By Foster Akpore | Orhomurhu, Delta State | October 23, 2025
The people of Orhoera in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday witnessed a rare act of needs-based, community-driven philanthropy as Mr. Jimmy Omo-Agege, a renowned humanitarian, commissioned the Cecilia Omo-Agege Modern Market, Orhomuru—an initiative built and fully funded from his personal resources in honour of his late mother, Mrs. Cecilia Omo-Agege.
The new market, which features a tarred access road, was inaugurated by Pastor (Mrs.) Regina Omo-Agege, Ph.D., amid joy, song, and dancing from residents, traditional leaders, and dignitaries drawn from the three communities of Orhoera—Urhumuru, Ugono, and Ozuaka.
The atmosphere was festive and deeply emotional. Women of the community, decked in bright uniform wrappers provided by the Omo-Agege family, filled the arena in rhythmic display. Their laughter and chants echoed through the crowd as they waved their wrappers in the air in gratitude. One of the women leaders captured the mood when she declared:
“Our mother fit us, we also fit her. We will dress smartly for her. She loves us, we also love her. We will not buy clothes next year. We no longer ask how much they sell wrapper. We change clothes every day. I changed wrapper thrice today. Let’s give mummy a round of applause.”
It was a spontaneous expression of affection and pride, reflecting how the people felt adorned, not only in fabric, but in shared dignity.
In a chat with Oghwoghwa Reporters, Hon. Evang. Felix Ogbajini described the initiative as a wholly private effort by Mr. Jimmy Omo-Agege, noting that it was neither a government project nor a contract, but a personal contribution aimed at advancing the social and economic life of his community. He explained that the gesture was inspired by Omo-Agege’s late mother, whose enduring wish was to see her people trade in a decent marketplace that would foster unity and uphold the dignity of labour.
Late Mrs. Cecilia Omo-Agege, a successful businesswoman in her time, had envisioned a vibrant trading centre that would uplift local commerce and provide opportunities for women and youth. Her son’s gesture, years later, has turned that vision into reality.
The Okarhoro of Orhomuru, Chief Benjamin Orjiri hailed the market as “another milestone in the Agege family’s long history of service,” noting that their contributions had consistently brought progress to the town.
“The Agege family has always brought development—Polytechnic, Defence Space School, water, electricity, and now this market,” he said. “Cecilia Omo-Agege longed to see a market in Orhomuru, and her children have fulfilled that wish. Their drive for development is unending, and we are truly grateful.”
He called on residents to uphold peace and cooperation, warning that “unity remains the foundation upon which development can thrive.”
Also speaking, Chief Barr. Juliet praised Omo-Agege for immortalising his mother through a project that touches everyday life. “As a mother, I would love to be remembered this way,” she remarked. “Cecilia Omo-Agege had a rare son—one who chose service to humanity over personal gain. This market is a legacy that will outlive generations.”
Strategically situated in a town that hosts the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, and the Defence Space School, all influenced by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the market is expected to invigorate local trade, attract new investment, and sustain the fast-growing population drawn by academic and defence institutions. It will also serve as a central hub for food distribution, agricultural produce, and small-scale enterprise.
Beyond its economic value, the project aligns with the ideals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting decent work, reducing poverty, and empowering women who form the majority of market users. By providing inclusive infrastructure and expanding local enterprise, it strengthens community resilience and supports Orhoera’s evolution into a sustainable, education-driven township.
Many residents described the project as an answered prayer. Mrs. Lucky Edafeaga expressed joy that “the pockets that funded the project will never run dry,” while Madam Charity called it “a dream fulfilled.” The pastor of the local Baptist Church urged others to emulate the Agege family’s spirit of giving, adding that “God continues to use people who build for others.”
The Cecilia Omo-Agege Market now stands as both a memorial and a model—a tribute to a mother’s foresight and a son’s devotion to community upliftment. For Orhoera, a town once without a trading centre, it marks a new chapter of shared progress, dignity, and sustainable development.