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Tag: Okpe Union

  • Nigeria should have 15 States, not 36 – Okpe Union

    Nigeria should have 15 States, not 36 – Okpe Union

    Okpe Union, the oldest registered ethnic nationality organization in Nigeria has recommended that the country should be having 15 States and not the 36 States the country is currently having.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Okpe Union was established on May 16, 1930 and registered on December 13, 1934 under the Land (Perpetual Succession) Ordinance of 1924.

    Okpe Union’s President General, Prof. Igho Natufe made the recommendation on Friday in Lagos at a news conference held as part of activities to mark the union’s 95th Anniversary and General Assembly.

    “As a framework for a restructured federal Nigeria, we propose the following:

    “The creation of homogeneous federating states for the 15 most populous ethnic nationalities that have contiguous boundaries, respectively.

    “These federating units will be 15 homogeneous ethnic-based states for the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Kanuri, Ibibio, Okpe, Tiv, among others, “ Natufe said.

    He reiterated the union’s call for state police, restoration of true federalism and good governance, and also called for the proposed national population census to be conducted by employing best technology.

    According to him, this is to avoid past outcomes where exercises did not command the confidence of many parts of the country and Nigerians as to their credibility.

    He also urged the National Assembly and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work in synergy to ensure a timely review of the country’s Electoral Laws and regulations.

    He urged both bodies to ensure that the votes of Nigerians in all parts of the country would truly  count in the 2027 presidential elections.

    Natufe urged political leaders to ensure welfare of citizens and stability of the Nigerian polity.

    “It is with good governance, which in turn translates to  improved well-being of the people that increases  confidence the people will have in the democratic process which we must acknowledge, has not been very high amongst the people of Nigeria in recent times, “ he said.

    The leader said the union would continue to strive for a stronger Okpe nation and explore ways and means to curtail the educational deficits of Okpe people, in national and foreign educational institutions.

    “Toward this end, the following shall be pursued vigorously: the teaching of Okpe Language in all primary and post primary educational institutions; it will include the privately owned schools.

    “Also, the use of Okpe language in all places of worship in Okpe, Delta  shall be encouraged, “ Natufe said.

    TNG reports Okpe is one of the major tribes in Delta State, southern Nigeria.

  • Okpe Union, UK hails Gov Okowa over support for Oborevwori

    Okpe Union, UK hails Gov Okowa over support for Oborevwori

    The Okpe Union branch in the United Kingdom (UK) has rained praises on Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his overwhelming support for their kinsman, Governor-elect Sheriff Oborevwori.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Okpe Union UK hailed Governor Okowa for his support for Oborevwori before and during the 2023 general elections.

    In an appreciation letter to Okowa, the Union wrote: “Your Excellency, the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, as Governor-Elect, was a great honour done to Okpe Kingdom.

    “We are indeed very grateful and appreciative. God made it possible through you”.

    The appreciation letter was endorsed by Okakuro Godwin Ogholo – President, Mrs. Shirley Okechukwu – Vice President, Mr. John Ewhubare Siakpere (JP) – Publicity Secretary, Mr. Eghele Sylvester Atughwe – Secretary General, Mrs. Florence Avwunu- Treasurer, Dr. Richard Stephens- Assistant Secretary General and Okakuro Peter Enye – The Togbaturi of Okpe Kingdom.

    According to them; “For us in Okpe Kingdom of Delta State, the emergence of our Son and Brother, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori as Delta State Governor in the March 18th , 2023, all we can see and talk about is God’s Glory, and we give God and your esteemed self all the glory. It is heartwarming to note the faith, confidence and hope you reposed in our kinsman as your worthy successor”.

    “Okpe Union, United Kingdom, wishes to state in the strongest possible terms that our kinsman will not let you and Deltans down. He will reciprocate this gesture by making huge sacrifices and work harder to consolidate on the gains already recorded under the SMART AGENDA of your administration by his faithful implementation of his MORE AGENDA”, they added.

    They also said that; “Your Excellency, the support you gave to Okpe quest for governorship of our dear state means so much to us. Governor Okowa, we say thank you, thank you and thank you”.

