Ubulu Okiti indigenes in Lagos unveil new patron December 9

For the Ubulu Okiti community in Lagos, December 9, this year would be a very special day, as it unveils the new patron of the Ubulu Okiti Development Association (UODA), Lagos Branch, Mr. Joseph Obiora Umejei, a retired executive of Shell Petroleum Development Company.

Some special awards would also be presented in three categories to indigenes that have distinguished themselves. The categories are infrastructure and human capital development; service and commitment to the association; and outstanding sustenance of family values.
Highlight of the event, organised under the auspices of UODA, would be the installation of Umejei, who had served as president from 2005 to 2012, to succeed Dr. Christopher Ifeadi, who passed on in October last year.

Among the recipients of special awards are widows who defied all the odds to train up their children, who were mere adolescents or teenagers when the family breadwinners died, and through whose determination, dint of hardwork, sacrificial lifestyles and pursuit of core family values, most of those children are today accomplished professionals, married with children.

Other awardees include outstanding donors and former executives of the association.UODA, the major driver of development in Ubulu Okiti, an agrarian community in Aniocha South Council of Delta State, renowned for excellent palm wine, was established in 1953 as Ubulu Okiti Progressive Union (UOPU), but adopted the current name about two decades ago to reflect its developmental character.

Since inception, the association has played key roles in the establishment of a secondary school, health centre, electricity project, water scheme and other infrastructural projects in the community.