…Omo-Agege, Darah, Igbuzor, Awhefeada, Oghene-Omoru, Odenema, others proffer ideas for its actualization
By Foster Akpore
The President General of Orogun, under the able leadership of Chief Benson Ndakara has, with the conclusion of the much anticipated Orogun Kingdom Conference, set the tone for the actualization of the economic and political development of a modern Orogun in line with 21st century realities. Though the well-attended event came to an end on Saturday 2nd October, 2021 at Orogun Primary School Play Ground, Orogun Town, in Ughelli North, L.G.A., Delta State, its impact would be felt and told for years to come because it’s another bold attempt, aimed at positioning the kingdom on the path of meaningful progress, comparable only to the founding of Orogun Progress Union over sixty years ago.
Chief Benson Ndakara, President General of Orogun giving his welcome address
In his welcome address, Chief Benson Ndakara stated that the conference is a fallout of a task given to him on assumption of office for his second tenure as President General of Orogun to organize a conference where all sons and daughters of the kingdom would meet and plan on how to unite and develop Orogun holistically. While eulogizing Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for his sterling performance at the Upper Legislative Chambers as indicated by the number of bills passed, the Constitution Amendment process, the onerous task of uniting the country and placing Orogun on the national map with the following landmark projects including a Federal Polytechnic, a Military Space School, Oil and Gas Industrial Park, Electric Power Station, Orogun Stadium under construction, Street Lights, Transformer, Water, Road construction, etc., Chief Ndakara, like the proverbial Oliver Twist, drew the attention of the Obarisi of Urhobo Land to some few challenges confronting the kingdom including security, completion of the stalled Mini Stadium at Orogun Grammar School, Aragba-Ebor-Obodeti-Orogun Roads, Orogun Palace, but was quick to note that these challenges are not for one person alone, as he urged “all Orogun sons and daughters to look inwards and bring goodies home irrespective of their political leanings.” Chief Ndakara, who is the Onoharigho of Orogun, thereafter closed his address by tasking Orogun sons and daughters to “unite and avoid the pull him down attitude because unity is strength”
Members of the high table in a group photograph with Chief Ndakara
In his address, His Excellency, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy President of the Senate, whom many describe as the architect of modern Orogun, applauded the bold initiative of the Orogun President General and noted that the conference is the answer to the “manifest hunger for development across the length and breadth of the land” and averred that it couldn’t have come at a better time because it is “an opportunity to properly articulate a bold developmental plan of action” for the kingdom.
Dr. Otive Igbuzor, key note speaker and rep of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege
Speaking further, Senator Agege underscored the place of youths in nation building and advised the conference, in his words, “to seriously discuss the place of our youths in the greatness of this Kingdom”, and as 2023 is approaching, he urged all to “re-enact that uniquely Orogun spirit of political sagacity, cohesion and excellence that is the envy of others who also appreciate the value of brotherly love and oneness.”
His Royal Majesty, Akpojotor Ekpo 1, the Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom
Concluding his remark, the Obarisi of Urhobo Land, brought to fore the true essence of his deep piety when he stated that “this is a reminder to us all here today that in this great land, we do not think of ourselves more highly than our fellow brothers and sisters. Whatever position of honour and trust God bestows on us is to lift up each other, for therein lies our true greatness as a blessed people under God.
Prof G.G. Darah
The conference featured cultural display, question and answers from the papers presented by very prominent scholars of no mean repute. They include: Socio-Cultural Development of Orogun Kingdom in the 21st Century by Professor Sunny Awhefeada; Peace, Unity and Political Education: Imperative for Development of Modern Orogun Kingdom by Dr. Otive Igbuzor; Security Challenges: Way Forward For Orogun Kingdom by Prof G.G. Darah.
Meanwhile, in his brief remark, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru suggested that “three special committees be set up to successfully implement, market and carry out oversight actions for successful implementation of the outcome of the conference.”
Evang. Godspower Odenema, Chairman, Orogun kingdom Conference Planning Committee giving his vote of thanks
On his part, Dr. (Sir) Philip Itedjere (KSM), Chairman of the conference, harped on the need for the marking of Orogun Day, composition of a comprehensive history of Orogun, even as he elected to train Orogun Kingdom on how to run a cooperative society for free. The chairman also took a swipe at Local Government Chairmen and Councilors of Orogun extraction for not doing anything at the grassroots and advocated that they should be compelled to do something for the people.
Dr. (Sir) Philip Itedjere, Conference Chairman
The Conference with the theme “Economic and Political Development of Orogun Kingdom”, which held for the first time after an hiatus of about thirty (30) years, drew the crème de la crème of Orogun from the five sub clans, including Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy President, Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Otive Igbuzor) HRM-Apkojotor Ekpo 1, the Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom, Chief Benson Ndakara, President General of Orogun, Sir Dr. P. O. Itedjere (KSM JP), Chief Johnson Akporugo, Evang. Godspower Odenema, Chief Magistrate Enakpodia, Chief Henry Itedjere, Barr Thomson Opone, Chief Isaac Ojeniweh, Chief Pius Ovbije, Barr. Felix Akpoobaro, Chief Grace Usirare, Chief (Mrs) Eunice Anirah, Dr. F.O. Money, Dr. Dave Idoge, Dr. Tony Onohwakpor, Chief Barrack Ozor, Adjerese Oghene-Meshach Anuku, High Chief Immanuel Ogobene, Chief Dr. F.E.E. Akporugo, Chief Kigho L. Ebioke, Captain Newman Akpore, Hon. Chuks Erhire, Pastor Adese Andy Onos, Idiovwa Michael Elijah, Barr. Denis Warri, Sylvester Nkwo, Orogunfere Felix with felicitations from Chief Do-good & Mrs. Bridget Efe-Nogo, Rtn (Sir) Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, Hon. Dr. Morris O. Idiovwa, Otu Akpor Paul, Efe Agabi, among others.