  • Certificate of Return: Okpe Union, UK congratulates Oborevwori

    Certificate of Return: Okpe Union, UK congratulates Oborevwori

    The Okpe indigenes in Diaspora under the aegis of Okpe Union, UK, have congratulated Delta State Governor-Elect, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, over Wednesday’s issuance of Cerfiticate of Return to him by the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (INEC).

    The group stated that Wednesday’s development, which took place at INEC’s state’s headquarters in Asaba, was an affirmation of Rt Hon Oborevwori ‘s resounding victory in the March 18th governorship election in the state.

    The Okpe Union, UK, described Rt Hon Oborevwori ‘s success in the election as “well-deserved,” describing Oborevwori as the right man to succeed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    The statement was signed by the group’s President, Okakuro Godwin Ogholo; Vice President, Mrs. Shirley Okechukwu and Publicity Secretary, Mr. John Ewhubare Siakpere, LLM, (JP).

    Other signatories to the statement, made available to newsmen in Warri, on Wednesday are Secretary-General, Mr. Eghele Sylvester Atughwe; Treasurer, Mrs. Florence Avwunu and Assistant Secretary-General, Dr. Richard Stephens.

    “We are happy and rejoice over the victory of Okakuro Sheriff Oborevwori, the Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom in the March 18th, 2023 governorship election in Delta State. We are even happier that the Cerfiticate of Returns has been presented to him today, Wednesday, March 29th, 2023, in an affirmation of his victory in the gubernatorial polls,” the group, added in the statement.

    The Okpe Union leaders in the United Kingdom expressed joy that the highest political office in Delta State was ceded to Okpe axis of the state in the 2023 elections by majority of Deltans, who were unanimous in their judgement that Rt Hon Oborevwori was the best man for the job.

    They thanked Deltans across the three senatorial districts of the state for voting their kinsman, assuring Deltans that they would not regret the gesture.

    “It’s a thing of joy that the Okpe axis of Delta State realised its agelong aspiration of producing the Governor of Delta State in the 2023 general elections, with the emergence of Okakuro, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as the Governor-Elect.”

    “We are excited by this development and we are grateful to God and Deltans, across the nooks and crannies of the state, who, made this feat possible,” the Okpe Union leaders, added excitedly.

  • Delta 2023: United, Okpe will win – Okpe Union

    Delta 2023: United, Okpe will win – Okpe Union

    Okpe Union has urged every son and daughter of Okpe, home and abroad, aggrieved or not, to work in unity to ensure an Okpe person emerges the governor of Delta State in 2023.

    Professor Emurobome Idolor, President-General of Okpe Union made this known in a statement on Saturday, while expressing thanks to Okpe aspirants for showing interest in the governorship election.

    “Next year March, 2023 is the election month for Delta State governorship aspirants. May I thank our courageous politicians who have indicated interest in the governorship race and those who are fine tuning their efforts. May God bless your effort in the name of Jesus Christ.

    “Okpe peak solidarity and determination must be shown in this context, the political party notwithstanding. Every Okpe son and daughter, home and abroad, aggrieved or not, must work to achieve this goal. United we shall win,” Idolor stated.

    Read full statement below

    Dear members of the great Okpe Union, we thank the Almighty God for saving our lives in the just-ended 2021 year of uncertainty and landing us safe in this prosperous alternative of 2022.

    Needless to mention Covid-19, omicron version, inflation, notorious herdsmen invasions, kidnapping and serial motor accidents.

    In all these, God’s refuge sheltered us to shore including our revered monarch, HRM, the Orodje of Okpe kingdom, his lieutenants, political leaders and our families. He is worthy of our appreciation, praise and adoration. Amen.

    HRM and indeed the Udogun-Okpe have been so supportive with concern for the unity and progress of the Union. Umogun, Wu na re to!

    We are more than grateful for your unalloyed support, encouragement and prayers from all branches of the Union across the globe.

    The benevolence of members to communities by the end of 2021, is unparalleled. To you all, I say, thanks a million for being our brothers’ keeper. We wish them targeted results soonest.

    With your cooperation in our last year’s Congress, we were able to put in place the Board of Trustees with whom the reactivation of the more than 80 years dormant status of the Union is now being pursued. We have spent a whopping sum of N3,750,000.00 for this purpose. Thanks to the Udogun-Okpe for the funding. We are hopeful that the reactivation will materialise before the handover date.

