The Ndoshimili people of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, on Friday formally ushered in a new era of unity and collective development with the inauguration of the Ndoshimili Development Union (NDU), following the successful merger of two previously parallel socio-cultural bodies.
The historic event, which took place in the ancient town of Aboh, marked the culmination of several months of consultations, negotiations, and reconciliation efforts that led to the dissolution of divisions between the former Ndoshumili Development Association (NDA) and the defunct Ndoshimili Development Union, NDU.
The merger produced a single, stronger, and more representative umbrella body now positioned to drive development across Ndoshimili land.
Addressing a large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, and indigenes from within and outside the state, speakers described the inauguration as a defining moment in the history of the Ndoshimili people.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the occasion, Pharm. Paul Enebeli said the occasion symbolised a new beginning built on unity, cooperation, and shared purpose.
Pharm. Enebeli commended the leadership of the two former organisations for their maturity, selflessness, and vision in putting aside differences for the greater good of the people.
According to him, “Despite its rich human and material resources, Ndoshumili has remained one of the least developed parts of the country, largely due to years of internal division”.
He also noted that the decision to merge was a deliberate response to this challenge.
“Our forebears taught us that strength lies in unity. Today, we have chosen a different path, the path of unity, vision, and transformation,” he said.
Enebeli further urged members of the newly inaugurated interim executive council, led by Engr. Ike Onyenokwue, to work in harmony and prioritise the collective interest of Ndoshumili above personal or sectional considerations.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of the new leadership, describing the chairman and his team as individuals with the experience and commitment required to steer the union at a critical period in its history.
Delivering the keynote address titled “The Ndoshumili Golden Age: A Covenant of Unity, Vision and Transformation,” Professor Julie Umukoro, Kpakpando Furuni Eze of Ase Kingdom, described the inauguration as a generational moment that offers Ndoshumili an opportunity to redefine its future.
Prof. Umukoro, who was deputy governorship candidate of Labour Party during the 2023 general elections, said the Golden Age being envisioned was not one of luxury or celebration, but an era of clarity, purposeful leadership, and inclusive development.
She further emphasised that unity must move beyond rhetoric to structure, policy, and action.
According to her, effective leadership in the new era should be rooted in service, accountability, and the ability to build institutions rather than personalities.
She charged the new executive council to rebuild trust, harmonise interests, and create systems that would outlive individual tenures.
She also outlined key pillars necessary for the success of the new NDU, including social cohesion, cultural revival, human capital development, economic empowerment, strategic political engagement, and sustained peace and stability across Ndoshumili communities.
The keynote speaker also addressed the youth, describing them as drivers of present change rather than leaders of tomorrow.
She urged young people to actively participate in the development process by bringing their skills, innovation, and energy back home.
In addition, she paid tribute to elders for their guidance and to women for their often-unrecognised role as the backbone of community development, stressing that no meaningful transformation could occur without their full inclusion.
Participants at the event described the inauguration as both symbolic and practical, noting that the emergence of a single development union offers Ndoshumili a stronger voice in engagements with government and development partners.
They expressed optimism that the new unity would translate into tangible progress in infrastructure, education, economic opportunities, and political representation.
The event attracted dignitaries. Traditional institutions were also strongly represented, by HRM Barr. Augustine Oghenejabor (Odio-logbo of Ibrede Clan), and HRM Obi Fredrick Chukwuloa Egbunkonye II, The Igwe of Abala Kingdom, alongside government officials, political appointees, and prominent sons and daughters of Ndoshumili land.
With the inauguration of the Ndoshimili Development Union and its interim executive council, Ndoshimili formally turns a page in its history – one defined not by division, but by collective resolve to build a prosperous and dignified future for its people.
The new exco made up of technocrats, professionals and politically exposed persons include Engr. Ike Onyenokwe as Chairman, Chief Chris Uzoalu – Vice Chairman, Barr. Robert Anyibama, and Dr. Oke Oziakpono, Secretary.
Others are Professor Adaobi Ugbomeh, treasurer, Barr. Malachi Ugwummadu, legal adviser, High Chief Sony Neme, PRO, Mrs. Gloria Chukwujekwe, Financial Secretary and Mr. Austin Anochie, Assistant Secretary.
