By Foster Akpore
The serene community of Idjerhe-Orogun came alive during its much-anticipated Annual End-of-Year Conference held on December 26, 2024. With the theme, “Together We Grow and Thrive,” the gathering underscored unity, development, and the historical significance of Idjerhe as the cradle of civilization in Orogun Kingdom.
In his keynote address, the President General of the Idjerhe-Orogun Development Association, Comrade Oyibo James Aghogho, delved into the community’s storied past. “Idjerhe-Orogun holds a unique place in the history of Orogun Kingdom,” he declared. He highlighted the community’s foundational contributions, noting:
The establishment of the first church and primary school in the kingdom at Idjerhe-Orogun in 1911.
Mr. John Okoro, an illustrious son of Idjerhe, who founded the Orogun Progress Union.
Mr. Ruben Ojineme Enuesike’s residence served as the principal’s house, girls’ hostel, dining hall, and classrooms, becoming the launching pad for Orogun Grammar School—a monumental achievement attributed to the visionary leadership of Chief Demas Akpore.
HRM Matthew Iwemife Akpobi’s reign marked the establishment of a central palace of Orogun Kingdom.
Despite these achievements, Oyibo lamented the stark absence of both primary and secondary schools in Idjerhe-Orogun, a glaring disparity that stands in contrast to neighboring communities.
“It deeply saddens me to see a community with such rich historical and cultural significance deprived of basic educational infrastructure, including something as essential as potable water, while two water boards lie in a perpetual state of disrepair just a kilometer away in Akawa. This must change,” he asserted.
Comrade Oyibo also called on the Delta State Government, through Hon. Sylvester Ovbije, the DESOPADEC Commissioner representing Ughelli North, Ethiope East, and the Urhobos in Patani, to prioritize the completion of the abandoned cassava mill in Idjerhe.
Amidst these challenges, Comrade Oyibo expressed a firm commitment to ongoing development efforts, particularly the completion of the Idjerhe-Orogun Town Hall, a project championed by Chief Lawrence Akpobi, the immediate past President General. He praised the collective contributions of the community while singling out the philanthropic gestures of Mr. Pius Ughwanogho, who in addition to restoring electricity to the community, donated 50 bags of cement to advance the town hall project. “Your unwavering support inspires us all,” Oyibo remarked.
Drawing from the conference theme, Oyibo called for an end to familial divisions that hinder progress. He emphasized, “We must think and act as one big family, united in purpose. Our shared future depends on it.”
Security concerns were addressed with optimism following a recent visit by the newly appointed Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to Orogun, who pledged ongoing cooperation and proactive community policing—a commitment warmly welcomed by attendees.
Key resolutions included engaging the Idjerhe-Orogun diaspora to support community development, constructing speed bumps to prevent accidents caused by reckless driving—particularly by young men under the influence of drugs—and drafting a constitution to guide the union’s activities.
As the conference drew to a close, Oyibo set ambitious goals for the coming year. Plans to raise funds for materials, including rods and 100 bags of cement, to push the town hall to roofing level were unveiled. His final remarks inspired hope: “Together, we will surmount these challenges and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
Prominent personalities at the conference included: Pa Samuel Akpore, Okarhorho of Idjerhe; Mrs. Felicia Emoghene, wife of the Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom; Mr. Obukohwo Ighorodje, Deputy PG; Chief Lawrence Akpobi, immediate past PG; Mr. Ezekiel Akpore, Odokiji Ubiogholo; Comrade Believe Oyetem; Do-Good Akpore; Jacob Ighorodje; Stephen Eboh; Onyenenue Joseph; Mr. Nwachukwu Idogho; Chief Frank Ighorodje, Andrew Onyeroni; Gideon Egbeme; Reuben Imonisa; Mrs. Stella Akpore; Victor Umukoro; Gloria Akpobi; Eseghene Ovwidje; Rev. Ochuko Ekrebe; Believe Aruoture; Peace Ubuara; Elvis Uweyase; Onoji Lucky; Adugbo Ogheneovo; Dennis Idogho; Marian Ughwanogho; Johnson Idogho; Oyibo Goodluck; Richard Akpobi and others.
The Idjerhe-Orogun Annual Conference was a powerful testament to the community’s indomitable spirit and a reminder that unity is the bedrock of growth. As the curtains closed, attendees departed with renewed resolve to actualize the theme, “Together We Grow and Thrive.”