New Executives of Kokodiagbene Community Inaugurated

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…Chairman pledges to support Okowa government to deliver ”SMART” initiative

….we will protect oil installations, follow predecessors’ footsteps – new executives

…run all-inclusive government – Comr. Sheriff

The executive chairman of the newly-inaugurated Kokodiagbene community, Hon. Uyadonghan Powede, has said that, his executives will as a matter of necessity, take an active part in Gbaramatu activities as well as, support the Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa-led government’s ”SMART” agenda.

He made this statement on Friday February 15, after being sworn-in alongside other members of the executives at the Kokodiagbene community Town Hall, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state.

Hon. Uyadonghan, also said that he would not disappoint the people on the mandate bestowed on him and that he and his executives would focus on the areas of education, infrastructural development, human capital development, and security.

“This is indeed an honor bestowed upon me and my team. I also want to unequivocally, assure you that the confidence you have reposed in me will never be betrayed, by the grace of God.

“Among other things, the Hon. Uyadonghan Powede-led executives will focus on the followings: education, infrastructural development, human capital development, and security.”

Speaking at the event, Chief Favour Izoukumor, the Commissioner representing Ijaw Ethnic Nationality on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), who was also the Chairman of the ceremony, admonished the in-coming government to follow in the footsteps of the previous executives, as led by Comrade Sheriff Mulade.

In his words, he said; “I so much believe in this in-coming executives, because they know very well that the shoe left behind by the immediate past executives are big, and I want to believe that this coming executives, as led by Hon. Uyadonghan Powede, will surpass the achievements of the immediate past one, as the Bible clearly stated that the glory of the latter, shall be greater than the former.

”That is the expectation of the good people of Kokodiagbene community, the Gbaramatu people and humanity at large.”

The Commissioner also advised them to join hands together with the state government to ensure that oil and gas facilities are protected in the region, in order to attract more development to the community.

“You have a lot of tasks and I want to use this medium to plead with the incoming executive body.

“As you’re aware, that the Commission, which  all of you collectively gave me the mandate to represent you in, our only source of income is when crude oil is flowing.

 ”Also, it is when Delta state has enough revenues from the sales of oil, that the Commission has enough money to do a lot of capital and human development in our catchment areas.

“I want to believe that it is the oil producing communities that are the live-wire of the Nigerian and Delta state government. I therefore appeal to the in-coming representatives, to see how they are going to support the government to ensure that the oil and gas facilities are not destroyed or vandalized.”

Elder Rueben Tonjoh, speaking on behalf of Comr. Jude Ebitimi Ukori, the Chairman of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, urged the new executives to be united, God fearing and to emulate their predecessor.

“My goodwill message from the Chairman to the newly elected Executives is, that there should be unity among them, as well as the fear of God in their heart, in all their activities throughout their tenure.

“They should also follow the trend and system of the outgone executives as we found out that, he has done a lot in terms of development in the host community, so as to move this community to greater heights,” he said.

On his part, the immediate past Chairman of Kokodiagbene community, Comrade Sheriff Mulade advised the new executives to be up and doing, as the expectations of the people are high.

“Kokodiagbene is a host community, a critical stakeholder in the oil and gas industry. We are host to Chevron and Shell, and so there are a lot of expectations and I want to charge the new leadership to get in touch with all the relevant authorities, so that the desired development can be attracted to this community.”

He also urged them to run an all-inclusive government in order to carry everyone along as well as, eschew selfish tendencies.

“My advice to them is that, they should run an all-inclusive government, so that everybody would be carried along; so that every sons and daughters in Kokodiagbene would be involved and contribute their own quota to the development of the community.

“The community should be their top priority, so they should not think of what they would gain, but what they can give to Kokodiagbene.

”My other advice is for them to do more, so that Kokodiagbene can be at the top of the pile and be envied by all communities around. I want people to emulate Kokodiagbene in leadership,” he added.

Those present at the ceremony were; Chief Favour Izoukumor, the Commissioner representing Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Board of DESOPADEC; Rev Dr. I. C. Tolar; Chief Emmanuel Ekpetipu, the Amadiwei of Kokodiagbene community; Pa. Thompson Seiwei, the Amaokosuwei of Kokodiagbene community; Elder Rueben Tonjoh, Public Relations Officer of EGCDF and Comr. Sheriff Mulade, immediate past Chairman of Kokodiagbene community.

Others were; Engr. George Timiyan, Mrs Ati Odafe, Werisinde Timiyan Esq, Ajeni Jonah Anthony Esq, and a host of special dignitaries.

It would be recalled that the new executives came on board on January 13, 2018, and its members are; Hon. Uyadonghan Powede, Executive Chairman; Solomon Keniye, Vice Chairman; Comr. Jackson Timiyan, Secretary; Seiyefa Brubor, Public Relations Officer; Comr. Timiyan Ebipade, Financial Secretary; Nani Mala, Assistant Financial Secretary; Roseline Uti, Treasurer; and William Akoto, Assistant Financial Secretary.

-BY ABAI FRANCIS

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