By: Our Reporters, Delta state
Barely two weeks of its election and inauguration, the parental body of Isoko nation, Isoko Development Union (IDU), led by Major Gen Paul Ufuoma Omu (Rtd), has promised to partner with the UMEH NEED ROAD (UNR) facebook social network forum to attract more developments to the area.
Major Gen. Omu (Rtd), who made the promise on December, 31, 2013, when the forum paid him and his executive members a solidarity visit at his country home at Igbide, Isoko South local government area of Delta state, noted that he was identifying with the forum following its strong vibrancy and developmental advocacy in the land.
While thanking the forum for the visit, the IDU president general disclosed that many other groups had before the forum booked appointment for similar visit to the new IDU Exco but were politely told to wait but UNR was given priority because of the respect it has earned for itself. “IDU shall partner with UNR on development and other ancillary issues that will promote the unity and growth of Isoko nation.” he assured.
IDU President General, who appealed for support and cooperation from all and sundry, especially the elites group, he disclosed that it was a shocking news to him when he got the news of how the pan online facebook forum, UNR, caught the attention of the state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in awarding a 7km road worth 4.4billions naira.
Major Gen. Omu (Rtd) used the visit to narrate his love for the Isoko nation saying that “On 18th, March 1989, all the traditional rules within Isoko gathered and confine on me the ‘Othuke of Isoko land’, with smiles on my face, so, what happened twenty five 25years ago, repeated itself when I was asked to lead the Isoko Development Union, IDU, which I never lobbied for, however, since Isoko have gathered again to make me the leader of IDU, I have no option than to accept it in good faith.”
“I want to assure you that Isoko remains a strong and virile nation with potentials to attain great heights. This is what my administration is set to do, and it has been christened “Project Turn Isoko Around” to turn Isoko around needs collaborative efforts of all, in our different areas of economic and political endeavours. We want to remind our people that peace is an essential ingredient for accelerated socio-economic development. I therefore urge you, especially our youths to eschew violence, allow peace to prevail at all times in Isokoland.”
The IDU President-General, however assured youths that their problems will be urgently and vigorously addressed adding that his administration will dialogue with Isoko political elite, either in or out of office in order to fast-track the desired transformation in the land.
Speaking earlier, the founder and administrator of “UMEH NEED ROAD” (UNR) forum, Barrister Duncan Akpovienehe Afahokor administrator, congratulated the newly inaugurated President-General of IDU, Major Gen Paul Ufuoma Omu (Rtd) and his executive.
Barrister Afahokor who led other members of the forum on the visit told the IDU, PG, the purpose of the visit saying that “When we got the news of the new Exco under your leadership, our heart was actually feel with joy. We believe new thing has come to our fatherland with you at the helm of affair of Isoko nation.”
UNR founder/administrator enumerated some of the group’s achievements to include the construction of Umeh road and several other developments across the land and reiterated the desire of the forum to partner with the IDU on developmental issues that the group is known for.
Barr. Afahokor noted that the Internet is the meeting point which incorporated all Isoko sons and daughters far and near adding that the forum has been able to offer several good will such as the donation of two incubators to both Isoko South and North general Hospitals respectively, but lamented that the inability of the state government to provide them with a paediatricians to manned the two incubators and appealed to IDU to intervene in the issue.
UMEH NEED ROAD (UNR) forum, which has Delta state Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as a member with over two thousand members is a forum specifically designed to promote infrastructural development in the neighbourhood.
