AMAI/Nigeria: The Chairman of the Ndokwa Elders Forum, Chief Dele Omenogor, has called on the people of the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency to put aside personal interests and embrace unity as the bedrock for sustainable development and greater political relevance.
Chief Omenogor made the call when members of the Ndokwa Media Professionals Forum (NMPF) paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Amai, Ukwuani Local Government Area, to discuss collaborative strategies for promoting peace, unity and accelerated socio-economic development across the Ndokwa nation.
The respected elder statesman expressed concern over what he described as growing disunity among the people, warning that the pursuit of individual ambitions at the expense of collective interest has continued to impede the progress and development of the constituency.
He disclosed that the Ndokwa Elders Forum is working with critical stakeholders across the region to foster greater cohesion, build consensus on issues of common interest and chart a united course for the advancement of the Ndokwa nation.
According to him, no meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of division and mistrust, urging the people to rise above political, personal and sectional differences for the overall benefit of the constituency.
Chief Omenogor, who is the Odogwu Adiebua I of Amai Kingdom, challenged media professionals to become active partners in the campaign for peace and unity by deploying their platforms to promote constructive dialogue, educate the public and encourage initiatives that would strengthen social harmony.
He described the media as a strategic institution capable of influencing public opinion and mobilising citizens towards positive change and community development.
The elder statesman lamented that many Ndokwa people often place personal ambitions ahead of the collective interest, making it difficult to build consensus on issues that affect the welfare and progress of the area.
“When you don’t support a particular idea, you are immediately labelled an enemy. Look at the recent protest by the Isoko people over poor electricity supply. Their traditional rulers and community leaders came out in full regalia to defend the interest of their people.
“If a similar action were to take place in Ndokwa, some people would begin to blackmail you and even question your identity as an indigene. That mentality must change if we truly desire development,” he said.
Chief Omenogor also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating electricity supply in Amai community, revealing that residents have received less than 24 hours of electricity in total since the beginning of the year.
He described the situation as unacceptable, noting that the prolonged power outage has negatively affected businesses, education and the overall quality of life of the people.
The Ndokwa Elders Forum Chairman further urged the electorate to place competence, integrity and capacity above other considerations when electing political leaders, stressing that only visionary and committed representatives can effectively attract meaningful development projects to the constituency.
Turning to the media, Omenogor advised journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, objectivity and investigative reporting, cautioning them against becoming instruments in the hands of politicians.
He urged media practitioners to resist inducements capable of compromising their integrity and to remain committed to balanced, factual and responsible journalism.
“The media remains one of the strongest pillars of democracy. Do not allow politicians to use you as tools for propaganda. Avoid unnecessary praise-singing and ensure your reports are balanced, factual and in the public interest.
“If Ndokwa people can set aside selfish interests and work together with one voice, there is no limit to what we can achieve. As journalists, let fairness and truth guide your profession, regardless of financial inducement, and Ndokwa will undoubtedly attain greater heights,” he said.
Chief Omenogor reaffirmed the commitment of the Ndokwa Elders Forum to initiatives that promote peace, unity and inclusive development, expressing optimism that stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, community leaders, political actors, professionals and the media would usher in a new era of progress for the Ndokwa nation.
