By Esther Onyegbula

Eminent sons and daughters of Aniocha-Oshimili on Monday held a landmark summit in Asaba, resolving to strengthen unity, promote development and security, and institute a framework for holding political office holders accountable to the people.
The summit, which took place at Ogwa Ukwu, Asaba, was the maiden annual conference of Njiko Aniocha-Oshimili, a socio-cultural organisation, and attracted no fewer than 18 traditional rulers, a member of the House of Representatives, three local government chairmen, three members of the Delta State House of Assembly, and 35 Presidents-General of town development unions.
With the theme, “Unity, Development and Security: Unifying Development and Securing the Vision, Aspirations and Future of Aniocha-Oshimili People,” the gathering focused on forging a common front on socio-political and economic issues affecting the area, at a time stakeholders observed growing divisions in articulating collective interests.

Addressing participants in a keynote speech, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, traced the historical emergence of Njiko Aniocha-Oshimili and stressed the need for sustained unity and purposeful leadership to secure the future of the people.

The summit deliberated extensively on unity, development, security, education and the political future of Aniocha-Oshimili. Papers were presented by the Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University and Chairman, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye; a member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu; and a former Director of the Department of State Services, Barr. Mike Ejiofor.

The presentations were critiqued by Dr. Chris Uwaje, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, former Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, and Prof. Emma Chuks Onwuka of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

At the end of the conference, a communiqué was issued, in which the organisation resolved to henceforth hold political office holders and other service-oriented individuals accountable to the people. As part of this resolution, Njiko Aniocha-Oshimili unveiled a roadmap for town hall meetings and subsequent summits where elected and appointed officials would render stewardship to their constituents.

Among dignitaries at the event were the Obi of Ubulu-Uno and 2nd Vice Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Obi Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu; the member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie; the Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, represented by Hon. Frank Esenwah; and the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, who represented other council chairmen.

Also present were the Vice Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Hon. Chinwe Usor Obobo; Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah; retired Air Commodore Gbemudu; and 35 Presidents-General of town development unions led by Dr. Ignatius Ezoemm.

Academics in attendance included Prof. Anthony Iweka of the University of Lagos; Prof. Emma Chuks Onwuka; Prof. Andy Egwunyenga; and Dr. Chris Uwaje, a digital policy expert, alongside other stakeholders from various sectors.

A major highlight of the conference was the conferment of honours on distinguished sons and daughters of Aniocha-Oshimili in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their professions and to national development. Those honoured included Barr. Mike Ejiofor; Chief (Prof.) Mrs. Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba; Chief (Dr.) Newton Jibunoh, Chairman, Nelson Mandela Garden and former Chairman, Costain West Africa Plc; Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, Group Managing Director, Rainoil Limited; and Chief (Dr.) Anthony Ikemefuna, SAN.

Other notable personalities at the summit included former Deputy Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Dr. Brasca Ifeadi; Chief Boniface Chizea; Hon. Lawrence Ejiofor; Chief (Mrs.) Stella Egbuniwe; Engr. Igwe Enuoyibo; and Dr. Peter Isidi, among others.