like minds and thoughtful elders so as to speak with one voice in issues affecting the people and the country thereby laying a solid legacy for coming generations.
In his keynote address, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Mbanefo M. Ogbolu JP, the Ugoani of Okpanam while expressing appreciation to the distinguished personalities present called on the people of Aniocha-Oshimili to re-discover itself by organizing themselves into a formidable force that will herald the arrival of socio-political landscape of the area. His Royal Majesty, who was represented by Chief Nduka Ogwude, the Isama of Okpanam called on the Elders, of Aniocha-Oshimili to organize it selves into a body that must be consulted by authorities on issues affecting the area.
The inaugural meeting was attended by Ogbuenyi S.E Onwordi JP, Amb. H.O Monu, Dr. Ngozi Nwabuoku, Mr. P.O. Okenyi, Diokpa F.C. Monyei, Ogbueshi J.K. Okwu, Col. D.A Ukponu, Prof. Levoy Chima Edozie, Chief M.I Nwabuokwu, Lady F.E Banye, Sir F.I Uti among others.
At the end of the meeting, a Pro-tem Executive was constituted and the following persons were elected:
Pro-tem Chairman- Chief P.A Dunkwu, JP. The Odogwu of Okpanam,
Pro-tem Deputy Chairman- Prince Clement Okonjo, Pro-tem Secretary- Christopher O.O Biose, Pro-tem Treasurer- Hon A.C Ohanugo.
Others are: Pro-tem Publicity Secretary- Uche Emma Aboh,
Pro-tem Financial Secretary- Ogbueshi Emmanuel Ibeisichei, Ex-Officio-Ambassador Leo Okogwu, Ex-Officio- Chief (Barr) Linus .O. Nwaozomudo (CP Retired).
It would be recalled that our counterpart in other clans have long established such forum and their feelings heard through them.