A non-political pressure group in Rivers, ‘Utono Obolo’, has sued for peace in Andoni local government area of the state as it inaugurates committees for peace and progress.
Patron of the group, Ede Obolo 2, Paramount ruler of Egwede kingdom, during the inauguration on Monday in Port Harcourt charged the various committees on patriotism.
Calling for collective support towards restoring peace to the area, the traditional ruler expressed optimism that the three committees would serve in uniting the people.
The three committees are; Peace/boundary- headed by Prof. Charity Okujagu, responsible for ensuring a peaceful resolution of a boundary dispute involving three communities in Andoni (Asarama, Egendem and Unyeada communities).
Obolo Culture and Tourism Committee- chaired by Mr. Michael Ebirien-Agana, which is to drive unity through cultural and tourism potentials of the area while the Technical Committee on the Immortalisation of Prof. Nkparom Ejituwu headed by Mr. Charles Asuk was geared towards a reward for patriotism for the renowned historian.
The traditional ruler, however, lamented that though the Obolo Indigenous people were blessed with population spread across various states, the people have yet to tackle the challenge of infrastructure deficit bedeviling their respective settlements.
“Over the years, the area had continually suffered disintegration occasioned by insecurity, boundary related squabbles, and other social and leadership crises.
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“Suffice it to say that unlike the Obolo ethnic group, other ethnic groups along the coastal areas had become more organized and thus, unanimously pursued and attracted development to their respective domains,” he added.
Reassuring on the group’s determination in pursuit of peace and development, Dr. Romsan Dressman, the Administrative head of the group, revealed that a voluntary trust fund had been initiated to help provide basic infrastructure for residents.
“Utono Obolo currently has in its budget the following ongoing projects like the first phase of its people-oriented projects; Ngo Jetty rehabilitation, Akradi Water Support project, Egendem standard goalpost rehabilitation and Support for the displaced people in Ama Zaaba.
“These projects were earmarked for the benefit of communities in Andoni and Eastern Obolo local area councils of Rivers and Akwa-Ibom states respectively.”
