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By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
Uwheru Community in Bayelsa State, under the aegis of Uwheru Development Union (UDU) Bayelsa State chapter, recently organized a reception in honour of CSP Benjamin Gometi who was recently transferred to the state’s police command.
It was a gathering of who is who from Uwheru of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State residing in all the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State.
Among some prominent sons of Uwheru present were Engr. Gabriel Obavbo, Joel Idama, Simeon Utokoro, a business tycoon, Emmanuel Utokoro, Emmanuel Taiga, former chairman UDU, Wilfred Edohore, Chief Peter Koko, Pastor Sylvanus Irhobo, Ezekiel Sapele, Godfrey Etah and Chief John Oghoro among others.
In his opening remarks, chairman of Uwheru Development Union, Bayelsa State chapter Olorogun Charles Oruru said the entire indigenes of Uwheru had deemed it fit to organize a reception to honor CSP Benjamin Gometi who was recently transferred to Bayelsa State and reiterated the importance of the Uwheru Development Union as the apex socio-cultural organization of Uwheru sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora, which has been the only opportunity available for its members’ welfare and the development of the community at home, as the monthly meeting also create a platform for the members to ensure there is unity and cooperation among the members, as injury to one is an injury to all.
He used the opportunity to appeal to members to be dedicated and committed to the union’s activities, adding that there are many benefits that members will enjoy by attending the monthly meetings and other activities.
He decried the nonchalant and lackadaisical attitude of members, and pleaded for massive attendance. He directed the secretary to ensure that all those who attended the meeting were sent SMS during the May 2019 meeting at Opolo, the residence of the chairman by 3:oo pm prompt.
In his response, CSP Benjamin Gometi stressed that he was overwhelmed and considered it an honour he would not forget in a hurry. He commended the executive and members of the UDU for the reception and prayed that God will give the entire members the opportunity to celebrate each other.
He also advised members to live in harmony with other ethnic groups and the host communities, engage in legitimate businesses and avoid any criminal activities as the law is no respecter of anybody.
Gometi also used the opportunity to extol and eulogized the leadership and selfless efforts of one of Uwheru patriot and illustrious son, late Chief Brown Bluff Ewenode Idigbe who used his political influence to attract electricity, secondary school and water to Uwheru Community, adding that “since his demise we are yet to have his type. These type of leaders are worthy of emulation by this generation and since UDU is non- profit organization every member should contribute his quarter towards the development of Uwheru and disabuse their minds from asking of what will they benefit from associating with Uwheru Development Union.
He delved into the history of his interest and influence in encouraging the unity of Urhobos in places he had served both in Nigeria and outside the country, noting that “The importance of joining one’s community meeting cannot be over-emphasized.”
He also towed the line of the Branch chairman of UDU by reiterating on the need to forge unity and love among members and solicited for collaboration of every son and daughter of Uwheru residing in Bayelsa State to form a formidable association, as he decried the absence of the wives of members who operate their own wing.
In his contribution, Olorogun Aherhoke Amos Okioma emphasized that the importance of associating and belonging to Uwheru Development Union cannot be over-emphasized and that the members of Uwheru Development Union (UDU) have been playing prominent role in the activities of Urhobo Progress Union worldwide, (UPU) Bayelsa State chapter where its members have been elected as secretary and financial secretary to serve two consecutive terms, just as due to the need for equity, fairness and unity the zoning arrangement has indicated the next chairman of UPU in Bayelsa State to be zoned to Uwheru and Abraka.
Also due to the recognition accorded Uwheru among the comity of clans in Urhobo, three sons were nominated and conferred with chieftaincy titles as cabinet members who attend meetings with the Okobaro I of Urhobo in Bayelsa State’s palace, HRH King Joshua Apoyi Aweyu. They are Olorogun Charles Oruru, Olorogun Aherhoke Amos Okioma and Olorogun David Gometi who are distinguished custodians of Urhobo culture and traditions and their contributions to the activities of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) since its inception in Bayelsa State.
