A slap On Isoko People and A Big Lesson To Us All.
Yesterday the Isoko Youth House was commissioned, a big congratulations to the Eniwake Orogun led administration of INYA and special thanks to Tantita Security Services Limited led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo and High Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of the company for extending their hands of kind gesture to Isoko Youth.
Years ago, the Isoko Youth House foundation was erected by the then President of INYA, Comrade Ovie Umuakpo. As a journalist, I covered the foundation laying ceremony of the House by the Delta State Honourable Commissioner for Youth and my good friend, Ifeanyi Egwuyenga and chaired by my then boss, Hon Jude Omena Ogbimi. And in the speech of the Honourable Commissioner, he said; "Isoko Ethnic nationality Youth has made a history, to have a Youth House and the first among all Ethnic Nationalities Youths in Delta State". I was watching and pray for this project to be completed, even when part of it collapsed. Yesterday, I witnessed the reality of this laudable project. And I give glory to God Almighty, even though I couldn't meet Comrade Ovie Umuakpo and Comrade Amos Ogbokor Etaluku to congratulate them due to official engagement.
After the foundation laying ceremony, from my investigation, I learnt so many notable Isoko people fought against the location of the Isoko Youth House in Ozoro. Some, most especially those in the corridors of power who never wanted to hear the name INYA and those who floated other Youth bodies in Isoko nation just because of the security votes from DESOPADEC and other government agencies criticised the then Isoko North Local Government Council chairman, Hon Emmanuel Egbabor for giving that piece of land owned by the Local Government to Comrade Ovie Umuakpo to erect the structure. But thank God, the two Council Chairmen then never adhere to their agitation and yesterday, that structure dream came to reality, courtesy of Tantita Security Services Limited who ensure that its completed.
My pains and truth be told: Over the past years that the structure was erected, we have had so many Isoko sons and daughters in Government who can facilitate the completion most especially in DESOPADEC and NDDC. But reverse was the case, an Ijaw man released about 150milion naira to complete the said structure and its so unfortunate that till now, we are not ashamed or never learn from our mistakes or read the handwriting on the walls. Tomorrow, when the need arises to reciprocate this Favour, we will cast fruitless blames.
My question is, from the few years back till date, what is 150milion that can't be raised from DESOPADEC or NDDC to fund the said project? Because of greed and selfishness, we couldn't achieve that. But thank God, the Almighty God who never seeks man permission before blessing anyone has used an outsider to complete it. Thank God, I was not in position to speak that yesterday because my speech would have ridiculed so many present and absent.
Take it or leave it, this gesture is a slap on the entire Isoko-nation. I pray and hope we learn from this ahead for future occurrence.
Comrade Jerry Oghenefegor Hezekiah Ovedhe
Journalist and Analysts.