BY CHRISTY ABOGHE
THE Umusadege Ndemili Community, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State has formally demanded full host community recognition from Pan Ocean Oil Company, declaring that it is entitled to all statutory benefits accorded to host communities where oil exploration activities take place.
The demand formed the central resolution at the 2025 Adege Day celebration, an event that also marked the restoration of peace and unity in the community after years of internal division that had hindered collective development efforts.
Adege Day is an annual cultural gathering that brings together community leaders, stakeholders, and indigenes to celebrate heritage, review communal progress, and chart strategies for sustainable development.
The 2025 edition, themed “Consolidating Peace, Charting New Development,” signaled a new chapter of cohesion and purposeful engagement.
In his address, the Onotu-Uku of Umusadege, Chief Isaac Ozonuwe, welcomed sons and daughters of the community and urged them to embrace unity and constructive dialogue as the foundation for lasting peace and development.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Stephen Amalokwu commended the organising committee for the successful hosting of the event despite short notice.
He announced the inauguration of a high-powered committee to draft a new constitution for Umusadege, describing it as a critical step toward strengthening governance and inclusiveness in the community.
Dr. Amalokwu also disclosed that government approval had been secured for a solar power grid project to restore electricity to Umusadege, noting that the development symbolised a return of progress after years of stagnation.
In his remark , the Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Chief Goddey Obi-Nzete, represented by Chief Kenneth Nwaomucha praised the organisers and conveyed goodwill to the people.
He observed that it was symbolic that after about 15 years—when Adege Day celebrations ceased and electricity supply went off—both cultural unity and power were now being restored.
Resolutions reached at the general conference included the establishment of a constitution-drafting committee and a firm decision to legally pursue Umusadege’s recognition as a host community to Pan Ocean Oil Company, rather than remaining.
