OPF Visits Ugborhen President

On Monday, June 14, 2021, the Executive members of the Forum led by the President, Professor Kenneth Eni, went on a solidarity visit to the President of the famous Ugborhen Community, Dr Nelson Ukoko, who is also a founding member of the Forum and a member of the Board of Trustees.

The visit also presented the opportunity for The Forum to felicitate with him on his election as the President of the Community.

In his presentation on behalf of the Forum, the President acknowledged the pleasure for the warm reception given to them.

He also appreciated Dr Ukoko for his commitment to the Okpe struggle within and outside the Forum.

Of importance, he commended and expressed solidarity with the President of the Community for his participation on the joint position taken by the Oil producing Communities in Okpe kingdom regarding the General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) of SEPLAT Energy
Company and their demand for an Okpe Forum for Host communities.

He also identified that as President of an oil rich community, the Community President should utilize this opportunity to promote the interest of the Community by ensuring that only projects with real impact on the people are executed.

One of such is prioritizing youth development through education and skill acquisition by initiating an Educational Trust Fund to ensure that it is sustainable, even after his tenure.

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In his response, the President of Ugborhen Community, Dr Ukoko stated his unflinching commitment to the Forum and the Okpe development and Identity cause.

He pointed out that the reason for aspiring to lead his people was divine and for the interest of effectively contributing his quota to their development.

He identified some of his noble ideas and plans for the community.

Of note, he stated the ongoing plans to ensure that the youths are empowered, not just with skill and finance but also with the proper environment for re-orientation towards personal development and self-worth.

He noted that this is practically the first time that the Kingdom is having a dedicated platform for its development, void of being tied down to dictates of other.

He also presented the potential impact of the new GMoU with SEPLAT not only on his community or the other partisan oil community, but the entire Okpe Kingdom.

At the end of his presentation, other members of the Forum present appreciated the Community President for his contribution to the Forum, his community as well as the Okpe identity vision.

Present at the meeting from Ugborhen Community with the President was the Vice President, Peter Ikprukpru; the Secretary of the Community, Eng. Alfred Abolodje and the Treasurer of the Community, Samuel Ekpekpe.

From the Forum were the President of the Forum, Professor Kenneth Eni; the Secretary, Ekpeme Temiagin; the Auditor, Joseph Esivweneghwu; the Organising Secretary, Mrs Mercy Ovwile; the Treasurer, Lucky Edafiaga and the PRO, Efetobore Gibson.