By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Uneme National Development Association (UNDA), a pan-Uneme nation development group has brought together traditional rulers from the Uneme nation for a brainstorming session on unity and development.

The meeting was held in Ekpedo in Akoko-Edo local government area where the national president of the UNDA, Obabori Babatunde gave the history of how they migrated from Igun in Benin City to their various locations today.

He said the UNDA was founded in 1988 following the desire of Uneme sons and daughters to reunite with one another after the migration.

He said the migration and consequent parting of ways due to various factors, including tribal wars and conflicts among them led to their settlement in various places as predominantly found today in parts of Etsako and Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State; Emu, Ilushi and other areas in Edo Central and parts of Kogi, Ondo, Awka in Anambra State, Jesse in Delta State and other small communities in Rivers State which are known to speak Uneme as their main language.

Babatunde praised the founding fathers of the umbrella association finding it thoughtful to “undermine all forms of distractions and sought to reunite.” and particularly thanked Uneme royal fathers for being great torch-bearers and “for giving their children their shoulders to ride on.”

He recognized some men who be said made the UNDA possible which included HRH Oliola of Anegbette, GYM Ugbedaga, HRH J. A. Obabori, the Onose of Ekpedo; Alhaji Chief Aliyu Umar, late Mr. S. C. Irune, late Dr. K. O. Lawani, among others.

Before a crowd of attendees, comprising traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders and development stakeholders, women folks and the youths, he highlighted his tenure’s vision for Uneme National Development Association (UNDA) as building an inclusive association through the unification of all other Uneme associations; and launching of a five hundred million naira (N500,000,000) Uneme Education/Security Trust Fund and Awards Ceremony; and inauguration of Uneme Day.

The event featured musical entertainment provided by Ekpedo Traditional music troupe led by Madam Helen Akande.