The people of Aniocha-Oshimili have been urged to foster greater unity to emerge as a formidable force, while political leaders were called upon to maintain accountability to their constituents.
This charge came from His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, the Asagba of Asaba, during the Njiko Aniocha-Oshimili Annual Conference 2025, held on Monday 29 December 2025 at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba, Asaba.
As chief host, the monarch officially declared the conference open and commended the planning committee chairman, Architect Kester Ifeadi, along with members, for successfully organizing the gathering.
He highlighted the historical roots of Njiko Aniocha-Oshimili, acknowledging efforts to revitalize the group since his ascension to the throne, and emphasized that such assemblies are essential for harmonizing the community and building collective strength.
“The political class present here must be answerable to the people they represent,” he stated, advocating for ongoing commitment to regional development.
In his welcome address, Engr. Igwe Enuyibo, leader of Njiko Aniocha-Oshimili, set the tone for the proceedings.
Keynote speakers included Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice Chancellor of Igbenedion University, Okada, who addressed “Blueprint for Enuani Unity and Resilience”; Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, representing Oshimili South in the Delta State House of Assembly, on “Empowering the Next Generation”; and Chief Barr. Mike Ejiofor, former Director of the Department of State Services, on “Securing the Aniocha-Oshimili Environment.”
Participants and discussants proposed significant recommendations, such as incorporating town development unions and youth organizations into governance structures, increased attention from federal and state governments, and granting communities greater control over farmlands and forests to improve security.
Awards were bestowed on outstanding individuals, including Chief Barr. Mike Ejiofor, Chief Prof. (Mrs) Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, Chief Dr. Newton Jibunoh, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, and Chief Dr. Anthony Ikemefuna Idigbe, SAN.
Hon. Bossy Jonnah, Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor, stressed the importance of developing a concrete action plan on security to promote development and peace, while other contributors highlighted youth empowerment via skills acquisition and mentorship programs.
The conference with the theme “Unity, Development and Security – Unifying Development and Securing the Vision, Aspirations and Future of Aniocha-Oshimili People” concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Architect Ifeadi.