    This new year 2022 is spectacular as we MUST conduct Okpe Union national EXCO election and handover on schedule. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited.

    Next year March, 2023 is the election month for Delta State governorship aspirants. May I thank our courageous politicians who have indicated interest in the governorship race and those who are fine tuning their efforts. May God bless your effort in the name of Jesus Christ.

    Okpe peak solidarity and determination must be shown in this context, the political party notwithstanding. Every Okpe son and daughter, home and abroad, aggrieved or not, must work to achieve this goal. United we shall win.

    It is left to wish every bonafide Okpe citizen, a happy and prosperous new year 2022 filled with abundance, peace, good health and elevation.

    Hip, Hip Hip, Hurray!!!

  • Okpe Union holds 91st anniversary

    Okpe Union holds 91st anniversary

    Former military administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (Retd), world-class consultant, Moses Akpobasah and other prominent Okpe leaders will speak at the 91st anniversary of Okpe Union.

    The event will hold on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at Okpe Union Headquarters, 65 Moshalasi Street, Obalende, Lagos.

    The theme of the event, according to General Secretary, Okpe Union, Barrister Kingsley Akpederin is “Repositioning Okpe Union for the next century’’.

    “The union’s election on Saturday, May 15, 2021 and the 91st anniversary in Okpe House, Lagos will be the launching pad for the unity and development of the kingdom.

    ‘’Okpe Union, the umbrella body uniting all communities in Okpe kingdom, has since its inception in 1930 become a formidable forum for Okpe people to express solidarity in their collective quest for economic empowerment and political emancipation within the context of their belief in one, united and prosperous Okpe kingdom in particular and Nigeria in general.

    ‘’This year’s event promises to be unique because it is coming against the backdrop of a sensitive political consciousness among Okpe towards a reassertion of their ethnic and cultural identity, and a clear re-definition of their positioning within the political landscape of the Nigerian nation state.

    ‘’The event is being organized to promote Okpe culture, review the state of development in Okpe kingdom, provide fresh and in-depth perspectives to Okpe issues and identify critical factors in the development of the kingdom,’’ Kingsley Akpederin said in a statement issued in Sapele.

    Delegates from Ghana, South Africa, Europe and America have started arriving Lagos as of Tuesday evening for the event.

  • 2023: Support Okpe person for Governor – Union urges Deltans

    2023: Support Okpe person for Governor – Union urges Deltans

    The Okpe Union, the umbrella body of Okpe sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora has urged Deltans to support an Okpe person for the position of governor come 2023.

    This was part of a communique issued at the end of the Union’s annual general conference/convention held on Saturday at the Udogun Hall, Orerokpe, the ancestral home of the Okpe people.

    The annual general conference/convention held with the theme: “Repositioning Okpe Union for the Unity and Development of Okpe Kingdom, and was attended by delegates and representatives of Okpe Union branches from different parts of Nigeria.

    The resulting communique was passed unanimously by all members, delegates and representatives of Okpe Union branches in attendance.

    At the meeting, the congress considered a number of key issues, including consideration of Okpe Governorship candidate for the 2023 elections to hold in Delta State.

    Delegates at the conference seized the opportunity to call on the Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and well-meaning Delta State indigenes to support the emergence of an Okpe person as governor of the state come 2023.

    The delegates noted that Okpe kingdom is the most peaceful kingdom in the State and has a very investor friendly environment.

    They also called on the Federal Government to complete all ongoing Federal projects in the kingdom.

    The Okpe Union called for the establishment of Agro-Allied industries in Okpe kingdom.

    The Union also called on all Okpe sons and daughters to come together and eschew bitterness, divisiveness and dis-unity that hinders the progress of Okpe people.

    The communique was signed by Prof. Emurobome Idolor, interim President General of the Union; Dr. Godfrey Enita, interim Secretary of the Union, and all Okpe Union Branch Chairmen.

  • Okpe Union headquarters gets interim executives

    Okpe Union headquarters gets interim executives

    The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Maj. Gen. Felix A. Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue 1 has ordered the dissolution of Okpe Union Headquarters executives with immediate effect and replaced it with interim executives.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement signed the Okpe King and made available to newsmen.

