Succour as Oborevwori Inaugurates Cluster of Housing Units for Okuama’s IDPs

The administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Tuesday brought succor for Internally Displaced Persons in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State.

This comes as the state officially inaugurated a cluster of housing units built by the chairman of Ughelli South local government area as a measure to resettle the IDPs.

Okuama was the Urhobo community burnt to rubble by soldiers in March 2024, following the killing of 17 Nigerian Army personnel, who were reportedly on a peacekeeping mission to the area.

Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme (right), who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, receiving a document from the Chairman, Ughelli South Local Government Council, Dr. Lucky Avweromre, during the commissioning of cluster of housing units and supporting infrastructure in Okuama Community, Ughelli South on Tuesday. Photo: Umukoro Tobore

Okuama was ruined after the incident, as soldiers had leveled the town.

However, a year after Governor Oborevwori-led administration ​marked a crucial milestone in the government’s promise to rebuild the community.

The event symbolizes the end of a long period of uncertainty and the beginning of recovery for the indigenes who were displaced.

​Speaking, Governor Oborevwori who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, at the occasion said; “My beloved people of Okuama, and indeed of Delta State, this is more thain to possibility, from loss to restoration, from despair to hope.

Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme (4th right), who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, cutting the tape to commission cluster of Housing units and supporting infrastructure in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government on Tuesday, while the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon (4th left), member representing Ughelli South in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Festus Utuama (3rd left), Commissioner for Works, Highways and Urban Roads, Comrade Izeze Reuben (2nd left), Ughelli South Council Chairman, Dr. Lucky Avweromre (3rd right), Senior Political Adviser, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo (2nd right), and the Bomadi Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Dangidi Andaye, look on (left). Photo: Umukoro Tobore

“We are here not only to commission buildings, but to recommit ourselves to a future of peace, dignity, and shared prosperity. We cannot forget the difficult experiences that led to the displacement of families in this community.

“The memories are still painful, and the wounds are not yet fully healed, but in the face of this adversity, we have chosen a different path, the path of rebuilding, reconciliation, and collective rebirth.

“This resettlement camp stands today as a symbol of that resolve. It is not just a cluster of houses; it is a place where life can begin anew, where families can regain stability, and where Okuama can rise again.

“My administration, guided by the principles of the MORE Agenda, remains committed to rebuilding communities, restoring trust, and protecting the dignity of every resident of Delta State.

“This project reflects that commitment, it represents what government can achieve when compassion meets responsibility, and when leadership is guided by the will to heal.

“To the good people of Okuama, I urge you to embrace this new beginning with courage and with open hearts. Let us put aside every division and work together as one united family.

“The government has played its part by providing the infrastructure; the future now depends on your collective resolve to sustain peace, protect these facilities, and nurture the spirit of unity.

“I extend my profound appreciation to the contractors, the Ministry of Housing, the Ughelli South Local Government Council, security agencies, community leaders, and all stakeholders who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, but above all, I salute the resilience of the people of Okuama; your strength, your patience, and your faith have made today possible; you are the true heroes of this moment.”

In his remarks, Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Council, Hon. Lucky Avweromre said that the Community Resettlement Center was built by the local government council.

He thanked Governor Oborevwori for building primary school, secondary school and primary health center for the Okuama people.

Okuama Community in an address signed by Mr Okrika Emmanuel and Comrade Akemor Victor, thanked Governor Oborevwori for what he is doing for Okuama.

They said, “our Governor, what happened to us on the 14th of March, 2024, was a great surprise to our community because we have never experienced such a thing before now but however, we give God all the glory, if not that you came to our rescue, the situation would have been worse.

“It is good to have a good leader that can hear the voice of his followers, we believe in your government; on behalf of Okuama community, we promise to stand by your government to make sure there is peace in this our environment because we know that you are a man of peace.”

The project comprises 40 number room spaces, two blocks of buildings comprising a 20 number toilets and bathrooms, solar powered water reticulation system and a paved roofed walkway connecting all the structures.