The National President of the Association, Mrs Voke Okolakpa, disclosed this when she and the Social Welfare Director, Mr Unuafe Onovughakpo Henry, paid a working visit to the Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, at the Bureau’s office in Asaba.
Okolakpa said that the event would take place at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in Abuja, on Saturday.
She said that the association was formed to unify all Urhobo sons and daughters in Federal Civil and Public Service of the federation, to leveraged on resources and opportunities within Federal Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) and parastatals in order to attract progress for members.
Okolakpa, a staff of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources Abuja, further said that association serves as a rallying point to cultivate solidarity among members as well as act as a pivotal advocacy channel between the Federal Government, Urhobo grassroots communities of Delta Central senatorial district, and in the diaspora.
She however said despite the association’s political neutrality, it shall support elected leaders and promote community development in line with democratic tenets.
Okolakpa commended Oborevwori’s good governance developmental strides in all sectors of the state, especially in education, health, road infrastructure, and for completing projects of the immediate past administration.
“We are here to solicit the support of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, on the express directive of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, for you to give us the necessary support towards the inauguration of the Association of Urhobo Sons and Daughters in Federal Civil and Public Service of the Federation.
“We need your Bureau’s ingenuity to help create awareness for our inauguration ceremony. We appreciate the warm reception you accorded us on behalf of government of Delta State.
“The inauguration comes up on June 29, at the Pauline Talen Banquet Hall, Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Abuja. It promises to be a special and unique event for all sons and daughters of Urhobo ethnic nationality, ” she said.
She added, “during the event, we shall inaugurate His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, as The Father/Distinguished Patron of the Association of Urhobo Sons and Daughters in Federal Civil Service of the Federation.
“We are also inviting you, Olorogun Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, the Head of Bureau to be inauguration ceremony as our guest. ”
Responding, Oghenesivbe assured the association of government support, noting that the aims and objectives of the group as articulated by the National President, was in line with the ‘MORE Agenda’ of Governor Oborevwori, especially in the area of partnership with elected representatives and government on community development.
He noted that the governor has turned State into construction sites with construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc handling three mega flyovers and pedestrian bridges at DSC Roundabout, PTI junction, Effurun Roundabout and Enerhen junction up to Marine Gate, as well as other infrastructure projects across the three senatorial districts.
Oghenesivbe, who is also the Executive Assistant on Communications to the Governor, assured the association that the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, was already doing the needful to ensure that government was well represented at the event.
“Your aims and objectives are commendable. That you are going to install His Excellency, the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori as your Distinguished Patron, gladdens my heart.
“I was instructed by SSG Delta, Dr Kingsley Emu, to give necessary support within the Bureau’s ability, and we shall ensure that his directive is carryout to the last letter.
“That you want to partner with elected representatives and government on community development is remarkable.
”The first point to Start is to simply change your voting location to your various polling units in Delta State, so that we come home to vote every four years and get involved in community development. I urge your leadership and members to consider it.
“As a Bureau, we serve the entire state, and all ethnic nationalities, and that includes your Association. We shall partner with you, and feel free to carry us along in all your programmes and projects,” Oghenesivbe added
