The people of Ugbolu community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have been reminded of their roots in Okpanam, as history shows that Ugbolu was founded by some natives of Okpanam who migrated in search of more fertile farmland.
The Ugoani of Okpanam, HRM Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, made this known during the town’s New Yam Festival, explaining that the people of Ugbolu trace their origins to the Amachai and Ugunadagbe Quarters of Okpanam.
He cautioned that if anyone tries to promote a different version of Ugbolu’s history to mislead the public, the Okpanam Kingdom will respond with well-documented historical facts to set the record straight.
The Okpanam monarch stated that the idea of creating autonomous communities is unfamiliar to the South-South region of Nigeria and emphasized that Ugbolu is an integral part of the Okpanam Kingdom.
He reminded everyone that Okpanam Kingdom was once known as the food basket of Oshimili North and South, but it has lost that status largely because of the rapid infrastructural development that has taken place since Delta State was created in 1991.
Dr. Ogbolu explained that some of the land where the Asaba International Airport, Delta State House of Assembly, Delta State Government House, Asaba Specialist Hospital, and the International Hockey Pitch now stand were once farmlands belonging to Okpanam. These lands were given up to make way for the development of important infrastructure that reflects the needs of a modern digital state capital.
However, he urged the youths of Okpanam community to be more cautious about selling off their fertile land so quickly, reminding them to set aside enough space for social infrastructure to support the growing population.
Dr. Ogbolu took the opportunity to thank the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his dedication to transforming the state through the M.O.R.E Agenda, noting that Okpanam has greatly benefited from his leadership.
He highlighted some of the community’s gains from the state government, including the construction of the 5.3km Okpanam/Ibusa bypass road, 10.6km of drainage systems, and the awarding of the contract for the Okpanam/Uzor Olu road, among other projects.
He also praised Hon. Ngozi Okolie, the representative for Aniocha/Oshimili in the House of Representatives, for constructing a 500-capacity Civic Centre within the grounds of the Ugoani’s permanent palace. Additionally, he commended both the immediate past Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, and the current Governor for their efforts in transforming Okpanam from a rural area into a thriving urban community.
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