EJINYERE TASKS DELTA YOUTHS ON CAPACITY BUILDING, SKILLS ACQUISITION, TO ACHIEVE SELF RELIANCE

By Dr. Godwin Orhadahwe

The Duke of Orerokpe District and Orhorhomu Okpe of Okpe Kingdom Okakuro Prince Godwin Ejinyere, has charged youths of Delta State to prepare themselves for job opportunities by building capacity and acquiring skills even while in school.

Okakuro Ejinyere, who is the Director General of the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency, WUEDA, gave the charge at the weekend while speaking at the annual Okpe cultural day held at the Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka. 

Prince Ejinyere, who was represented by his Senior Media Aide, Dr. Godwin Orhadahwe, urged the youth to shun violence, crimes, and all forms of social vices that could tarnish the good image of Okpe people and Okpe Kingdom. 

He commended the Okpe undergraduates for organizing the annual Okpe cultural carnival through which Okpe cultural heritage could be passed on from one generation to another, urging them to sustain the event. 

In a welcome speech, the DELSU Branch President of the National Association of Okpe Students, NAOS, Comrade Government Horsepower, said this year’s edition of the event tagged: “The Okpe Students in Okpe Nation Building: The Educational Perspective”, was aimed at promoting talents and skills among Okpe students towards providing opportunities and a platform for practicing different skills, talents and ideas.

The NAOS President also known as the Ukero-Orodje of Okpe Students, noted that the cultural fiesta helped to preserve the Okpe culture, develop leadership skills, enlighten and educate members; encourage members to engage actively in community service; foster unity among members, promote diplomatic relations and understanding with other tribes; embrace innovation and technology to drive development and progress; as well as help members to showcase the Okpe culture to the world with a view to promoting cross-cultural understanding.

While stating that every individual had a distinct attitude and behavioral traits, the DELSU President of NAOS emphasized that “preserving our culture doesn’t mean disrespecting other tribes’ cultures. “through cultural integration, we learn how to live together as brothers and sisters”.

The Okpe cultural day also featured cultural dance displays by NAOS, DELSU branch; presentation of Miss and Master NAOS, 2024; presentation of awards to deserving Okpe indigenes, as well as launching of the NAOS Almanac, 2024, conducted by Mr. Vote Biokoro; and the inauguration of the new Executive of NAOS, DELSU branch.

Other prominent dignitaries who attended this year’s Okpe cultural festival included Senator Ede Dafinone represented by his Sapele LGA Liaison Officer, Chief Patrick Akamovba; the Patron of NAOS, Prof. Emuobome Idolor; a representative of the Okpe-born first female Registrar of DELSU, Mrs. Rufina Ufiofio; Bishop Daniel Ihwighwu, who represented the Spiritual Father of the Day, Archbishop Iboyi Godday, President of Okpe Christian Assembly Worldwide; National President of NAOS, and branch Presidents from other institutions, among others.