By Lucy Ezeliora
A new executive of Igbodo Development Union (IDU) has been elected to oversee the affairs of the community in Ika North East local government area of Delta State, Nigeria.
The election which was the highpoint of the Igbodo Annual Conference 2024, convened by His Royal Majesty, Barrister Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume I, The Ikukuoma of Igbodo kingdom saw the emergence of Mr. Godwin Oji as the new President General (PG).
Also elected were the First Vice General, Mr Ikechukwu Okwudi; Second Vice General,
Mr Nwaeke Justin; Secretary General Mr Abel Uzu; Assistant Secretary General, Mrs Esther Uche Anyia; Financial Secretary, A. Charles; Treasurer Michael Uyanne; PRO Ekene Uzoma; Director of Socials and Culture China Azi; First Provost Ifeanyi Ofili and Second Provost Chinonso Akaba.
Delegates to the conference were drawn from branches of Igbodo Development Union at home and in the diaspora, including representatives of all the organs of administration, representatives of all the quarters in a keenly contested election held Saturday under peaceful atmosphere.
Announcing the results, the Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr Monday Ebenuwa said, Mr. Godwin Oji was the popular choice of Igbodo people to pilot the affairs as the only candidate nominated to oppose him voluntarily withdrew himself in favour of Mr. Oji.
Elated Obi of Igbodo Kingdom, HRM, Obi (Barr) Ikechukwu Osedume 1, expressed his satisfaction on the peaceful conduct of the election and charged the newly-elected executives of Igbodo Development Union (IDU) worldwide to work diligently towards the overall development of the community.
He noted that with his antecedent as the President of IDU Warri branch for six years, Mr. Oji is a tested, committed, and patriotic Igbodo citizen hence the massive support and acceptance he geneareed.
The Monarch while describing the election as critical in view of the strategic position of the community to the State as the food basket of the nation called on the new Exco to synergise by carrying everybody along.
“We are all interested in promoting development across all quarters in the communities, through the entrenchment of democratically-elected town union executives.
“I appreciate the people of Igbodo for their cooperation in coming out en masse for the conference from every part of the world, this is one of the most transparent elections conducted in the history of Igbodo community and I urge the PG and his Executives to work effectively towards giving the community more facelifts”.
The royal father, also thanked the outgoing Interim Management Committee for the service they rendered to the community selflessly for the past five years.
Also speaking the Odogwu of Igbodo Kingdom, Chief Ifeoha Azikiwe commended the role of the Electoral Committee led by Mr. Monday Ebenuwa, in ensuring that the election was successful and conducted in a transparent manner.
The new Igbodo PG, Oji, In his acceptance speech, described the election as divine just as he commended the Obi and the electoral committee for delivering a transparent and credible election to Igbodo people.
His words “I am happy that I was elected, I promise my leadership and executives will accomplish every task assigned to us, just as we will work for greater achievements for the community.
“We are all very happy and grateful to God for making today a reality. The expectations of the great people of Igbodo will be met because our tenure will be as transparent as possible and focused on meeting the demands of our people.
“I will, in my address to Igbodo people soon, present a detailed development agenda for the community.
“Once again I thank God Almighty and congratulate our people to whom this victory primarily belongs and I extend my hand of fellowship to my colleagues in the executive and enjoin them to join me in this onerous task of uniting and rebuilding our dear kingdom Igbodo” he added.
