By: Ike Philip Abiagom | Newsbreeze
The Obi of Ugbolu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi Anthony Iweanyi Nwaokolo, has commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his administration’s development initiatives in the kingdom, particularly the groundbreaking of the 12-kilometre Ugbolu–Okpanam Road.
The traditional ruler described the road project as a landmark intervention that would improve transportation, enhance economic activities and strengthen connectivity between Ugbolu and neighbouring communities.
In this interview with Newsbreeze, Obi Nwaokolo expressed appreciation to the state government for its intervention in the boundary adjustment issue between Ugbolu and Okpanam. He also appealed to Governor Oborevwori to grant Ugbolu Kingdom full autonomy, noting that such recognition would strengthen its traditional institution and promote community development.
The monarch further stated that the people of Ugbolu Kingdom would support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections in appreciation of the governor’s attention to their developmental needs. He also acknowledged the contributions of political leaders and other stakeholders to the development of the kingdom.
Excerpts:
Newsbreeze: Your Majesty, how would you assess the impact of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration on Ugbolu Kingdom, particularly in terms of development?
Obi Nwaokolo: First, I want to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for the attention he has given to Ugbolu Kingdom. We appreciate his administration for the development initiatives being extended to our community.
As a traditional ruler, my greatest desire is to see my people enjoy the dividends of democracy. The development of our kingdom is very important to us, and we appreciate a government that recognises our needs and takes practical steps to address them.
Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated that Ugbolu, as part of the state capital territory, deserves the attention of government. We are pleased with our relationship with his administration, and we pray that God will continue to strengthen him to do more for our people.
Newsbreeze: The groundbreaking of the 12-kilometre Ugbolu–Okpanam Road has generated excitement in your kingdom. What does this project mean to your people?
Obi Nwaokolo: The groundbreaking of the 12-kilometre Ugbolu–Okpanam Road is a landmark development for our kingdom. It has the potential to improve the lives of our people and strengthen our connection with neighbouring communities.
For a long time, our people have looked forward to improved road infrastructure. The commencement of this project has given us renewed hope for better accessibility, economic growth and transportation.
When completed, the road will make it easier for farmers, traders, business owners and other residents to transport their goods and access services. It will also promote social and economic activities within Ugbolu and beyond.
We are particularly grateful to Governor Oborevwori for taking this step. The entire Ugbolu Kingdom is happy, and we sincerely appreciate him for remembering our people.
Newsbreeze: Would you say Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated genuine concern for Ugbolu Kingdom through this project?
Obi Nwaokolo: Absolutely. His Excellency has shown concern for our people through his actions, and we cannot pretend not to recognise it.
When a government identifies the needs of a community and takes steps to address them, it demonstrates a commitment to the welfare of the people.
The Ugbolu–Okpanam Road is a major project for us, and we are deeply grateful. Our people appreciate the attention given to our community, and we believe that such development initiatives deserve recognition.
We want a government that will continue to deliver development, peace and progress, and we appreciate the efforts being made to improve the lives of our people.
Newsbreeze: Your Majesty, you have indicated that Ugbolu people will support the APC in the 2027 elections. What informed this position?
Obi Nwaokolo: The people of Ugbolu Kingdom are grateful to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the attention and development initiatives his administration has brought to our community.
We believe that when a leader demonstrates commitment to the welfare and development of the people, such efforts deserve recognition and appreciation.
Our people have seen the attention given to our community, particularly the groundbreaking of the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road. Against this background, we expect the people of Ugbolu Kingdom to support the APC in the 2027 elections.
Our position reflects our appreciation for the governor’s attention to our kingdom and our desire to see development sustained. We want continued progress, peace and improved infrastructure for our people.
Newsbreeze: Beyond the road project, Ugbolu Kingdom has been seeking a resolution of its boundary adjustment issues with Okpanam. How do you assess the state government’s intervention?
Obi Nwaokolo: We sincerely appreciate Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his intervention in the boundary adjustment issue between Ugbolu and Okpanam.
This matter is very important to our people, and we are pleased that the state government has shown interest in addressing it.
We thank His Excellency for listening to our concerns and for the steps his administration is taking towards resolving the matter.
Our appeal is that the government should sustain its attention until a lasting and peaceful resolution is achieved.
We believe that, with the state government’s intervention, the matter can be resolved in a manner that promotes peace, understanding and mutual respect between Ugbolu and Okpanam.
Newsbreeze: Ugbolu Kingdom has also been pursuing full autonomy. What is your appeal to Governor Oborevwori on this matter?
Obi Nwaokolo: Our quest for full autonomy is very important to us, and it is something we have pursued for a long time.
We respectfully appeal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to grant Ugbolu Kingdom full autonomy. We believe this will strengthen our traditional institution, promote community development and enable us to manage our local affairs more effectively.
We are not making this request out of any desire for conflict with our neighbours. Rather, we seek an arrangement that reflects our identity, aspirations and historical position as a kingdom.
We appreciate the government’s intervention in the boundary adjustment issue and appeal to His Excellency to give favourable consideration to our request for full autonomy.
We are hopeful that the governor will consider our appeal and take the necessary steps to address our concerns.
Newsbreeze: What message do you have for the people of Ugbolu Kingdom regarding their relationship with the state government and neighbouring communities?
Obi Nwaokolo: My message to the people of Ugbolu is that we should continue to appreciate initiatives that promote the development of our kingdom.
We must remain peaceful and united while supporting genuine efforts to improve our community. I also encourage our people to maintain cordial relationships with the state government and our neighbouring communities.
Development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, understanding and cooperation.
On behalf of the entire Ugbolu Kingdom, I express our profound gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the attention given to our development, particularly the groundbreaking of the 12-kilometre Ugbolu–Okpanam Road.
We pray that God will continue to bless him, grant him wisdom and strength, and enable him to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of Delta State.
Newsbreeze: Finally, Your Majesty, what are your expectations from Governor Oborevwori in the coming years?
Obi Nwaokolo: Our expectations are clear. We want the government to sustain the development momentum in Ugbolu Kingdom.
We look forward to the successful completion of the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road and the implementation of other projects that will improve the lives of our people.
We also appeal for continued government attention to the boundary adjustment issue and the granting of full autonomy to Ugbolu Kingdom.
We are hopeful that Governor Oborevwori will sustain his administration’s attention to our community and address the issues that are important to our people.
Once again, the entire Ugbolu Kingdom expresses its gratitude to His Excellency. We appreciate his administration and, based on the attention given to our community, we anticipate continued support for the APC in 2027.
I also want to appreciate the Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Monday Onyeme, Hon. Frank Esenwah, member representing Oshimili North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly; Olorogun Innocent Esewezie, Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Council; Dr. (Mrs.) Pat Ajudua; Hon. Patrick Ukah; and other prominent individuals who have supported the development of Ugbolu Kingdom.
We thank them all for their contributions and encourage them to continue supporting initiatives that will bring progress to our kingdom.
Thank you.