Otor-Udu, June 1, 2024
By Foster Akpore
Chief Vincent Oyibode, the leading Chairmanship candidate in Udu LGA, vows to implement strict measures against cultism and land disputes when elected Udu Council Chairman. Speaking at the Union of Udu Communities (UUC) 2024 Annual Conference and Anniversary Lecture, held at the Otor-Udu Community Town Hall, the event brought together leaders, scholars, women and youths under the theme “Udu Today: Which Way Forward.”
Expressing his satisfaction with the current leadership under Olorogun Austin Emaduku, the President General of the Union of Udu Communities, Chief Oyibode stated, “I am happy that Austin Emaduku is the PG of the Union of Udu Communities. When he was reading his speech on what he has done for Udu in just one year in office, and what he hopes to achieve, I was very happy.”
Chief Oyibode highlighted his track record of leadership at various levels, referencing his tenure as Udu youth president, member, Governing Board of DESOPADEC and Commissioner. ” I have a record of my leadership at various levels. When I was Udu youth president, I had my report card. During my tenure as youth chairman, if you were an armed robber or cultist, you wouldn’t dare operate.,” he said, underscoring his strict stance against criminal activities.
Looking ahead, Chief Oyibode outlined his vision for Udu if he becomes the Udu Council Chairman. “Let me tell the people of Udu that when I become Udu Council Chairman, everyone should advise their children and wards. You know I am strict. When I was in Asaba, I did not disgrace Udu; my record is there. Once again, advise your children. When I become council chairman, and I catch any youth involved in cult activities, that child will face severe consequences,” he warned.
He also called on community leaders and residents to collaborate for the betterment of Udu. “Our community presidents also have work to do when I become council chairman. I will stay in Udu and those people who sell land to cause confusion, will face the consequences as well. I don’t want to be a chairman that will be doing wrong and people will be singing my praise. We don’t want that type of Udu,” Oyibode declared.
Chief Oyibode’s speech extended a call to all sectors of Udu society, urging business leaders, captains of industry, and clergymen to unite in efforts for the community’s progress. He highlighted the non-partisan nature of his leadership approach. “Since I was nominated as the Chairman candidate I have not seen anyone in PDP or APC fighting with me. I will lead Udu people and not PDP or APC,” he asserted.
Chief Oyibode appealed to the Udu traditional council and youths to actively participate in creating homegrown solutions to their problems. “The youths have a role to play. We will find homegrown solutions to our problems,” he emphasized.
The conference, chaired by Chief Oghene-aga Andrew Orugbo, Chairman of the Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe, Oghara, also featured a compelling lecture titled “Building the Udu of Our Dreams in the 21st Century,” delivered by Professor Godfrey Ejiroghene Akpojotor, a distinguished Professor of Theoretical Physics at Delta State University, Abraka. Professor Akpojotor emphasized the importance of visionary leadership and collective effort in advancing Udu, urging the community to adopt the PG’s speech as a guiding document for future progress.
The event marked a significant moment for the Udu community, as leaders and residents alike expressed their commitment to a shared vision for a prosperous future.
About Chief Vincent Oyibode
Born in 1975, fromOghior, Udu LGA, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode holds a Bachelors degree in Public Administration and Masters in Political Science.
Returning as a teacher from Bayelsa State, he joined the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission and rose through the ranks to the position of Assistant Director.
A committed political activist and youth mobiliser, he was Personal Assistant (Political) to one time Chief of Staff, Prof G.G. Darah; National Deputy Youth Leader, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF); Deputy National President, Urhobo Youth Leaders Association; Youth President, Udu Kingdom; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development; member, Governing Board, DESOPADEC; Ethnic Representative, Urhobo Nationality on the Governing Board of DESOPADEC; and Secretary, Youth Mobilisation Committee, PDP Campaign Organisation.