The President-General of the Ndokwa Neku Union, Chief Amechi Asugwuni, has praised the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health and Medical Sciences, Kwale, Prof. A. N. Onunu, for steering the new institution with dedication.
Asugwuni spoke while hosting members of the Ndokwa Media Professionals Forum, urging Ndokwa sons and daughters to regard the university as a collective asset.
He called on the people to safeguard the institution and support its steady growth.
The NNU leader disclosed that the Vice Chancellor recently conducted him around the temporary campus and the permanent site in Kwale.
He said construction work at the permanent site has reached an advanced stage.
According to him, deliberate efforts are being made to create a conducive learning and working environment for staff and students.
Asugwuni commended the management for laying a solid foundation for academic excellence.
He expressed concern over criticisms directed at the Vice Chancellor, particularly regarding the employment of Ndokwa indigenes.
Asugwuni questioned why giving locals opportunities should attract hostility.
He revealed that the Vice Chancellor’s wife, a director at the University of Benin, relocated to Kwale to support the institution despite modest working conditions.
He described the sacrifice as a mark of commitment to institutional development.
The NNU President-General urged Ndokwa people to rise above primordial sentiments and embrace unity.
He stressed that the Union remains committed to bridging political and social divides.
According to him, unity would strengthen advocacy efforts and ensure Ndokwa interests receive due attention.
Asugwuni reiterated that the Union is non-partisan and open to engaging governments and stakeholders at all levels.
He disclosed ongoing discussions over the Okpai Independent Power Plant.
Asugwuni described it as unjust that the facility supplies electricity to several states while host communities remain underserved.
He also raised concerns about oil production benefits accruing to the area.
The NNU leader said the existing nine per cent oil quantum arrangement is outdated.
He noted that numerous oil wells operate in Ndokwa land, demanding a fairer benefit structure.
Asugwuni added that the Union is engaging the Niger Delta Development Commission on key development matters.
He commended the Ndokwa Media Professionals Forum for the visit and encouraged sustained collaboration.
Earlier, the Forum’s Chairman, Barth Inneh-Ozah, said the engagement aimed to strengthen communication and promote shared aspirations.
The meeting ended with a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the Amechi Asugwuni-led NNU executive.
