The newly elected President-General of Ogoni-Olomu Community, Prince Sony Jifas Ogbon (JP), has assumed office with a pledge to foster peace, unity, transparency and sustainable development in the community.
Ogbon, who spoke during the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the new executive council, called on sons and daughters of Ogoni-Olomu to close ranks and work collectively towards restoring the lost glory of the community.
He said his administration would operate an open-door policy and ensure that every segment of the community was carried along in its programmes and policies, irrespective of family, sectional, political or personal affiliations.
According to him, the mandate entrusted to the new executive council was not merely about occupying leadership positions, but a call to service and a responsibility to protect the collective interests and welfare of the people.
Ogbon appealed to chiefs, elders, youths, women and other stakeholders to support the new administration with constructive ideas, counsel and meaningful contributions capable of advancing the development of Ogoni-Olomu.
He identified disunity as one of the major obstacles to the progress of the community, assuring that his administration would give priority to peace-building, reconciliation and dialogue in addressing disputes and disagreements.
The President-General urged community members to rise above political differences, family disputes and sectional interests, stressing that the interest of Ogoni-Olomu should remain paramount.
“Politics will come and go, but our community will remain,” he said, urging members of the community to embrace the culture of disagreeing without becoming enemies and to resort to peaceful dialogue in resolving conflicts.
On youth development, Ogbon said his administration would make empowerment a major priority, with plans to pursue employment, vocational training and skills-acquisition opportunities for youths.
He disclosed that the new executive would engage government agencies, oil and gas companies, contractors, private investors and other organisations operating in and around Ogoni-Olomu to create opportunities for young people.
He also appealed to the youths to embrace peace and channel their energies towards initiatives that would contribute positively to the growth and development of the community.
The President-General assured the women of Ogoni-Olomu, including Eweya and Emete re Ogoni-Olomu, of adequate representation and inclusion in the administration’s development programmes.
He said the administration would support initiatives aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment, small-scale businesses, skills acquisition and improved welfare.
Ogbon further emphasised the need for collective responsibility, noting that the executive council alone could not achieve the desired development without the active participation of the people.
He therefore called on sons and daughters of Ogoni-Olomu, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite and contribute their quota towards the advancement of the community.
He also pledged to strengthen the relationship between Ogoni-Olomu and the Delta State Government, the local government council, relevant federal agencies and other development partners to attract meaningful projects and opportunities to the community.
The new President-General urged the people to support the administration with prayers, ideas and constructive criticism, assuring that the executive council remained committed to serving the community with transparency, accountability and dedication.
