Towards a purposeful and selfless leadership among indigenes of Ozoro Kingdom at home and in the diaspora, the Ozoro Progress Union (OPU) recently held its yearly national delegates conference in Lagos.
With ‘Purposeful Leadership: A Tool for Economic Empowerment and Political Emancipation’,as theme, the event attracted indigenes of the town and stakeholders from all walks of life including the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Anthony Uvietobore Ogbodo (Ibuka I), who served as the chief host.
In his remarks, the monarch said the essence of the gathering was to rekindle unity and commitment among the people for the progress of the community.
He urged Ozoro indigenes to embrace patience, tolerance, and oneness. “Once there’s no unity of purpose, you can’t succeed in anything. We pray for oneness of mind. That’s why we are here, to encourage our people and remind them there’s a silver lining ahead,” the royal father noted.
President of the OPU Lagos Central Body, Stanley Egware, who hosted the event, explained that the yearly conference brings together Ozoro people from across Nigeria to discuss issues affecting their development.
Egware said the theme of the conference was chosen to reorient community leaders toward selfless service. “Over the years, some leaders have seen leadership as an opportunity for self-enrichment. Today’s discussion is to remind everyone that leadership should empower people economically and emancipate them politically,” he stated.
He emphasised that the event was not politically motivated but culturally inspired, as it focused on strengthening unity and shared heritage among Ozoro sons and daughters.
Managing Director, Independent Newspapers Limited, Mr. Steve Omanufeme Othuke, in his keynote address, described leadership as a powerful tool for economic development and empowerment. He highlighted the importance of visionary and accountable leadership in fostering growth.
“Effective leadership translates resources into opportunities,” he said, citing examples of local heroes like Chief Francis Spanner Okpozo, who helped establish the former Bendel State Polytechnic, Ozoro (now Southern Delta University). “Leadership should not be for personal gain but for the community’s progress.”
Omanufeme, while calling on leaders to invest in education, infrastructure, and human capital, urged the community to harness its resources and talents to address challenges such as poor power supply, insecurity, and flooding.
