ONE YEAR IN OFFICE: CDC CHAIRMAN ALASKA EKELE HIGHLIGHTS ACHIEVEMENTS, CHALLENGES IN IGBE OGUME
It was a moment of reflection, appreciation, and renewed commitment as the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) of Igbe Ogume, Chief Alaska Ekele, marked his first anniversary in office with a comprehensive address delivered on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Olile Igbe.
Addressing a cross-section of the community—including traditional chiefs, elders, delegates, age grades, women, and youths—Ekele expressed gratitude to God and the people of Igbe Ogume for their unwavering support since he assumed office on April 19, 2025, following what he described as a peaceful and credible election.
The CDC Chairman recalled that his administration was built on a three-point agenda focused on health, security, and community development.
Despite limited financial resources, he noted that significant progress had been recorded within the past year, attributing the achievements to collective effort and community cooperation.
On security, Ekele commended the local vigilante group under the leadership of Mr. Samson Adegbe for maintaining relative peace and order through effective collaboration with the CDC.
However, he raised concerns over the activities of Fulani herdsmen, alleging the destruction of cassava farms and other agricultural produce.
He also highlighted ongoing boundary disputes with the neighbouring Emu Obodeti community, describing both issues as major challenges being managed with restraint to prevent escalation.
Reaffirming his administration’s stance, the Chairman declared zero tolerance for crime and indecent dressing, stressing the need to uphold the moral and social values of the community.
Chief Ekele identified inadequate funding as a major constraint, noting that the CDC largely depends on voluntary contributions and minimal levies from social events.
He called for the exploration of alternative revenue sources to fast-track development projects.
On education, the Chairman expressed concern over delays in securing government approval for the community’s secondary school but remained optimistic about a positive outcome.
He commended individuals and families supporting the payment of teachers’ stipends and announced that the CDC would sponsor the upcoming Primary Six examinations for pupils of Igbe Primary School.
In a bid to empower youths, Ekele unveiled the Igbe Ogume Skill Acquisition Scheme, which will provide training in various trades, including tailoring, catering, carpentry, ICT, and electrical works.
He said the initiative is aimed at reducing youth vulnerability and promoting self-reliance.
He also announced the formation of the National Association of Igbe Ogume Students, designed to connect students within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
December 27 has been designated as the annual Students’ Day, with plans underway to coordinate activities through a digital platform.
To strengthen governance, the Chairman proposed the establishment of a seven-man Constitution Review Committee to guide community administration.
In the area of sports, he disclosed the revival of the Igbe Ogume Football Tournament, with the introduction of new teams such as Ochonogor FC and Onah FC, among others, to promote unity and youth engagement.
Highlighting key achievements recorded within one year, Chief Ekele listed:Provision of a bicycle for the town crier,Construction of a shade at the palace,Installation of community signposts,Improved security and peace-building efforts,Construction of a six-classroom block,administrative offices, toilets, and a borehole for the school,Installation of solar lights facilitated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
Approval of Phase One of the Igbe/Ebendo Road project
Establishment of a Primary Health Centre with pensionable staff.
He acknowledged the contributions of notable individuals, community leaders, government officials, and members of the Igbe Ogume diaspora for their support toward these developments.
Looking ahead, Ekele outlined his vision of transforming Igbe Ogume into a tourism hub and investment destination.
He called on indigenes at home and abroad to invest in the community and emphasized the importance of partnerships with private and corporate organizations for sustainable development.
In a welcome address, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Bernard Obadoni, commended the CDC leadership for its achievements within a short period. He stressed the need for unity and collective responsibility, urging all sons and daughters of Igbe Ogume to continue supporting the CDC to attract further development.
The event concluded on a note of unity and optimism, with a shared commitment among stakeholders to build on the progress recorded over the past year.
