*Unidel Vice Chancellor Calls For Sustainable Development Of Ika Nation. *

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke has called on lka sons and daughters, home and abroad, to contribute meaningfully towards the development of the lka Nation.

Prof. Chiemeke made the call during the 2024 Annual Congress of Ekwuoma Progressive Union, EPU, held at the Ekwuoma Town Hall in lka North East Local Government Area, Delta State.

Delivering a lecture titled, "Ekwuoma in the Emerging Communities of lka Nation: Challenges, Prospects and Critical Strides for Development", the VC stated that there was need to reposition Ekwuoma within the emerging Communities in lka Nation and take critical actions that would foster sustainable development.

Prof. Chiemeke who said Ekwuoma was a kingdom grounded in a rich cultural heritage, highlighted by agricultural practices and craftsmanship, fortified by strong community ties, was also a beacon of resilience .

Examining the current infrastructural deficits of Ekwuoma, youth migration and brain drain, social and economic divide, cultural erosion, social cohesion, agricultural practices, as well as technological advancements, she disclosed that it had become evident that the lka Nation was undergoing significant transformation.

She stressed that urbanization, technological advancement, and globalization had given rise to new opportunities while also introducing complex challenges.

She pointed out that infrastructural development was crucial for enabling economic activities, improving access to markets, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

As part of measures to address the pressing challenges facing Ekwuoma, especially on infrastructure, the Vice Chancellor, charged the EPU, especially the youths, to focus on forming partnerships with governmental bodies and non- governmental organizations to advocate for infrastructural improvements.

On economic disparities which she said, the community was grappling with, Prof. Chiemeke called for commitment to create inclusive growth strategies that would prioritize the marginalized segments of the community to ensure equitable development.

Earlier in his remarks, the EPU National Chairman, Apostle David Chinedu Onwualu commended Prof. Chiemeke for the impactful and insightful lecture.

Apostle Onwualu said EPU was poised to bringing development to the community.

He disclosed that the Union would hold a cultural fiesta, fashion parade and book lunching in their next Congress, and present awards to distinguished Ekwuoma indigenes who had laboured for the growth of the Kingdom.

The immediate past President General of EPU, Sir Chief Augustine Nwokolo noted that EPU, through collaborative efforts led by Apst. Onwualu was committed to reviving, stabilizing and restoring EPU branches nationwide, supervising events in each EPU branch as well as establishing new EPU branches within and outside the country.

The high points of the epoch making event were adoption of resolutions from various committees, reports from EPU National President and donations/goodwill messages.