DTSG Earmarks 1.3 Billon Naira For Erosion Control In Okpanam, Says Hon. Esenwa

..As Okpanam Celebrates Heritage Day

By Magnus Emuji/Chukwudi Asoya

The member representing Oshimili North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon.(Barr.) Frank Esenwa has revealed that the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori earmarked the sum of 1.3 Billon Naira as counterpart funding for the  erosion control  in Okpanam community.

The villages where the erosion that had experienced damages as a result of the gully erosion were  Amachai, Ogbeozoma , Ogbe Ojie and Vanguard area.

Hon. Esenwa made the disclosure in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area during the maiden edition of Okpanam heritage day where the  four  villages in the community as well as other tribes including  indigenes of Arewa Yoruba, Igbo , Kogo and Cross River residing in the community.

While saying that Okpanam was a cosmopolitan society, Hon. Esenwa told the community that strangers help in the overall development of any town , just as noted that the role of strangers in the growth of any community would not be overwhelmed.

Hon. Esenwa  also explained that he had  brought some  street lights to the community, adding that  400 street lights would soon be deployed to the community and promised to sustain the quality of representation for his people.

Earlier, the Ugoani of Okpanam (traditional ruler), HRM Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu said that Okpanam organized the heritage day not only to showcase its rich cultural heritage but designed to prove to the world that the community accomodating to strangers .

He commended the organizers of Okpanam Day celebration especially the President -General of Okpanam Youth Organization, Comr. Lucky Okolo, the President -General of Okpanam Community Development Union, Mr. Robert Ogonenwe and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Ogbueshi Innocent Uchbuolu and others for their efforts at showcasing the community and implored youths to think of genuine skills to do as lands had almost gone.

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In an interview with journalists, the Ikejani of Okpanam Kingdom, Chief Felix Okafor and the Asagba of Umuidigbe Ocha, Ogbueshi Prince  Augustine Onokwai stated that the heritage day had been leverage as a veritable platform to display their identity.

Chief Okafor, specifically noted that the community had shown that they were very accommodating as  virtually all parts of the country participated in the ceremony , stressing that Okpanam community does not discriminate.

The Ikejani , however, appreciated the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori his administration’s commitment to address the gully erosion issues in Okpanam.

In his welcome address, the President -General of Okpanam Community Development Union, Mr. Robert Ogonenwe and the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Ogbueshi Innocent Uchbuolu thanked everyone for their role in ensuring the success of Okpanam Day celebration.

The event was attended by the member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Constituency in the House or Representatives, Hon. Ngozi Okolie and  Dikes from Umuomake family who pulled their resources together to build Okpanam City Gate among other dignitaries.