By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
The Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, has demanded for the establishment of a vocational and technical institutes in the area in order to equip and engaged the teeming population of youths in the area.
Their demands were made known by Olorogun Moses Taiga, ‘The Adjerese of Urhoboland, immediate Past President General of Urhobo Progress Union UPU, Worldwide, and Chairman, Planning Committee for the presentation of Staff of Office to the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM, Macaulay Popo Ovwagbedia, JP, Uhurhie-Osadjere 11.
The event which held at the main field of Olomu Secondary School, Otorere-Olomu on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 attracted notable sons and daughters of Olomu Kingdom from far and near including Olorogun Goodie Ibru, Olorogun Oscar Ibru, Sen. Emmanuel Edesiri Aguariavwodo, Olorogun Taleb Tebite, Olorogun Akpomudje, SAN, Otota of Olomu Kingdom, Olorogun John Oguma, top traditional rulers, as well as senior government functionaries.
In his welcome address, Olorogun Moses Taiga, noted that among other things, the Olomu Kingdom have contributed enormously to the the growth and development of the state, disclosing that most of the kingdoms, communities and clans in parts of Urhobo and Isoko nations were founded by migrants from Olomu Kingdom amongst which includes Agbon, Okpe, Okere- Urhobo, and Olomoro.
Going down memory lane, the oil magnate and business mogul, further noted, that the Olomu kingdom has also through Okpare community hosted early British presence and colonization in Urhoboland, with the largest inland market in the Western Niger Delta at the beginning of European presence and also hosted the regional headquarters of major European Commercial Companies such as the UAC, CFAO, John Holt, A.T.Miller and others and similarly, in 1901, the British colonialists established their first major court in the hinterland of the Urhobo nation at Okpare in Olomu kingdom.
While reiterating the importance and needs of a vocational and technical institutes in Olomu, Olorogun Taiga said, skills such as carpentry, plumbing work, electrical works, tiling, tailoring, mason, furnitures and many other skills are needed to equipped the people especially in the present economy. He maintained that the rising rate of youth unemployment, crimes, and the infamous ‘Japa’ syndrome is as a result of the dearth and lack of requisite skills among the youth, adding that vocational education is the key to unlocking the potentials inherent in the lives of the youths.
“By equipping them with practical skills, we can empower them to contribute meaningfully to the growth of our kingdom and the state at large, he added.
“We therefore implore the state government to as a matter of urgency consider the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Institutes in Olomu Kingdom. These institutes he said, will not only provide the youths with specialised knowledge and skills but also serve as catalysts for innovation and technological advancement. He says by investing in technical education, he is very optimistic that a workforce that is equipped to meet the demands of the ever-evolving global economy can created.”
Olorogun Moses Taiga also appealed to the Delta state Governor and the Federal government on behalf of the people of Olomu kingdom to quickly address the issues of security and socio-economic challenges posed by the activities of criminal fulani herdsmen in Olomu. He said the menace of the herders has posed a significant challenge and threat to the people of Olomu as it disrupts their agricultural activities and endangering the lives of the citizens.
Taiga upheld that a secure environment attracts businesses and investments and as such, for the economic development of Olomu people, he pleaded with the Oborevwori led administration to provide a robust security in Olomu Kingdom as the safety and well- being of the people is paramount to a peaceful and secured environment.
Stressing further, Olorogun Taiga, also called for the prompt dredging of the Okpare River in order to facilitate trade and transportation of agricultural products, other goods, and services by the people. This he said is an important means of transportation from historical times between the Olomu axis through Okpare to Okwagbe and to the Atlantic Ocean.
While congratulating the Delta Sate Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his Deputy, Sir, Monday Onyeme in their victory at the guber poll and their swearing-in, Olorogun Taiga who is also the President General of Olomu Kingdom, thanked the Delta state government for the construction of the first hospital in Olomu kingdom which is sited at Ovwor Town. He called in the state government for early completion and usage of the facility in order to savage the health conditions of the citizens. He also appeal for the construction of drainages and channels across waterlogged communities like Ovwodokpor to Oviri, Okpare to Umolo, Oguname to Ogoni which were badly hit by the 2022.
The former Managing Director of Philips Oil also frowned at the underdevelopment of some communities in the kingdom even as most of Olomu towns are oil-producing and have played a significant role in the development of the state and nation.
“Okpare-Olomu is a substantial host to the Utorogu Gas Plant, in partnership with Ughievwen and Ukpiovwin Town, but yet no development from the gas field has come to Olomu.”
He appealed that Oil-bearing communities in Olomu should be be given adequate infrastructural and socio-economic development in recognition of their sacrifices and contribution to Delta State and Nigeria.
The Adjerese of Urhobo land also expresses his heartfelt appreciation to the Delta State government for its long-standing support for the Olomu Monarchy, and particularly for the invaluable support given to the immediate past Monarch of blessed memory, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Richard Layeguen Ogbon, JP, Oghoro 1, who was very close to the immediate past Governor, His Excellency Senator, (Dr.). Ifeanyi Okowa, CON.
While thanking all Olomu sons and daughters who made the crowning and the presentation of staff of office a success, he said; ‘Olomu kingdom holds a special place in our hearts, not only as the custodians of our cherished tradition, but also as a symbol of unity and strength. Our traditional institution has withstood the test of time, preserving our history, values, and customs for generations. Indeed, this occasion is not just about the Ohworode; it is about all of us, our shared history, collective aspirations, and unwavering hope for a brighter future’.