The successful conclusion of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit has rightly attracted commendation from stakeholders within and outside the state. The summit provided a robust platform for government, investors, development partners, business leaders and policy experts to chart a pathway towards economic transformation, investment expansion and sustainable development. Judging by the quality of participation and the resolutions reached, the summit stands as one of the most significant economic engagements organised by the Delta State Government in recent years.
It is therefore regrettable that an avoidable controversy has emerged from an event that should be remembered solely for its economic significance. The issue concerns remarks made during the inaugural session by the Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, who also served as Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit.
In his welcome address, Dr. Emu identified what he described as the ethnic groups in Delta State. According to his remarks, he listed Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Ika, Oshimili and Anioma. Conspicuously absent from that enumeration was Ndokwa/Ukwuani, populated by the Ndoshimili and Ukwuani people.
Whether this omission resulted from an oversight or an unintended error is a question only Dr. Emu can answer. However, what is not in doubt is that the omission has generated genuine concern among many people from Ndokwa/Ukwuani and beyond. Given his position as the state’s highest administrative officer and Chairman of the Organising Committee, his remarks naturally carried the weight of official representation before a distinguished audience.
For this newspaper, the issue goes beyond semantics. It touches on identity, inclusiveness and historical accuracy. In a state as culturally diverse as Delta, every ethnic nationality deserves recognition and respect. Official pronouncements made at state functions should reflect that diversity with accuracy and sensitivity.
There is also the question of classification. While Anioma has long been recognised as a socio-cultural and political identity that brings together several Igbo-speaking communities in Delta North, many historians and cultural scholars distinguish it from an ethnic nationality. Within that broader identity are distinct peoples, including the Ndoshimili and Ukwuani people of Ndokwa/Ukwuani, alongside the Ika, Aniocha and Oshimili peoples, each possessing its own history, cultural heritage and identity.
This distinction is important because identity is not merely a matter of geography. It is a reflection of history, ancestry, language and culture. It is therefore understandable that the omission of Ndokwa/Ukwuani from such an important official address has raised questions among those who believe their identity deserves equal recognition within the Delta State family.
The concern becomes even more compelling when one considers the immense contributions of Ndokwa/Ukwuani to the economic development of Delta State and Nigeria. The area remains one of the country’s major oil and gas-producing regions, hosting strategic national assets that have generated enormous wealth for both the state and the federation. Beyond petroleum resources, the people have made enduring contributions in agriculture, commerce, education, public administration and national development.
It is equally significant that the current Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, is from Ndokwa/Ukwuani. The inaugural session of the summit was also chaired by renowned business leader Dr. Austin Avuru, another illustrious son of the area. These realities explain why the omission has resonated deeply with many citizens.
Ndokwa Reporters is aware of reports published on social media by the media handlers of the Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government, Hon. Possible Ajede, indicating that the council chairman drew the attention of Dr. Emu to the omission shortly after the event. According to those reports, the SSG expressed regret and indicated that the omission was not intentional. If that account accurately reflects what transpired, it is a commendable acknowledgement.
However, this newspaper believes that a private expression of regret is not sufficient under the circumstances. The statement that generated the controversy was made publicly before hundreds of participants at the Event Centre in Asaba, including senior government officials, traditional rulers, diplomats, investors, captains of industry and representatives of development institutions. Beyond those physically present, the proceedings were streamed live and watched by audiences across Nigeria and around the world.
A statement made in such a public setting deserves a clarification of equal visibility. For that reason, we believe it would be proper for Dr. Kingsley Emu to publicly explain that the omission of Ndokwa/Ukwuani, populated by the Ndoshimili and Ukwuani people, was an unintended oversight and does not reflect the position of the Delta State Government. Such a clarification would not diminish the office of the SSG; rather, it would demonstrate humility, statesmanship and respect for every constituent community in Delta State.
This newspaper does not view this issue as one of those routine lapses that should simply be ignored. Public confidence is built when leaders acknowledge genuine concerns and address them openly. Silence, however unintended, often creates room for misunderstanding and needless speculation.
History reminds us that great achievements can sometimes be overshadowed by seemingly minor mistakes when they are left unaddressed. The tragedy of the RMS Titanic has often been cited as a lesson that overlooking what appears insignificant can eventually distract from far greater accomplishments. The Delta State Economic and Investment Summit was, by every objective assessment, a remarkable success. It should not be remembered for a controversy that can be resolved through a simple public clarification.
As a newspaper that witnessed the proceedings and extensively reported the summit, Ndokwa Reporters acknowledges the remarkable work that went into organising the event and commends the Delta State Government for creating a platform capable of attracting investors and stimulating conversations around economic growth. The success of the summit should remain its defining legacy.
The responsibility now rests with Dr. Kingsley Emu. As Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Economic and Investment Summit, he occupies a position that demands accuracy, fairness and inclusiveness in official communication. We believe the people of Ndokwa/Ukwuani, populated by the Ndoshimili and Ukwuani people, deserve a public clarification. Such a gesture would reinforce public trust, strengthen unity and reaffirm the principle that every ethnic nationality and community in Delta State matters equally.
Leadership is ultimately measured not by the absence of mistakes but by the courage to acknowledge them and the wisdom to correct them. A prompt public clarification by Dr. Kingsley Emu would close this chapter with dignity and ensure that the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit is remembered for what it truly achieved—a bold vision for the economic future of Delta State, founded on inclusion, respect and shared prosperity.
