Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has called for collective involvement of Nigerians in the growth and development of the country.
Okowa made the call on Friday at the Congress, Award Ceremony and the 90th Anniversary of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).
It was held at the union’s Secretariat in Uvwiamughe Community in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government area of the state.
The governor expressed hope that the country would overcome its current challenges, urging everyone to continue to seek God’s divine intervention.
According to him, all of us have roles to play in our own little ways to address the phletora of challenges confronting the nation.
“There are challenges in this country, but I believe there is hope.
“Sometimes, we worried because we do not know what tomorrow holds for us.
“But rather than to continue to grumble among ourselves, it is best to seek God and be patient enough, because there is hope on the way.
“By the special Grace of God, this country will not go down; peace will return to Nigeria and we will begin to move again on the part of progress.
“We all have roles to play in our own little ways. Wherever you find yourself, either at the family circle or community, try and help or empower someone,” he said.
Okowa commended the UPU for its major role in the advancement of Urhobo nation, Delta and Nigeria.
“You use your relationship with the people to achieve peace and organize them for a purposeful development to the government in power at any point in time.
“UPU build peace in Urhoboland and also extend hands of friendship across the state to ensure that Delta lives as one. We are better as united people,” he said.
The governor thanked the traditional rulers for their individual and collective roles in the governance of the state.
He appealed to those seeking political positions in the state to approach it in a peaceful and friendly manner.
Earlier, the President-General of UPU, Chief Moses Taiga, said that the union, which was founded in 1931 was now the oldest surviving sociocultural organisation in Nigeria.
Taiga said, “Just as our forefathers did, we the Urhobo of 2021 must also interrogate our today and contemplate our tomorrow and begin to work our ways through currents of hope and land at the shores of the Promise Land.”
He said that UPU had constituted a Think-Tank committee to chart a way forward to address the numerous challenges confronting the Urhobo nation.
Taiga identified some of the challenges to include: insecurity, unemployment, failed infrastructure, environmental degradation arising from oil and gas exploitation, poverty and looming uncertainty.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of award to some distinguished sons and daughters of Urhobo nation.
Among the awardees were the former Governor of Delta, Chief James Ibori, Blessing Okagbare, Ese Brume, Mr George Akaghoro, Richard Oduaran, among others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the weeklong event started on Nov. 29. (NAN)
