By Chinedu Amede
Indigenes of Obetim community of Afor Clan in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State have been requested to remain United and committed to the over all development of the community.
The President General of the community, High Chief Neme Sony, made the call in his keynote address on the occasion of the Obetim Day celebrated by the people on January 2, saying government neglect of the politically active clan remains a puzzle..
The veteran journalist who decried the absence of governments presence in the town, pleads with politjcal leaders in the state and local government area to remember and consider the clan in their distribution of democratic dividends.
The Obetim Community President General who expressed regrets on government neglect, said “Afor Clan has remained the most under developed in Delta State, despite our huge contributions to the state in particular and Nigeria in general.
“Sadly, our people are exposed to environmental hazards caused by several oil exploring companies in the area. We are presently without link roads, electricity, skills acquisition training of ouirour youths and women among others.
Speaking further, Chief Neme advised parents in the clan to focus more on academic and skills training; education of their children for self reliance and employable potentials in order to ecquip them as leaders of tomorrow.
While promising to make future events better packaged, he described the ceremony as a well thought out project, designed as a forum for indigenes to converge, and brain storm on their achievements, challenges and ways towards an even and meaningful development of the ancient town.
Also in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and a notable leader of the community, Chief Fidelis Okweye Onyema, expressed satisfaction with the turn out by indigenes and friends of the clan.
The Okpala Ugbum, also emphasized on the needs for an upgrade of the ceremony in future celebrations, tasking the elite of the town on attracting government attention for improvement, as a tourist attraction .
Other leaders of the community including the traditional Prime Minister, Chief Johnson Okuse, the Woman Leader, Mrs. Blessing Obi and the Youths Leader, Comrade Agha Raymond who spoke during the ceremony described the Obetim Day ceremony as their identity, and celebration of their acenstors and origin.
They, however, expressed displeasure over the absence of government projects and gross under development of the ancient town.
Photo: Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Ogbuiji Okweye Onyeme flanked by Afor clan Spokesman, High Chief London Onwuka, and President General, Obetim National Council during Obetim Day celebration on January 2, 2025
