By Foster Akpore
In a bid to foster development in Orogun, Hon. Sylvester Ovbije, the commissioner representing Ughelli North, Ethiope East, and the Urhobos in Patani LGA on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), paid a courtesy visit to the newly installed Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Joseph Okorocha Emoghene, Osokpa 1. The visit was to formally congratulate the monarch on his successful coronation and discuss ongoing development projects in the area.
During his visit to the palace, Hon. Ovbije expressed his joy at the installation of the new traditional ruler and pledged his support for the growth and development of Orogun Kingdom. “I am here today not only to congratulate you on your successful coronation but also to reaffirm my commitment to working with you for the progress of Orogun,” Ovbije said. He assured the monarch of his readiness to contribute both financially and materially to the kingdom.
One of the key highlights of the visit was Hon. Ovbije’s promise to rehabilitate the Orogun Civic Centre, an important landmark in the community. He called on the youth and other residents to refrain from vandalizing public property, emphasizing that maintaining peace and harmony is essential for progress.
The DESOPADEC commissioner also discussed plans to renovate the Orogun palace. “Before I left the area, I noticed the palace needed significant improvement. I promised myself that upon my return, I would take steps to ensure its renovation,” Ovbije said. He assured the monarch that work on the palace would begin soon and pledged continued support for the kingdom’s administration.
In response, the Okpara-Uku expressed his gratitude for the visit and the commissioner’s commitment to the kingdom’s development. “As you fulfill your promise to renovate the palace, may you find favor and blessings wherever you go,” the monarch said.
Following the palace visit, Hon. Ovbije inspected an ongoing DESOPADEC project—a six-block sanitary facility being constructed for Orogun market women. Expressing satisfaction with the progress, he assured that the project would be completed and commissioned by the end of the month. He urged the contractor to ensure timely completion.
The visit was attended by several notable figures, including Chief Johnson Orhi, PDP Chairman of Orogun Ward 1; Pastor Godspower, Secretary of Ughelli North LGA; Chief Dr. Emmanuel Ogobene; Chief Ochuko Orogun, the Otota of Orogun Council of Chiefs alongside other PDP executives and faithful from Orogun Ward 1.