By Foster Akpore
Director General of the Unique Sound Minds Initiative, Chief Austine Emaduku, has called for political unity in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, saying division among political actors has continued to weaken the area since 1999.
Emaduku made the remarks on Sunday 17th May, 2026 during an appreciation meeting with members of the initiative’s media team at his Egini country home, where he also commended them for their professionalism in handling media coverage before, during and after the launch of the organisation.
He said the media efforts gave the initiative wide visibility within and outside Nigeria, noting that he received commendations from Nigerians in the United Kingdom who followed the event online.
According to him, the team demonstrated professionalism by promoting the organisation’s activities while carefully managing sensitive issues that arose during the event.“The work that was done before, during and after the launching of the Unique Sound Minds Initiative was commendable. You people sold the organisation to the world,” he said.
Emaduku stressed the need for media practitioners working with political and social organisations to align their reports with the vision and direction of the organisations they represent, while still exercising professional judgement.
He disclosed that measures would be introduced to ensure official statements from the organisation are properly screened and approved before publication.
The DG further lamented the poor media attention given to recent visits by political stakeholders to the initiative, warning that political groups must maintain constant public engagement to remain relevant.
“In politics, you have to remain constantly in the consciousness of the public because it is very easy to be forgotten,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the financial burden borne by members of the media team, many of whom, according to him, work voluntarily and personally fund their internet subscriptions and logistics.Speaking on the vision of the initiative, Emaduku said the primary objective of the group is to foster unity among political leaders and grassroots supporters in Udu, irrespective of individual political interests.
He observed that repeated political divisions had deprived the area of collective bargaining power and weakened its influence within the state’s political structure.“The first thing we set out to do as a group is unity. We want to be united as a people,” he said.
While describing the Unique Sound Minds Initiative as an APC pressure group, Emaduku maintained that every candidate produced by the party would enjoy the support of the organisation.
He urged party faithful to avoid bitterness after primary elections and cautioned against inflammatory celebrations capable of deepening internal divisions.
According to him, political contests within the party should be viewed as contests among brothers rather than battles among enemies.
He also warned media handlers against reports capable of humiliating or provoking defeated aspirants, saying such narratives could undermine reconciliation efforts ahead of the general elections.
Emaduku maintained that Udu’s political class must embrace a new approach anchored on cooperation, collective interest and support for traditional leadership.He noted that the emergence of His Royal Majesty, Engr. Mike Orugbo (Okporua I), the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, who has been actively projecting the kingdom positively, presents an opportunity for political actors to unite and join hands with him to reposition Udu for greater relevance.
“We must put selfish ego aside because it has not helped us before. Let us try a different approach and see whether we can move Udu forward this time around,” he added.
The Director-General also encouraged members of the media team to keep contributing fresh ideas that can sustain public engagement and strengthen the initiative’s activities. The session included a question-and-answer segment, followed by a reception in honour of the team.