The President-General of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Chief Amechi Asugwuni, has reaffirmed the commitment of the apex socio-cultural body of the Ndokwa Nation to strengthening collaboration with neighbouring ethnic groups as part of efforts to promote peace, unity and sustainable development across Delta State.
Chief Asugwuni made this known when members of the Aniocha/Oshimili Elders Association, popularly known as Izu-Ikei, paid a courtesy visit to the executive committee of the NNU at Ndokwa House in Kwale, headquarters of Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
Welcoming the delegation, the NNU President-General described the visit as a journey of peace, understanding and unity, noting that the association’s recognition of the Ndokwa Nation was a positive step towards building stronger ties among the various ethnic nationalities in Delta North and the state at large.
“As an organisation, NNU believes strongly in unity, and such unity must be demonstrated through meaningful engagement and collaboration. Your visit today is a recognition of the Ndokwa Nation as a whole, and we deeply appreciate it,” Asugwuni said.
He noted that the age and experience of the visiting elders symbolised wisdom and leadership, adding that their presence would further enhance efforts aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.
According to him, the NNU is committed to building stronger relationships with neighbouring communities and intends to commence consultations with major towns and stakeholders across Delta North to deepen cooperation and address common concerns affecting the people.
“We must bring our experiences from different fields to bear in solving our collective challenges. Delta North should begin to identify its common problems and utilise its shared values to promote progress and development,” he said.
Chief Asugwuni further stated that the request for collaboration by the Aniocha/Oshimili elders aligns with the aspirations of the Ndokwa people, assuring that the visit would be reciprocated.
He expressed support for greater cooperation among the seven ethnic nationalities in Delta State, stressing that a united front would provide a stronger platform for addressing developmental issues.
“We support the convergence of all the seven ethnic nationalities in Delta State to chart a better course for our people. Let us begin with a Delta North summit that will provide a platform for dialogue, understanding and collective action,” he added.
The NNU President-General thanked the elders for the visit and reiterated the union’s commitment to fostering peace, unity and inclusive development.
Earlier, the leader of the Aniocha/Oshimili Elders Association (Izu-Ikei), Prince Clement Okonjo, said the organisation was established to promote peace, unity and collective advancement among the people of Anioma.
He expressed concern that Anioma people were not making sufficient progress in some areas of development and representation, stressing the need for greater cooperation among communities in Delta North.
“We are here to introduce ourselves as a registered organisation dedicated to promoting peace and unity. Whenever issues affect our people, we should be able to join hands to pursue common interests,” Okonjo said.
He emphasised that the association is non-partisan and not affiliated with any political party but would not remain silent on matters affecting the welfare and progress of Anioma people.
“Our visit is to seek collaboration in our quest to build a united and progressive Anioma Nation. There is a need for stronger unity in Delta North so that issues affecting our people can be properly articulated and effectively addressed,” he added.
The visit ended with both organisations expressing readiness to work together towards strengthening unity, advancing common interests and promoting lasting peace and development across Delta North and Delta State.
