The Delta State Government has officially handed over the socio-cultural ethnic nationality building to the leadership of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), promising to embark on additional infrastructure and development projects.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori represented by the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele described the structure as a remarkable achievement. He also praised two prominent Ndokwa sons, Chief Fidelis Tilije and Chief Festus Ochonogor, for their significant contributions toward initiating and completing the project.
The Governor stressed the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding in fully developing the socio-cultural centre, urging all Ndokwa Presidents-General and indigenes to collaborate with the state government in advancing the facility. He commended the peaceful nature of the Ndokwa people, adding that “there is no access to the state capital and no political progress in Delta State without the Ndokwa Nation.”
Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, represented by Chief Godday Mgbabego, highlighted the positive results of the partnership between the Ndokwa Nation and the state government. He applauded the dedication of Chief Tilije and Chief Ochonogor in realising the “Dream House” and encouraged Ndokwa leaders and citizens to continue supporting the current administration. He also called for unity and wisdom through the platform of the NNU.
The Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Fidelis Tilije, commended both the state government and the NNU leadership for their cooperation, which he said made the smooth and successful completion of the building possible.
Reflecting on the project’s history, the former NNU President-General, General Mike Ndubisi (Rtd), described the event as memorable. He recalled that the initiative began in 2012 with the donation of ten plots of land by the late Augustine Odili, followed by further financial and material support from many Ndokwa indigenes. Ndubisi also paid tribute to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for starting the project and thanked Governor Oborevwori for ensuring its completion. He acknowledged additional contributions from Chiefs Johnson Opone, Austine Avuro, Deputy Governor Onyeme, Chief Okenmor Tilije, and the NNU executives, while appealing to the state government to promptly commission the newly completed Ndokwa House.
In his welcome remarks, the current NNU President-General, Chief Amechi Asuguni, described the occasion as historic. He said the new building would serve as a chamber and a centre of decision-making for the Ndokwa Nation, promising that it would be put to proper use. He expressed gratitude to the state government for being fair to the Ndokwa people, particularly through key appointments such as the Deputy Governor, the Commissioner for Finance, and the Managing Director of DESOPADEC.
Chief Asuguni assured the Governor that the Ndokwa people would continue the development efforts by adding more structures and undertaking renovations within the premises. He also thanked the government for the recent groundbreaking of the Kwale Free Trade Zone, acknowledging former Governor Okowa as a major force behind many infrastructural developments in Ndokwa land. He called on Ndokwa sons and daughters to join hands in ensuring the rapid growth of all Ndokwa communities.
In their goodwill messages, the immediate past NNU Woman Leader, Prof. Julie Umukoro, along with Ndokwa community Presidents-General and the Traditional Rulers, congratulated former Governor Okowa, Governor Oborevwori, and the many Ndokwa indigenes whose contributions made the project a reality.
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