OERAF’s memorial celebrations raise eyebrows amid Ughelli North’s struggles

DDM News

The Executive Director of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF), Dr. Otemu Olotu Akpodiete Ph.D (JP), has continued to show his love and commitment to the people of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

There is an African proverb that states, “The delicacy that would turn out sumptuous is perceived while it’s still being cooked.”

To honor and remember his late grandfather, Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., the foundation coordinated a series of people-centered events.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the events, which took place in April 2025, were designed to positively impact the lives of the community members.

One of the highlights was a memorial lecture on the essence and benefits of health insurance in Nigeria.

The lecture was held in two locations: Okparabe in Ughelli South LGA and Otor-Udu in Udu LGA.

During his speech, Dr. Olotu emphasized that health insurance is vital to every family in society.

He praised the Delta State Government, led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for initiating and supporting the contributory health scheme.

He pointed out that with just seven thousand Naira, one could access the scheme in Delta State, unlike the federal scheme which can cost up to forty thousand Naira per person.

The Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, was represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure.

He expressed gratitude to Dr. Akpodiete for being the first in the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency to register indigents for the health insurance scheme.

He noted that over 400 persons had been enrolled through the foundation’s sponsorship.

Another major event was a high-profile stakeholders’ memorial lecture on conflict resolution, community safety, and national security.

The event was held at the renowned Ughelli Kingdom Hall.

Several knowledgeable security experts and government representatives delivered insightful lectures during the gathering.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete Ph.D (JP), also a SPY CSP, stated that the foundation had consistently impacted lives through peacekeeping and security initiatives.

He described his late grandfather as a community leader par excellence.

He reminded the audience that Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete served as the Otota (spokesperson) of the Ughelli Kingdom until his death.

Dr. Olotu said this legacy of leadership was a key reason for celebrating his memory with impactful programs.

Guest speaker Mr. Sylvester Obose, CSS, MNIIS, focused his lecture on understanding the nature, causes, and dynamics of conflicts.

He explained that the training was aimed at improving participants’ knowledge of conflict prevention, response, and resolution strategies.

He stressed that community safety and security remain of utmost importance.

Members of the Delta State Advisory Council, Olorogun Major Patrick Egone (Rtd.) and Chief Emmanuel Ogbonene, were present at the event.

They donated new security communication gadgets to communities including Erhuwarien in Ughelli South, Ekredjebo in Ughelli North, and Ughelli Kingdom VGN.

OERAF also hosted a memorial lecture on the benefits of debate competitions for students in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

The event took place on April 10, 2025.

It attracted dignitaries and participants from various walks of life.

In his opening address, Dr. Olotu Akpodiete encouraged students to take academics seriously.

He reassured them that the foundation would continue supporting quality education in Nigeria.

The event was chaired by Olorogun Dr. Chris Oharisi, Chairman of the Board of Governing Council at Delta State College of Health Science and Technology, Ofuoma-Ughelli.

Dr. Oharisi urged students to remain patriotic, optimistic, and dedicated in their studies.

He emphasized that quality education is the foundation of an honorable and impactful life.

He also noted that debate helps students develop public speaking and critical thinking skills.

Mr. Samson Obor, Principal of Government College, Ughelli, thanked OERAF for organizing the program.

He encouraged students to be focused and hardworking.

Barrister (Mrs.) Agboka Akpodiete-Omale gave a speech about the life of the late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete.

She praised his integrity, discipline, and philanthropic spirit.

She described him as a dedicated community leader and lawyer known for generosity.

She stressed that participation in debates builds academic, personal, and professional skills.

During the memorial celebration, the foundation awarded soft grants to thirty women from Otor-Ihwreko Community in Ughelli.

Dr. Olotu, while presenting the grants, reaffirmed his commitment to using the foundation to improve lives.

Chief Dr. Linda Ikpuri, a member of the Warri South Properties and Investment Board, served as a guest speaker.

She urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely for their intended purposes.

She noted that misuse of such opportunities often leads to a loss of future chances.

Earlier in the program, Barrister (Mrs.) Agboka Akpodiete-Omale presented a biography of the late Chief Akpodiete.

She described him as a straightforward legal icon and philanthropist.

She highlighted his values, which she said continue to reflect in his children and grandchildren.

She noted that the late chief instilled virtues of discipline, service, and generosity in his family.

In her closing remarks, Chief Dr. Linda Ikpuri commended OERAF for their work.

She pledged to collaborate with the foundation to build a better society.

OERAF concluded the series of memorial events with a novelty football match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.

After the match, Dr. Olotu appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council to upgrade the field into a mini stadium.

He pointed out that the field has existed since before the construction of Ughelli Township Stadium but remains underutilized.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The first goal was scored by the team of the late chief’s children.

The grandchildren’s team equalized through a penalty kick.

Notable dignitaries present included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Vice Chairman of Ughelli North LGA, represented by Pst. (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema.

Others were Evangelist Nicholas Evwienure, Mrs. Efe Akpodiete-Minabowan, Barrister Agboka Akpodiete-Omale, Hon. Felix Uloho, and Chief Grace Akpodiete.

Also in attendance were Mr. Kennedy Otega (Big Daddy), Chief Mrs. Grace Akpodiete, and Mrs. Elohor Esakpaide.

Captain Oghenevwegba Akpodiete, Bishop Owhorode Akpodiete, and Mrs. Aduviekeya Umoru were also present.

Ms. Ese Akpodiete, Ogheneogaga Akpodiete, Ayerode Akpodiete, Mr. Uremu Akpobasa, and Esther Akpodiete were part of the family members in attendance.

The event ended with the presentation of cash prizes to both teams.

A group photograph and light refreshments followed.

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