    The statement reads:

    Since the inauguration of the present Executive of the Okpe Union about 4 years ago, precisely on 17th November 2016, there had been a lot of crises and divisions among the members of the Executive.

    You may recall that on more than four occasions, I had personally intervened to resolve the differences and crises but to no avail. The inability of the Exco members to work as a team has adversely affected the proper functioning of the Union.

    In the light of the foregoing and in order to ensure the survival of the Union and for it to function optimally in line with the aims and objectives of the Union’s founding fathers, I Orhue 1, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom by the power conferred on me by section 5.5. 1.1 (b) & (c) of the Okpe Constitution hereby, on this 3rd day of October 2020 dissolve the National Executive of Okpe Union with immediate effect and replace it with an Interim Executive made up of the following persons.

    (1) Prof. Em Robowash Idolor – President General (PG)

    (2) Okakuro Barr. Bright Igbako – Deputy President (DOG)

    (3) Dr. Godfrey Enita – Secretary

    (4) Mrs. Frances .N. Edafe -Treasurer

    (5) Mr. Moses Akpere -Financial Secretary

    (6) Barr. Matthew Karieren – Legal Adviser

    (7) Prof. Kenneth Eni – Publicity Secretary

    (8) Okakuro (Barr) Hudson Orhorho – Member

    (9) Okakuro Best Umukoro – Member

    TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE.

    The terms of Reference of the Interim Executive are: a) To run the affairs of the Union for two (2) years from the date of their inauguration, that is, 31 October, 2020.

    b) To study the Constitution of the Okpe Union and identify areas that have adversely affected the smooth operation of the Union’s activities and suggest amendments for the approval of the congress.

    c) To identify the relationship and work out a synergy between Okpẹ Union Nigeria and Okpe Union North America.

    d) To suggest ways of generating funds for the smooth running of the Union’s activities.

    e) To ensure that there is prompt takeover of the Union’s property(ies) in Lagos as well as all essential documents/revenue by the headquarters in Orerokpe and ensure that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Certificate of incorporation of the Union is obtained from the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja as soon as possible.

    f) To conduct election for a new executive based on the amended constitution.

    g) To ensure that no member of the dissolved Executive contests the next election

    h) To ensure that any member of the Interim Executive wishing to contest the next election resigns his/her position 6 months before the said election.

    i) To settle all subsisting disputes in any of the branches of the Union.

    Finally, I wish all members of the dissolved Executive Committee, and of the Interim Executive Committee best services in their endeavour.

  • Open letter to National Executive Council of Okpe Union, By Prof. O. Igho Natufe

    Open letter to National Executive Council of Okpe Union, By Prof. O. Igho Natufe

    AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

    OF THE OKPE UNION

    • INTRODUCTION

    As elected members of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, your core responsibility is to promote and protect Okpe interests in Delta State and in Nigeria. Unfortunately, what we have observed since your election in 2016 is the continuous power struggle that has brought disrepute to Okpe. Due to the focus on personal interests the leadership of NEC has failed to articulate any policy or programme beneficial to the Okpe Nation. Your collective failure in this regard has diminished the status of the Okpe Union as an organization established to project Okpe. In fact, you have demonstrated an inability to speak for Okpe. That Okpe is the most populous monolithic ethnic nationality in Delta State becomes irrelevant vis-à-vis the robust policies being pursued by other ethnic nationalities in articulating their respective interests and identities in Delta State. What you have excelled at is an internal scramble for power that is detrimental to Okpe Union. Thus, you have forfeited your collective responsibilities to the Okpe Nation.

    • ESCALATION OF CRISIS

    HRM Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom has invested his time to mediate the crisis in NEC. This is vividly evident in the resolutions of the MINUTES OF MEETING AT THE INSTANCE OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS OF OKPE UNION AT ORODJE PALACE, OREROKPE ON WEDNESDAY, 29TH JANUARY 2020. There was a justifiable glimmer of hope that peace would prevail in NEC and that you would begin to behave responsibly in managing the affairs of the Okpe Union. Unfortunately, the reverse has been the case since that meeting. You have continued to exhibit dysfunctional attitudes that have caused grave disarray in the Okpe Union. The Report of the meeting of NEC on August 29, 2020 demonstrates the depth of disarray that has engulfed the NEC and it seriously underlines your inability as a collective to manage the affairs of the Okpe Union. (A copy of the Report is attached.)

