By Michael Ilaya
The highest decision making administrative organ of the great Ozoro kingdom, Ozoro Progressive Union (OPU), under the leadership of Odio Berkley Eloviano Asiafa, Saturday held her routine Annual General Conference in the popular Opute Hall, Ozoro, to chart strategic ways for the development of the kingdom.
Top on the agenda for discussion were issues of prevalence of insecurity ranging from cultism, the kingdom defective constitutional provisions, plague of abandoned projects including Ozoro modern market to NDDC road contracts, and other ancillary bugging issues.
Delegates also beamed their lenses on other administrative and traditional process lapses that deserve to be addressed.
Odio Beckley, in addressing part of the issues outlined for discussion, decried the unbecoming attitude of oil companies operating within the kingdom, including the show of impunity with the manner of payment of abysmal scholarship, noting that “discussions are ongoing and might crystalize fruitfully before the end of the year depending on the company’s level of preparedness to pay a reasonable money as scholarship comparable to other oil bearing communities”.
On the Ozoro Modern Market issue, Asiafa stated that he was in contact with the contractor handling the contract, who reportedly claimed that the file for variation of the contract he applied for has been approved by the State Governor, and that hopefully projected of the month of July, 2025 for completion of work.
Speaking further, Asiafa stated that barely a year into his tenure, the leadership has been confronted with visible and worrisome challenges including flooding, epileptic power supply and insecurity.
Pursuant to further discussions on the topical banes in Ozoro governance, Odio Beckley decried the huge funds that are being expended on ascending leadership positions in the kingdom, therefore unequivocal on the need for the review of the existing constitution of Ozoro to address the nagging issues, and consequently, a committee was set up with terms thereto.
On alleged non -effective implementation of previous conferences resolutions, the PG, on behalf of his team, assured delegates of always implement all resolutions going forward.
Further to the delegates observation on alleged ravaging scourge of sales of hard drugs in the kingdom, in some black spots, an act unanimously condemned by delegates, noting that the syndrome according to speakers “could impinged on the image of the kingdom and capable of dishing serious blow on the health conditions of the youth”.
It was therefore unanimously resolved that as a measure to curb the alleged trend, the delegates unanimously resolved that, on no account, should any lawyer or notable personality in the kingdom stand in bail for any culprit in any drug related matter in the kingdom.
Earlier, the President General, Odio Beckley Asiafa, in his address, gave his stewardship account, rendered his achievements in the areas of provision of solar lights, attraction of numerous projects, some from the state government and others based on partnership or collaboration with good spirited individuals.
“Another significant issue we face is the persistent flooding around Ala square, the centre our community. As soon as we resumed office we made frantic efforts to mobilized resources to arrest the ugly situation, but it is not 100% solved. Also the blocking of the Mission Road drainage system exercebate this problem, leading to not only inconvenience but also potential health hazards for our residents. It is imperative that we address the drainage issues and work towards a sustenable solution that prevents future flooding”.
On power supply, the PG stated that “Our efforts to improve the quality of life in Ozoro have been severely hampered by the failure of the Bendel Distribution Electricity Company (BDEC) to provide regular electricity. Despite our meetings and agreements, we continue to experience frequent outages. Most worrisome is the continuous vandalisation of transformers. However, efforts have been put in place by fixing Solar Light to secure the transformer.
“Lastly, we cannot ignore the rising insecurity caused by cult activities in our community. This threat not only endangers our residents but but also undermines the progress we strive to achieve. It is crucial that we work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies and Community leaders to address this issue and restore safety and peace to our neighborhoods”.
Earlier, declaring the conference open, HRM. Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1 (JP), the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, charged delegates to have fruitful celebrations and prayed for journey mercies for attendees back to their various destination.
Present at the conference were delegates from the 54 branches across the country, representatives of the Council of Chiefs, Edio in Council, Past Presidents-General of the kingdom, Youth Body, Women Group and some illustrious sons and daughters of the kingdom amongst others.
