Ikorodu monarch, top government officials, others to grace Okpe Union 94th anniversary

Prominent Okpe leaders and intelligentsia will on Thursday, May 16, 2024, meet in Lagos.

 ‘’We are very excited because 94 years is a long time for an organization to remain relevant and we are very glad that our branches and affiliates continue to respond with stronger cohesion and a renewed determination’’ a statement by the Planning Committee Chairman, Patrick Akpotor said.

The leaders are expected to share happiness, create more connection with traditional and political leaders of other ethnic groups as well as place in the forefront the problems of the Okpe nation.

The statement also announced a triumphal welcome for the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi.

 ‘’There are reasons to celebrate. The 94th anniversary of Okpe Union will be marked with fanfare.  The Royal Father of the day, Ayangburen of Ikorodu and other prominent Nigerians will be treated to some of the finest Okpe dance steps and delicious meals’’.

 The 94th anniversary, with the theme ‘Okpe Socio-Economic Development: The Time is now’, is designed to x-ray the role of the political leaders in the development of Okpe kingdom.

 ‘’This is a time for stock-taking and a gathering of those who sincerely love the Okpe Nation and wish to serve it loyally’’.

Top lawyer, philanthropist and a past president of the University of Benin Alumni Association, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho is the chairman of the event.

 ‘’Okpe union is the trusted mouthpiece of the people of Okpe Kingdom. The powerful wave of the union for Okpe development and unity has gathered new strength and recorded further victories’’ the statement added.

PROF IGHO NATUFE TO DELIVER OKPE UNION ADDRESS ABOUT NIGERIA

A high quality Nigerian political scientist, Professor Igho Natufe, will on Thursday, May 16, 2024, speak on infrastructure, governance, corruption and security in Nigeria.

The Nigerian-born Sovietologist and a specialist in International Relations and Soviet/ Russian Foreign Policy is due to speak at about 3; 00pm at the Okpe Union House, Lagos.

Prof Igho Natufe, who is the current President General of the Okpe Union, is expected to deliver State of the Union address and the State of the Nigerian Nation and Delta State to members of the Okpe Union in different countries and hundreds of distinguished guests ‘’ Chairman of the Okpe Union 94th Anniversary Planning Committee, Patrick Akpotor, said in a statement Sunday morning

An alumnus of the People’s Friendship University, a former university professor of Political Science (University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, 1978-1980, and the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, 1980-1989) and senior advisor to the Government of Canada (1970-1978, 1989-2011), Natufe will discuss a variety of topics such as Okpe Union as the catalyst for positive change in Okpe Nation, Okpe and the future of Nigeria, the challenges of attracting and retaining investors to Okpe Nation and restoration of Okpe independence and its role in the comity of ethnic nationalities.

The author of several scientific research, including “Soviet policy in Africa: from Lenin to Brezhnev” will talk about the role of politicians in the nation’s development and the work ahead to make life better for the people.

‘’Prof Igho Natufe will also speak with great feelings about the teaching of Okpe Language and History in educational institutions in Okpe Nation. He is expected to sensitize Okpe Nationals on the values of Okpe ethnicity,  set out the argument for Delta unity and explain how this unity would enhance the development of the oil rich state’’.

Tagged ‘’ Pathway to redemption in Okpe Nation, the thrust of the address is the emancipation of Okpe Nation from mental slavery’’.

‘’His speech at Okpe Union House will highlight the persistent determination of the people to rise above the diminished lives thrust upon them by leaders with warped vision, give local and foreign journalists, students and key leaders in the country the chance to understand the challenges facing the Okpe Nation’’ the statement added.

1. SAMUEL ENAJITE ENAJERO GUEST SPEAKER AT OKPE UNION 94TH ANNIVERSARY

Internationally noted Economist Samuel Enajite Enajero, who wrote the book ‘’Collective Institutions in Industrialized Nations: Economic Lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa”, a book that compares the economics of sub-Saharan Africa with other countries, particularly in Europe and Asia, where collective institutions exist to usher in economic development and social prosperity will be the guest speaker at Okpe Union’s 94th anniversary on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

The anniversary lecture will get under way at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Okpe House, Lagos with Enajero discussing Socio–Economic Development in Nigeria, particularly Okpe Kingdom.

“We are fortunate to have a renowned academic, essayist and social crusader speak at Okpe Union 94th Anniversary and hope top government functionaries in Nigeria, technocrats and members of the business community will take advantage of this opportunity to hear a world-renowned speaker, writer, educator, and original thinker,” said Patrick Akpotor, Chairman, Okpe Union 94th Anniversary.

Enajero obtained his Ph.D. in Economics in the areas of Public Choice/Public Finance and taught in several universities.

The renowned economist presented peer-reviewed papers in many academic conferences and most recently about housing and economic development. He has also published articles in peer-reviewed journals.

The Michigan based writer, academic and strong advocate of Okpe identity as a distinct ethnic nationality had firsthand knowledge on how the federal and local governments’ partnership spur development at the grassroots by working in the department of Planning and Development, in a city government. There, he complemented his academic background in public choice/public finance with practical real-world experience.

The range, quantity and quality of Enajero’s academic works are indeed prodigious. His publications are master pieces that have remained ever green and true today both to the African situation and the entire emerging global order.

His book, Collective Institutions in Industrialized Nations: Economic Lessons for Africa illustrates how historical and modern public choice (political economy)is an imperative element for socio-economic development. Collectivism, however, is missing in the historical and modern African societies.

Collectivism, according to the highly cerebral academic and international intellectual, recognizes human interdependence, all-inclusive and altruistic society. It produces and enables men and women to create economic opportunities rather than wait for opportunities, thus creating the economic man and molding a nation to be an organic whole.

The outstanding scholar discusses the absence of collectivism in sub-Saharan Africa at length.

SAPELE PORT, ELECTRICITY, SECURITY, BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE TOP AGENDA AS OKPE LEADERS MEET IN LAGOS

A conference of Okpe leaders in different parts of the world will take place in Lagos on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

‘’About 300 delegates from Okpe Union branches in Asia, North and South America, Africa, Europe and Australia will attend the  Okpe Union General Assembly at Okpe House, 65 Moshalashi Street, Obalende..

Secretary General of the Okpe Union, Barrister Kingsley Akpederin who announced this on Sunday in Lagos said: ‘’the Okpe Union Conference comes at a critical time for Okpe leaders throughout the world. We must rub minds and devise pro-active and creative ways to promote lasting   development and ensure better quality of life for our people’’.

A statement from Okpe Union headquarters Sunday morning stated that the delegates would examine the condition of the Okpe Union, discuss political, social and cultural problems and recommend practical steps for implementing development strategies in Delta State.

The statement listed international standards of good governance, socio-economic development and means of advancing Okpe interests as important matters to be considered by delegates from all over the world.

‘’State of the Union Address by the President General, reports from branches and regions of the Okpe Union and the State of the Nigerian Nation and Delta State are three points which will receive the greatest attention of the delegates’’.

The statement said the men and women of action from Nigeria and abroad would think in larger terms, act on a wider plane of ideas and arrive at positive conclusions which will give a new impetus to Okpe Union and Delta State’.

The conference, planned for 10.00 am on the 15th of May, 2024 will take place in an atmosphere of complete frankness and cordiality.

‘’The Okpe Union, a socio-cultural group, is the mouthpiece of all the people of the Okpe nation and the oldest registered ethnic union in Nigeria’’ the statement added.