05/05/2025
NDOBU COMMUNITY HOLDS CONFERENCE, ELECTS NEW NDOBU COMMUNITY COUNCIL (NCC) EXECUTIVES
Ika Weekly Newspaper
The Ndobu Community in Igbodo, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, held its much-anticipated conference on Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Chief Emmanuel Mbulu Community Hall, drawing delegates from various Branches of the Ndobu Progressive Union (NPU).
The well-attended event commenced with an opening prayer said by Chief/Pst Peter Chiemeke Ozili, followed by the traditional breaking of kolanuts by the Ogene of Ndobu Community, Chief(Engr) Alexander Onwuanumba Nwokolo, symbolizing peace, unity, and goodwill among all present. The conference attracted a large number of indigenes, including elders, youths and women representatives, and stakeholders committed to the growth and progress of Ndobu.
To direct the affairs of the day, the following great sons and daughters of Ndobu were called to occupy the High Table: Chief Robert Agwaife, Chief/Pst Peter Chiemeke, Mr Ik. Nwomoko, Mr. Innocent Nwabuei, and Mr. Godwin Oji.
In his opening address, the Ogene of Ndobu, Chief (Ezinna) Alexander Onwuanumba Nwokolo, warmly welcomed all sons and daughters of the community. He charged them to put the interest of Ndobu first and demonstrate maturity, unity, and purpose as the election of new executive officers of the Ndobu Community Council (NCC) was set to take place. He also sternly cautioned those involved in evil practices, warning that such acts could hinder the peace and development the community yearns for.
One of the major highlights of the day was the formal presentation of the Ndobu Community Constitution. However, what was meant to be a joyous and unifying moment soon turned contentious, as heated debates and disagreements over certain provisions in the document arose. When the tension died down, it was ruled that copies of the Ndobu Constitution should be given to the Chairmen of Branches of Ndobu Progressive Union and representatives of other organs of Administration, to study, make inputs in respect of the contentious provisions, and bring up for review in the next Conference of Ndobu Community Council.
The Chairman of the Audit Committee, Mr. Christian Njoaguani presented a detailed Audit Report which outlined the financial position of the community and called for greater transparency in all dealings.
Copies of the Audit Report were given to the Chairmen of NPU Branches, representatives of the organs of Administration of Ndobu Community, for study and comments to be made in the next NCC meeting.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Land Allocation and Management Committee, Mr. H. O. Ziemife gave a financial statement of the land transactions and appealed for proper documentation and accountability, moving forward.
Before the commencement of the elections, the Caretaker Committee members were appreciated for the good work they did to ensure that the conference come to reality today, and thereafter, the Committee was formally
dissolved. Members of the dissolved Caretaker Committee were:
Pastor Henry N. Njoaguani, Mr. Chiedu Okeleke, Mr. Morka Alex, Elder Odia Osondu, Mr.H. O. Ziemife, Mr. Benjamin Innocent E., and Mrs. Josephine Nwabuzor.
A five-man Electoral Committee, which comprised Diokpa Nwomoko, Elder Odia Osondu, Mrs. Grace Obior, Mr. Chika Ubani and Mr. Anthony Acha was immediately appointed to conduct the elections. The committee read out the electoral guidelines and urged participants to conduct themselves peacefully.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman, Pastor Henry N. Njoagwuani, in his final address, called on community members to vote based on credibility and character rather than personal relationships or sentiments. “Let us elect those who are ready to serve, not those who want to rule,” he said.
After the peaceful and transparent elections, the following people formed the Executive Members of the Ndobu Community Council (NCC):
Mr. Blessing Njoaguani – President-General, Mr Christian Njoaguani – Vice President, Mr. Nduka Ubani – Secretary-General, Mr. Mike Agwaife – Assistant Secretary, Mrs. D**e Blessing – Treasurer, Mr. Osondu Odia – Financial Secretary, Mr. Chika Ubani – Assistant Financial Secretary, Mr. Mike Okoh – PRO (Public Relations Officer), Mr. Chiugo Akaeze, Mrs. Faith Nwabuzor and Mrs. Rosemary Njoagwuani – Provosts, Mr. Afamefune Onyemalechi – Director of Social and Culture.
After the election results were announced, the newly elected NCC Executives took the Oath of Office administered on them by Chief/Pst P C Ozili.
The President-General of the Ndobu Community Council, Mr. Blessing Njoaguani gave a heartfelt acceptance speech. He thanked the community for their trust and promised to serve with diligence, humility, and transparency. “With your support, we will move Ndobu forward,” he declared.
Thereafter, a copy of the Ndobu Community Constitution signed by the Ogene of Ndobu was presented to the newly elected President-General to guide him in the administration of the NCC.
During the closing segment of the conference, several individuals from the house gave words of advice to the newly elected members of the executive. They urged them to be accessible, fair, and focused on community development. Speakers emphasized the need for unity and continuity while also reminding the new leaders to uphold the values of honesty and inclusiveness.
The conference ended with a closing prayer and a renewed sense of hope for a more united and progressive Ndobu.
By Loveth Okolie