Intending members of a foremost sociopolitical organisation in the state, Delta Grassroots Movement (DGM), have been told that admission to the group will no longer be free for all in the coming year.
The President of the Platform, Hon Peter Isioma Okolie; disclosed this at Issele-Uku during the maiden annual lecture of the body with the theme: “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Building a More Just Society”.
Hon Okolie said the new order was informed by the decision to launch the DGM Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, which had been registered, in January, pointing out that old members would be screened to be sure of who would be in the Cooperative.
He stated that the group was founded to help motivate, educate and socially improve the awareness of its immediate environment for positive change and development.
The DGM President, who is a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Investment, noted that the theme of the lecture was apt, as it was meant to provoke the guests and the entire state on the need to turn diversity to strength, unity and ensure inclusion of all to guarantee a peaceful and just society.
Hon Okolie used the opportunity to appreciate the State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Obborevwori, for the good works of his administration made possible by the effective implementation the MORE Agenda, commending him for the peace and security being enjoyed in the state.
He particularly appreciated the Chairman of the occasion, Dame Patience Nkem Okwuofu, whose presence, he said, was a show of love and a reassurance of her belief in DGM, expressing gratitude also to the Guest speaker and others whose attendance gave the desired impetus to the event.
The grassroots politician and businessman acknowledged the contributions of some members of the group, especially Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Dr. Odi Odigie, Mr. Kaikene Okolie, Chief Kelvin Okolie, amongst others, to the success of the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, who chaired the event, thanked DGM for the choice of the theme, especially as it concerned equity, which she noted had come to stay in the state’s political family through the efforts of some notable Deltans, including the late Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and herself.
Chief Okwuofu thanked the organisation for the confidence reposed in her and for sustaining a platform committed to advancing dialogue, quality reflection and social progress in the state and beyond,
Dwelling further on the theme, starting with “Diversity”, the renowned political leader, popularly called “Mother of Government” said: “Delta State is richly endowed with diversity in ethnicity, culture, faith, profession, gender and generation. Diversity is not our weakness, but our strength. However, without equity and inclusion, diversity can become a source of division rather than cohesion and development.
“Equity reminds us that fairness is not sameness. It requires deliberate efforts to ensure that every citizen, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to opportunities, resources and justice.
“Inclusion further affirms that every voice matters and that no group should be excluded from governance, development or social participation.
“A More Just Society is built not on policies, but by people, leaders who listen, strong institutions, and citizens who embrace one another. It is built when governance reaches the grassroots, when women and youths are genuinely empowered, when persons living with disabilities are adequately provided for, and when the minority communities are respected and included in decision making”.
In a keynote address, the Dean, Post Graduate School, Admiralty University of Nigeria, Prof. Peter Ajulu Olannye, said diversity, which could resonate strength; equity and inclusion were imperatives for building a just society, stressing that the lack of equity and inclusion at the individual, family, community, state, national and global levels was greatly plaguing the society.
The University Don maintained that democracy was essentially about equity and inclusion, insisting that not short changing people and allowing them to participate in decision making were sure ways to guarantee peace and development in the society.
The event featured the distribution of bags of rice to members of the Platform in support of their Christmas celebrations.
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