    • WHAT IS TO BE DONE?

    There is truth in the postulation that a society gets the leadership it deserves. Leadership and followership are vital features of the growth and development of a society. For a society to grow and develop positively it is imperative for both properties to operate from an agreed prism based on progressive constructs. Good governance and ethical behaviour are enhanced when a conscious followership acts as an engaged monitor of the conduct of leaders. But when followership is docile, leadership tends to gravitate towards undemocratic characteristics as, unfortunately, we now witness in the NEC of the Okpe Union.

    There is a need, now more urgent than ever, for Okpe nationals to participate in the affairs of the Okpe Union at all levels – village, town, district, etc. It is only by this active engagement that we can begin to expect a positive turn in the style of leadership. Such an active engagement must be anchored on objective reviews and constructive criticisms of the activities of the leadership. Thus, we need to instigate a re-birth or renewal of Okpe Union.

    This renewal must commence at the next Annual General Assembly (AGA) that is to elect a new NEC to replace the current NEC whose tenure expires on November 17, 2020. Towards this end, it is expected that you, as current members of NEC, will ensure that all constitutional requirements are complied with regarding the election of a new NEC by November 17, 2020. There should be no thought of aborting this process. There should be no room for a repetition of the shameful display that occurred at the NEC meeting on August 29, 2020.

    • CONCLUDING REMARKS

    The Okpe Union was established in 1930. Unfortunately, the NEC failed to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Okpe Union because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a general view that if you were united you could have published a statement celebrating the 90th anniversary in various newspapers and electronic media in Nigeria.

    It is also painfully observed that there is a reluctance of Okpe nationals from various professions – academia, politics, businessmen/women, etc. – in identifying with the Okpe Union. One of the immediate tasks of a new NEC is to devise a strategic recruitment drive of Okpe in these categories at all levels – village, town, district, etc. We have to put all hands on deck to improve Okpe Union, and to build an Okpe Union that will boldly and proudly promote and defend our Okpe Identity.

    Have a blessed weekend.

    God bless the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.

    God bless the Okpe Kingdom.

    God bless the Okpe Union.

    Prof. O. Igho Natufe

  • Okpe sons, daughters hold 11th annual convention in North America

    The Okpe Union of North America (OUNA) has announced plans to hold the 11th annual convention of all sons and daughters of Okpe kingdom in North America.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the 11th annual convention of the OUNA will hold from Friday 24th of May through Monday 27th of May, 2019 at Clarion Hotel – Indianapolis Airport, Indianapolis, capital of Indiana.

    The convention, to hold in the Hoosier State, has “Repositioning Okpe Kingdom for Strategic Development” as it’s theme, with Professor Ovaborhene Isaac Idamoyibo of the University of Jos, Nigeria as keynote speaker.

    According to a statement by the local organizing committee under the chairmanship of Chief Onisuru Otomewo, arrangements have been put in place to ensure success of the convention.

    He advised Okpe sons and daughters to make early preparations for the convention in order for them to avoid last minute rush.

    Chief Otemewo stated that participants can register for the convention using the Attendance Registration Form on the OUNA website.

    “All convention attendees/delegates are expected to register online at www.okpeunionamerica.org.

    “Every concerns and correspondence can be directed to the General Secretary of the Union, Pastor John Okperuvwe through info@okpeunionamerica.org,” he said.

    TNG reports Okpe Union, founded in 1930, is the umbrella body for all sons and daughters of Okpe kingdom.

    While Chief Robert Onome is the current President General of Okpe Union Worldwide, Edward Ederaine is the President of OUNA.

    The Okpe kingdom, established as early as the 17th century, has a traditional ruler with the title Orodje Okpe.

    The Okpe people are known to have migrated to found the present day Sapele and Okpe Local Government areas of Delta State, Nigeria.

    The Okpe kingdom is made up of 12 districts with 110 towns and villages.

    The Orodje Okpe is HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakpero, Orhue 1, who also exercises authority over Sapele LGA.