By Magnus Emuji/Chukwudi Asoya
OKPANAM/Nigeria: History was made in Okpanam Community, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, as Comrade Fidelis Ogochukwu Okonma emerged President-General of the Okpanam Youth Organization (OYO), becoming the first indigene of Ugwunadagbon Quarters to occupy the highly coveted position.
Okonma, the immediate past Secretary of the Okpanam Youth Organization, secured a decisive victory in the keenly contested election, polling 848 votes to defeat his closest rival, Comrade Lucky Ntoka of Obodogba Quarters, who garnered 719 votes.
The outcome of the election marks a significant political milestone for Ugwunadagbon Quarters, whose sons had made several unsuccessful attempts in previous years to clinch the leadership of the influential youth body.
The election, which attracted widespread interest among youths and stakeholders in the community, was conducted peacefully and culminated in the emergence of a new executive team expected to steer the affairs of the organization for the next tenure.
Other officials elected alongside Okonma include Comrade Emeka Chidobi as Vice President, Comrade Frederick Anyasi as Secretary, Comrade Chukwudumebi Victoria Nwanze as Assistant Secretary, Comrade Jennifer Fumnaya Patrick as Treasurer, and Comrade Osadebe Onyezobi as Financial Secretary.
Also elected were Comrade Ifeanyi Francis Okafor as Public Relations Officer, Comrade Anwuli Josephine Ijele as Welfare Officer, Comrade Olisa Onwuka as Organizing Secretary and Comrade Adimabua Obienyi as Provost.
Speaking after the election, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Chief Nnanyem Ogwuda, Mazi III, commended the Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, for his unwavering support and contributions towards the successful conduct of the exercise.
Chief Ogwuda particularly thanked the monarch for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as Chairman of the Electoral Committee.
He also expressed appreciation to members of the Electoral Committee, especially the Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Stephen Obieakea, the Financial Secretary, Mr. Chibogwu Ikenwe, and Ogbueshi Chinedu Okafor, for their dedication and commitment in ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process.
The electoral committee chairman further acknowledged the support of youth chairmen from the four quarters of the community and members of the adhoc committee, whose contributions, he said, were instrumental to the success of the election.
Reacting to the outcome, the immediate past President-General of the Okpanam Youth Organization, Comrade Lucky Anthony Okolo, described the election as a true reflection of the collective will of the youths and people of Okpanam.
He noted that both Comrade Fidelis Okonma and Comrade Lucky Ntoka had distinguished themselves as committed and valuable contributors to the development of the community.
Okolo urged both contestants to see the election as a family affair and continue to work together in the interest of peace, unity and sustainable development of Okpanam.
He also advised the newly elected President-General to embrace an open-door leadership style and govern with the fear of God, fairness and inclusiveness.
The former youth leader recalled the support he received from both Okonma and Ntoka during his own election campaign and commended them for their patriotism, maturity and unwavering commitment to the progress of the community.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Christopher Agali, has congratulated Comrade Fidelis Okonma on his historic victory.
In a statement made available to journalists, Agali described the outcome of the election as a demonstration of the confidence and trust reposed in the new President-General by the youths and people of Okpanam.
He urged Okonma to provide purposeful leadership anchored on humility, inclusiveness and dedication to community development, while also encouraging members of the organization to rally behind the new leadership for the collective advancement of Okpanam.
The election is widely seen as a new chapter in the leadership of the Okpanam Youth Organization, with expectations high that the new executive will build on existing achievements and deepen youth participation in community development initiatives.
