Following three months of rigorous work by the Thematic groups set up by Ika Village Square after the one day economic summit tagged ‘exploiting the economic potentials of Ika Nation through strategic partnership’, the convener of Ika Village Square, Barr. Eugene Uzum has told Ika people to expect the implementation of the workable template which will lead to development of Ika land soon.
Bar. Uzum made this known in a chat with an Ika Weekly Newspaper reporter on Tuesday 26th September 2017.
The Thematic groups comprising ancillaries such as tourism and I.C.T, Solid Minerals and Agro allied group came up with a workable template after series of work on Saturday 23rd September 2017 at Benizia Hotel Asaba, in a meeting chaired by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr. Kingsley Emu , and the convener of the group , Barr. Eugene Uzum.
Speaking to an Ika Weekly Newspaper reporter, the Convener of the group, Barr. Uzum said the template has passed through vetting for due diligence, and some gray areas are now being cleared, and will thereafter be presented to the Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on a later date. According to him, wholesome approaches to developmental strides in Ika land have been identified, a bench mark and time frame has been added to the quality frame work; hence they will swing into action in the shortest possible time.
Going further, he said that as soon as the template is handed over to the governor, there would be an implementation council, so that accelerated development will take center stage in Ika land. The council will also ensure a sustained policy framework that will enhance continuous development.
In his words, “Ika people should expect pockets of development immediately the papers are submitted. With the time frame attached to the document, we will see development in the areas of agriculture, Solid Minerals, I.C.T, Tourism, and Cultural development, through partnership”.
In the same vein, he revealed that Ika Village Square (IVS) is working towards holding a cultural carnival, geared at reviving the cultures and music of Ika land, in order to prevent it from going into gradual but steady extinction.
He said the carnival will revive the cultural vibes of Ika people, and will be open to various towns in Ika nation to participate and show their traditional dance steps, and at the end, the winners will be given robust prices.
Bar. Uzum said, “The essence of the carnival is geared at bringing our people together using our cultural diversity and at the same time create an atmosphere of positive competition among our people, through appreciating Ika culture”.
He concluded by charging all IVS members to put aside their divergent opinions, and put Ika nation first, in order to enable them achieve meaningful development in Ika land.
Some members of the Thematic groups, academic dons, and experts in different fields present at the meeting were; Dr. Kingsley Emu, Dr. Egbai, Dr Philip Okwada, Dr. Tibi, Chief Jude Ugbekiule, Chairman of the square who welcomed the house and set the template for the session, Mr. Smart Ikem, Mrs. Ifeoma Agboma, Prof. Alika, Prof Eric Eboh, Chief Mrs. Pat. Ejeteh, Prof. P.C Egbon, Mr. Williams Eghebi, and others too numerous to mention.
POCKETS OF DEVELOPMENT IN IKA LAND SOON – BARR. UZUM
BARR. UZUM AND PROF. OJEME