The Ndoshimili people of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, on Friday formally ushered in a new era of unity and collective development with the inauguration of the Ndoshimili Development Union (NDU), following the successful merger of two previously parallel socio-cultural bodies.
The historic ceremony, held in the ancient town of Aboh, marked the culmination of months of consultations, negotiations and reconciliation that resolved long-standing divisions between the Ndoshumili Development Association (NDA) and the defunct Ndoshimili Development Union. The merger has produced a single, more inclusive umbrella body positioned to drive coordinated development across Ndoshimili land.
Addressing a large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders and indigenes from within and outside Delta State, speakers described the inauguration as a defining moment in the history of the Ndoshimili people.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the occasion, Pharm. Paul Enebeli, said the event symbolised a new beginning founded on unity, cooperation and shared purpose. He commended the leadership of the former organisations for what he described as their maturity, selflessness and vision in setting aside differences for the collective good.
According to Enebeli, “Despite its rich human and material resources, Ndoshumili has remained one of the least developed parts of the country, largely due to years of internal division.” He noted that the decision to merge was a deliberate response to this challenge.
“Our forebears taught us that strength lies in unity. Today, we have chosen a different path, the path of unity, vision and transformation,” he said.
Enebeli urged members of the newly inaugurated interim executive council, led by Engr. Ike Onyenokwue, to work in harmony and prioritise the collective interest of Ndoshimili above personal or sectional considerations. He expressed confidence in the capacity of the new leadership to steer the union at a critical period in its history.
Delivering the keynote address titled “The Ndoshumili Golden Age: A Covenant of Unity, Vision and Transformation,” Professor Julie Umukoro, Kpakpando Furuni Eze of Ase Kingdom, described the inauguration as a generational moment that offers Ndoshimili the opportunity to redefine its future.
Prof. Umukoro, who was the Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, said the envisioned Golden Age was not one of mere celebration, but an era defined by clarity, purposeful leadership and inclusive development. She stressed that unity must go beyond rhetoric to translate into structures, policies and concrete action.
She emphasised that leadership in the new era should be rooted in service, accountability and institution-building rather than personality-driven governance. Charging the new executive council, she called on them to rebuild trust, harmonise interests and establish systems that would endure beyond individual tenures.
The keynote speaker outlined key pillars for the success of the new NDU, including social cohesion, cultural revival, human capital development, economic empowerment, strategic political engagement, and sustained peace and stability across Ndoshimili communities.
She also described youths as drivers of present change rather than leaders of tomorrow, urging them to actively participate in development by bringing their skills, innovation and energy back home. Prof. Umukoro paid tribute to elders for their guidance and to women for their often-unrecognised role as the backbone of community development, noting that no meaningful transformation could occur without their full inclusion.
Participants at the event described the inauguration as both symbolic and practical, noting that the emergence of a single development union would give Ndoshimili a stronger, unified voice in engagements with government and development partners. Many expressed optimism that the renewed unity would translate into tangible progress in infrastructure, education, economic opportunities and political representation.
The event attracted several dignitaries, with strong representation from traditional institutions, including HRM Barr. Augustine Oghenejabor, Odio-logbo of Ibrede Clan, and HRM Obi Fredrick Chukwuloa Egbunkonye II, the Igwe of Abala Kingdom, alongside government officials, political appointees and prominent sons and daughters of Ndoshimili land.
The newly inaugurated interim executive council comprises technocrats, professionals and politically exposed persons. Members include Engr. Ike Onyenokwue (Chairman), Chief Chris Uzoalu (Vice Chairman), Barr. Robert Anyibama and Dr. Oke Oziakpono (Secretary), Prof. Adaobi Ugbomeh (Treasurer), Barr. Malachi Ugwummadu (Legal Adviser), High Chief Sony Neme (Public Relations Officer), Mrs. Gloria Chukwujekwe (Financial Secretary) and Mr. Austin Anochie (Assistant Secretary).
With the inauguration of the Ndoshimili Development Union and its interim leadership, Ndoshimili has formally turned a new page in its history.
