Nosa Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on International Oil Companies operating in the state to promote peace and harmony by taking care of the welfare of their host communities to avoid a volatile working environment.
Okowa stated this at the inauguration of the new leadership of oil-rich Odimodi community in Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emman Ambgbaduba, had in his speech at the ceremony appreciated the community for their peaceful conduct of elections and the subsequent hand-over ceremony.
He stated that the host communities must be well taken care of “as they are the hens that lays the golden eggs.”
Okowa challenged the new Odimodi community leadership to carry everyone in the community along by consulting all relevant stakeholders throughout their administration, stressing that he was hopeful that the community Chairman, Elder Capt. Yangaboy James, would surprise his people with robust leadership.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of Odimodi and its federated communities, Capt. Yangaboy Jmaes, promised to carry everyone along and to always consult widely, adding that he would consolidate on the existing progress of Odimodi.
Earlier, Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council, Hon. Godknows Angele, in his remarks stressed that he was proud of the people of Odimodi community for their peaceful disposition over time.
He noted that for the community to have resorted to self-help developmental schemes, which had resulted in what he had seen in Odimodi, showed how great they were.
He noting that he was always happy to grace any occasions at Odimodi.
Speaking further, Angele maintained that COVID-19 is real as he charged sons and daughters of the community to always adhere to the safety measures put in place by the World Health Organisation and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
In his speech, out gone Chairman of Odimodi community, Chief Edward Prebor, appreciated members of the town for giving him the opportunity to serve as their community chairman, adding that he would always be grateful to them.
Prebor stated that he was ready and always willing to work with the current Executive whenever called upon.
High point of the event was the inauguration of the land reclamation project embarked upon by the Edward Prebor administration.
The inaugurated Odimodi community Executive members include: Capt. Elder Yangaboy James, Chairman; Mr. Egberibo Godgift, Vice Chairman; Mr. Godwin Awese, Public Relations Officer; Mr. Pocket Solomon, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Toruwei Daniel, Financial Secretary; Mr. Donyabi Faye, Treasurer; Mr. Anthony Iyepaiya, Ifiye Ward Chairman; Mr. Funpuwei Bibi, Imbe/Bumuzuwei Ward Chairman as well as Mr. Isama Iyafugha, Ifikorowei Ward Chairman.
The event was graced by the political class, various community leaderships in Iduwini Kingdom, sons and daughters of Odimodi community and youth leaders in Niger Delta.
A magnificent Ijaw cultural dance troupe was organised by the leadership of the community, which thrilled and entertained the audience to maximum satisfaction.
An Ijaw musician, Chief Kingsley Takemebo, also known as the Mienkuro, also thrilled the audience.