IDU Holds 2025 Annual Conference, Takes Strategic Decisions on Sustainable Devt ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Kelvin Ohoror 

The Isoko Ethnic Nationality umbrella body, the Isoko Development Union (IDU) has concluded its Annual Conference in IDU secretariat, Oleh  Delta State, with a renewed advocacy for reshaping the Isoko political strategy  on sustainable development of the  Isoko Nation’s natural resources.

The Conference which brought together critical stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth leaders and women groups reviewed and deliberated on the ways IDU could be funded sustainably, to surmount socio-economic challenges confronting the Union.

In his welcome address, the President General of IDU, Prof. Chris Akpotu, reflecting on the year under review, underscored the urgent need to commit commensurate plans, actions and perhaps mental energies towards understanding how financial, material and psycho social resources could be deployed to the development and management of the Isoko project.

The PG urged IDU stakeholders to show love towards the Union; stating that "the greatest love you show to Isoko today, is to join in the discussion of how the IDU can be funded sustainably to meet contemporary demands and the very essence of why it exists", emphasizing that the Union is 'Broke'.

He noted that looking forward to the growth and development of Isoko, "we must emphasize our political vision by ensuring strategic scrutiny of our political journey routinely.

"Our political participation must be fashioned and fabricated towards a common goal in the years ahead. The house must not be divided against itself else it crumbles. God forbid, we will be quick to say, but let's use our behaviour and actions to achieve our desired results".

Prof. Akpotu, expressing his concern over attempts by 'brother berating brothers and sisters', over quality service delivery and the rising political animosity profile in Isoko, urged IDU stakeholders to harness energies to lowering it down.

"Let's get engaged in politics with honour, with a shared sense of it's characteristic inclusivity and the renewed sense of communalism. What we need now is politics of cooperation across all differences with a clear demonstration of wisdom. Our virtue of courage, responsibility, restraint and discipline should count as our asset for sustainable political ventures".

Prof Akpotu expressed appreciation to formidable Isoko sons and daughters that are the frontliners to the development stride such as Engr. Nelson Onwo at NDDC, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Hon. Pastor Engr. Ukodhiko Jonathan among others for their support and thanked participants for contributing to the success of the conference. 

He concluded by calling on leaders and stakeholders to support the growth of strong independent IDU as an ethnic nationality, noting that the Union is a platform vital for protecting the Isoko identity, resources and interests now and in the future.

Participants engaged in discussions aimed at identifying practical solutions to the sustainable development and strengthening the role of the IDU as a body to deliver on its mandate.

Earlier, the  member representing Isoko South Constituency 1, in the Delta state House of Assembly, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, commended the leadership of the President General, Prof Chris Akpotu, saying that it has encouraged him to always be in attendance at the activities of the Union. 

He also thanked immensely the Delta State Executive Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori  for the sustainable peace existing in the state, stating that the Governor has consistently maintained zero tolerance for crime while he encouraged the youths to shun crime and keep pace with the considerable peace so far achieved across the state.

He however, gave highlights of his stewardship account cataloguing contracts he executed across the constituency including renovation of water schemes, provision of solar lights, building of blocks of classrooms, and construction of roads among which is the Igbide - Olomoro road.

High point of the Conference was the inauguration of the Isoko Strategic Action Committee (ISAC) headed by Barr. Joe Arausi with a Co-Chairman of Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro while Hon. Ferguson Onwo is to serve as Secretary 1 and Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor as Secretary 2.

Other members are Chief (Mrs) Evelyn Aluta, Barr. Duncan Afahokor, Mrs Mini Igbrude, Barr. Vote Mukoro, the two Isoko Local Governments Chairmen - Hon. Friday Warri and Hon. Godwin Ogorugba.