News From Nigeria
The Okpe Union on Friday emphasized its roles in revolutionizing Okpe Kingdom and uplifting a lot of the people.
‘Notwithstanding the destabilization policy by His Royal Majesty, Orhue l and the renegades since 2021, we have made significant progress in the execution of numerous projects. We have brought to the forefront a positive profile of the Okpe ethnic nationality in several fora in Nigeria. We have reestablished the autonomy of the Okpe Union by securing the landmark Judgement and Ruling of the Federal High Court, Lagos and the Federal High Court, Abuja, respectively. We contributed financially and morally to the success of the Okpe Cultural Day events of the National Association of Okpe Students in various Higher Institutions. We sponsored and secured a number of jobs for nine deserving Okpe Youths’’.
At a world press conference in Lagos, President General of the Okpe Union (Worldwide), Prof Igho Natufe, said the Okpe Union featured in national and local discourse which has enabled the Okpe Nation to be respected in the comity of ethnic nationalities.
‘’We submitted proposed projects and presented administrative advice to all levels of Government since the last General Elections in the country and Delta State during the tenure. We ensured the celebration of worthy heroes of the Okpe Union and the Okpe Nation as exemplified, in particular, in the burial ceremony of the Late Okpe hero, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Osume of Mereje, who contributed in no small measure to Okpe consciousness and identity in his written works, and actions while he was alive’’.
The union complained about the educational deficits of Okpe nationals in national and foreign educational institutions.
‘’Frequently referred to as the largest mono-ethnic nationality in Delta State, it is however regrettable that Okpe is arguably the less educated ethnic nationality in Delta State. Okpe Union shall continue to explore ways and means to curtail the educational deficits of Okpe nationals, in national and foreign educational institutions.
The Union vowed to strive for a stronger Okpe Nation through the teaching of Okpe Language in all primary and post primary educational institutions in Okpe Nation including the privately owned schools
‘’The use of Okpe Language in all places of worship in Okpe Nation shall be encouraged. The union will attract investments to the Okpe Nation, liaise with local, state and federal governments for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality so that the shortchanging of the Okpe Nation in DESOPADEC/NDDC Projects, Bursary Slots etc, would be a thing of the past and organize empowerment programmes for Okpe youths and women’’.
The Union also promised to foster collaboration and cooperation in Okpe Nation.
‘’It is our hope that all stakeholders of the Okpe Nation shall realize that the Okpe Union means well with all these view points and projections. The Unity of Okpe can enable her to overcome many of the seemingly difficult issues. With an open mind, the Newly Sworn National Executive Council which I am once again privileged to head for the next four years promises to foster collaboration and cooperation in the Okpe Nation’’.