The Ndoshimili people of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, have formally ushered in a new era of unity and collective development with the formal inauguration of the Executive Committee of the Ndoshimili Development Union (NDU), the apex socio-cultural body of the people of Ndokwa East Local Government Area (NELGA), Delta State.
This followed the successful merger of two previously parallel socio-cultural bodies.
The historic event, which took place in the ancient town of Aboh, marked the culmination of several months of consultations, negotiations, and reconciliation efforts that led to the dissolution of divisions between the former Ndoshumili Development Association (NDA) and the defunct Ndoshimili Development Union, NDU.
The merger produced a single, stronger, and more representative umbrella body now positioned 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, speakers described the inauguration as a defining moment in the history of the Ndoshimili people.
The Executive Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Vincent Oshilomya, while assuring NDU of unwavering support, expressed appreciation for the emergence of a united NDU, saying the council under his watch is ready and willing to work with the new exco to continuein his missionof developingthe entire Ndoshimili.
In his aceptance speech, the new chairman of Ndoshimili Development Union, Engr. Ikechukwu Onyenokwe, expressed profound gratitude and humility as he assumed leadership of the Union.
Engr. Onyenokwe welcomed the Delta State Government representatives, royal fathers, senators political and community leaders, captains of industry, youth and women leaders, invited guests, as well as Ndoshimili sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora.
According to him, “The occasion was far more than a ceremonial event. 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 said.
He recalled that for over six decades, Ndokwa East has borne the heavy burden of hosting oil and gas resources that have sustained Nigeria’s economy since the early 1960s.
Despite this 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, 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 have remained peaceful, law-abiding and protective of national assets, but have not received fair treatment in return.
He pointed to 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.
However, the new NDU Chairman stressed that the gathering was not convened to lament past neglect but to chart a new course for the future.
He also described the revitalisation of the Ndoshimili Development Union as a strategic move to usher in a new era of unity, strategic planning and collective action.
He further explained that the newly inaugurated Executive Committee has a clear mandate: to position Ndoshimili land to attract and effectively utilise development interventions from government at all levels, the private sector, development partners and Ndoshimili sons and daughters worldwide.
Onyenokwe also 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, expressing optimism that the day’s deliberations would translate into tangible and visible development across all Ndoshimili communities.
The event ended with prayers for Ndoshimili land, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as a renewed sense of hope among attendees that a more equitable and prosperous future lies ahead.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the occasion, Pharm. Paul Enebeli said the occasion symbolised a new beginning built on unity, cooperation, and shared purpose.
Pharm. Enebeli commended the leadership of the two former organisations for their maturity, selflessness, and vision in putting aside differences for the greater good of the people.
According to him, “Despite its rich human and material resources, Ndoshumili has remained one of the least developed parts of the country, largely due to years of internal division”.
He also noted that the decision to merge was a deliberate response to this 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 further urged members of the newly inaugurated interim executive council, led by Engr. Ike Onyenokwue, to work in harmony and prioritise the collective interest of Ndoshumili above personal or sectional considerations.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of the new leadership, describing the chairman and his team as individuals with the experience and commitment required to steer the union at a critical period in its history.
Delivering the keynote address titled “The Ndoshumili Golden Age: A Covenant of Unity, Vision and Transformation,” Professor Julie Umukoro, Kpakpando Furuni Eze of Ase Kingdom, described the inauguration as a generational moment that offers Ndoshumili an opportunity to redefine its future.
Prof. Umukoro, who was deputy governorship candidate of Labour Party during the 2023 general elections, said the Golden Age being envisioned was not one of luxury or celebration, but an era of clarity, purposeful leadership, and inclusive development.
She further emphasised that unity must move beyond rhetoric to structure, policy, and action.
According to her, effective leadership in the new era should be rooted in service, accountability, and the ability to build institutions rather than personalities.
She charged the new executive council 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, including social cohesion, cultural revival, human capital development, economic empowerment, strategic political engagement, and sustained peace and stability across Ndoshumili communities.
The keynote speaker also addressed the youth, describing them as drivers of present change rather than leaders of tomorrow.
She urged young people to actively participate in the development process by bringing their skills, innovation, and energy back home.
In addition, she paid tribute to elders for their guidance and to women for their often-unrecognised role as the backbone of community development, stressing that no meaningful transformation could occur without their full inclusion.
Participants at the event described the inauguration as both symbolic and practical, noting that the emergence of a single development union offers Ndoshumili a stronger voice in engagements with government and development partners.
They expressed optimism that the new unity would translate into tangible progress in infrastructure, education, economic opportunities, and political representation.
With the inauguration of the Ndoshimili Development Union and its interim executive council, Ndoshimili formally turns a page in its history – one defined not by division, but by collective resolve to build a prosperous and dignified future for its people.
The new exco made up of technocrats, professionals and politically exposed persons include Engr. Ike Onyenokwe as Chairman, Chief Chris Uzoalu – Vice Chairman, Barr. Robert Anyibama, and Dr. Oke Oziakpono, Secretary.
Others are Professor Adaobi Ugbomeh, treasurer, Barr. Malachi Ugwummadu, legal adviser, High Chief Sony Neme, PRO, Mrs. Gloria Chukwujekwe, Financial Secretary and Mr. Austin Anochie, Assistant Secretary.
The event attracted dignitaries. Traditional institutions were also strongly represented, by HRM Barr. Augustine Oghenejabor (Odio-logbo of Ibrede Clan), and HRM Obi Fredrick Chukwuloa Egbunkonye II, The Igwe of Abala Kingdom, alongside government officials, political appointees, and prominent sons and daughters of Ndoshimili land.
