By Sunday Apah
The Delta State Government has initiated the rebuilding process of the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, which was devastated following the tragic killing of 17 Army officers and soldiers in the area.
During a meeting with the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, led by Chairman and Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Sideso Abe 1, and the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, led by President General Chief Ese Gam, at the Government House in Asaba on Thursday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori made the announcement.
Governor Oborevwori expressed gratitude to the Urhobo Traditional Rulers for their visit and their donation of food and relief supplies to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Okuama community.
He mentioned that the state government has already awarded contracts for the construction of a health center and six classroom blocks for Primary and Secondary Schools in Okuama. He also mentioned that the IDPs would be able to return to their homeland soon.
“I am delighted to welcome Your Royal Majesties and the leadership of UPU this afternoon. I am grateful for your unwavering support, which has helped me to become the Governor of Delta State.
“I want to express my appreciation for the important role you have played and continue to play. The recent Local Government election was notably peaceful, thanks to the paternal guidance and support provided by your esteemed group to this administration,” Governor Oborevwori stated.
We would like to express our gratitude for your visit to the Okuama IDPs camp and the neighboring village. Accessible only by boat, you generously provided relief materials during your visit.
Efforts are being made to restore peace to the area. The establishment of the IDPs camp, as well as the awarding of contracts for a health center and six classroom blocks for primary and secondary schools, demonstrate our commitment. Notably, these contracts were awarded to local residents of Okuama.
The residents will soon be able to return to Okuama, and we rely on your continued cooperation and support. Your guidance and advice are invaluable to us, as you are like fathers to us.
The involvement of traditional leaders is crucial in addressing recent security challenges. Your assistance in providing information to security agencies is vital in resolving these issues.
Rest assured that we are working closely with security agencies to maintain peace in the state,” the governor assured.
Earlier, Sideso, represented by the Vice Chairman of the Council and Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom, HRM Solomon Okukeren III, visited to express appreciation and discuss important matters affecting the Urhobo nation and Delta State.
The Urhobo monarchs praised Oborevwori for his accomplishments during his first year as Governor of Delta State. They commended him for successfully resolving the longstanding conflicts between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities, as well as the issues between Okuama and Okoloba.
