Ndoshimili development union pledges renewed drive for equity, development

A new chapter has been opened in the socio-economic and developmental journey of Ndoshimili land with the formal inauguration of the Executive Committee of the Ndoshimili Development Union (NDU), the apex socio-cultural body of the people of Ndokwa East Local Government Area (NELGA), Delta State.

Speaking at the well-attended ceremony held in Aboh, historic headquarters of Ndoshimili land and situated on the banks of the River Niger, the Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Vincent Oshilomya, while assuring NDU of unwavering support, expressed appreciation for the emergence of a united NDU, saying the councilunder his watchis ready and willing to work with the new exco to continuein his missionof developingthe entire Ndoshimili.

In his aceptance speech, Engr. Ikechukwu Onyenokwe, expressed profound gratitude and humility as he assumed leadership of the Union.

Engr. Onyenokwe welcomed the Delta State Government representatives, royal fathers, senators political and community leaders, captains of industry, youth and women leaders, invited guests, as well as Ndoshimili sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora.

According to him, “The occasion was far more than a ceremonial event. We are not gathered here merely to decorate a few individuals with titles.

“We are here to renew a solemn covenant with our people and our land. Today represents both a celebration and a call to duty, ” he said.

He recalled that for over six decades, Ndokwa East has borne the heavy burden of hosting oil and gas resources that have sustained Nigeria’s economy since the early 1960s.

Despite this contribution, he lamented that Ndoshimili communities remained largely underdeveloped.

“Our land produces wealth that powers industries, lights up distant cities and sustains the national treasury.

“Yet our communities remain in darkness. We lack access roads, existing rural roads are largely impassable, health facilities are inadequate, schools are dilapidated, poorly equipped and understaffed, and our young people are forced to migrate in search of opportunities that should exist at home, ” he said.

Onyenokwe emphasised that Ndoshimili people have remained peaceful, law-abiding and protective of national assets, but have not received fair treatment in return.

He pointed to the long-standing 13-Point Demand presented to the Federal Government and various memoranda and advocacy efforts by Ndoshimili sons and daughters as evidence of consistent and lawful agitation for justice.

“The message has always been clear and consistent. NELGA seeks equity, not charity; partnership, not pity, ” he said.

However, the new NDU Chairman stressed that the gathering was not convened to lament past neglect but to chart a new course for the future.

He also described the revitalisation of the Ndoshimili Development Union as a strategic move to usher in a new era of unity, strategic planning and collective action.

He further explained that the newly inaugurated Executive Committee has a clear mandate: to position Ndoshimili land to attract and effectively utilise development interventions from government at all levels, the private sector, development partners and Ndoshimili sons and daughters worldwide.

Onyenokwe also urged the people to embrace self-help and collective responsibility.

“No one will build Ndoshimili land for us more than we are willing to build it for ourselves.

“Governments may change and companies may come and go, but our responsibility to our homeland is permanent, ” he said.

He called for total commitment from all stakeholders, describing the moment as the true beginning of a renewed journey.

“From this point forward, it must be all hands on deck,” he said, expressing optimism that the day’s deliberations would translate into tangible and visible development across all Ndoshimili communities.

The event ended with prayers for Ndoshimili land, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as a renewed sense of hope among attendees that a more equitable and prosperous future lies ahead.