By Etatsemi Onoriode
Umutu: The Umutu Community in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State was agog weekend when they constituted a youth body known as Umutu Youth Congress (U.Y.C) and also successfully elected Snr. Comr. Ochor Felix aka Ibori as the youths President-General amongst 15 other executive members.
Addressing newsmen immediately after his victory, Snr Comr. Ochor returned all praises to God for the peaceful conduct of the election and thanked the youths for their support, decorum, and the high level of civility exhibited before, during and after the elections.
The elected youth executives to pilot the affairs of the Umutu Youth Congress include; Snr Comr. Ochor Felix (President), Comr. Udogwu Benedict (Vice President), Comr. Ossai Ugba Gaventa (Secretary), Comr. Orji Edison (Treasurer) and Hon Comr. Chegwe Festus (PRO) amongst others.
Comr. Ochor explained that after several years of the community operating the youth body as an Age Grade Committee (AGC), the youths became uncomfortable with the AGC as unconventional and not formidable enough to be a youth umbrella body for a community in Umutu’s status and so, they agitated for a befitting youth body that will help to champion the course of the youths as well as help in building the community.
They were formally presented their proposition before the Umutu Traditional Council, Umutu Development Unions (UDU) nationwide and other stakeholders in the community, where the president-elect said, because of the maturity shown by the youths in their presentation, their request was granted and approved by all concerned and the youth body has come to stay and “being its pioneer president is a big honour and privilege,” he said.
According to the president, his visions and that of his team for the youths and the community is to ensure that the existing peace in the town is maintained and sustained; to give a seasoned face-lift to youth activities in Delta State; listen, cooperate and work in synergy with the chiefs towards the development of the community and above all, to abide by the constitution governing the youths. “The UYC will also work hand-in-hand with all security arms in the town to fight crime, and maintain peace and order,” he added.
He further stated that he will ensure that justice is served equally to all Umutu youths on all issues while adding that the UYC will be organizing annual football competition in order to engage the youths and foster unity in the various quarters in the community; encourage all three age grades within the youth category: Otu-Npu, Otu-Onuogbe and Otu-Olile to keep the community clean at all times.
According to him, the exco will organize quiz competition for primary and secondary schools in Umutu and award scholarships within the capacity of the UYC; organize seminars to sensitize the youths on their role in community development and others. “We shall help expedite the establishment of another government secondary school in Umutu,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Ukpala-Uku and the Council of Chiefs have urged the newly elected executives of the Umutu Youth Congress to ensure that the peace in the community is sustained and that they should not work in isolation but in synergy with the palace.
On his part, the Umutu Community President-General, Chief Uzoka Gil Esume congratulated the UYC and the President-elect while urging them to be articulate, vibrant and pragmatic in their activities in order to foster unity in the leadership of the community.
