The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, on Tuesday, received members of the Okpo Club of Nigeria, an association of lawyers from the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Council Secretariat in Rumuodamaya.Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu described the visit as timely and symbolic, applauding the association’s efforts in promoting professional excellence and defending the interests of the Ikwerre people.
“It is important we don’t forget where we are coming from. What you people are doing is commendable. This place should be home to every Ikwerre person,” Dr. Worlu remarked.
The Obio/Akpor Council Boss used the occasion to call for stronger collaboration between traditional rulers and educated elites in Ikwerre land, stressing that community leaders must learn to accommodate educated sons and daughters willing to contribute to community development.
Addressing the menace of land grabbing in some parts of Rivers State, the Chairman charged lawyers from Ikwerre extraction to take the lead in correcting societal ills by upholding ethical standards in their practice.
“Some of our people have unfortunately used their legal knowledge to promote land grabbing. You cannot be a lawyer to all the criminals and claim it is normal. We must protect the integrity of our people and our land,” he said.
Dr. Gift Worlu emphasised that the Ikwerre ethnic nationality is blessed and capable of achieving greater political and economic advancement if its people work together. He assured the visiting lawyers of the Council’s readiness to collaborate with them in addressing communal and legal challenges affecting Ikwerre communities.
He also commended Ikwerre lawyers who have risen to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), describing them as sources of pride and inspiration to the younger generation.
“Don’t deviate from your vision and mission. It will be for the greater good of our people. Encourage our younger ones to study law and support them to grow,” he advised.
Dr. Gift Worlu further acknowledged the developmental strides of His Excellency, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), noting that “all politics is local,” and appreciating the Minister’s continued support for the people of Ikwerre and Rivers State at large.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Okpo Club of Nigeria, Dr. Promise Wobo Iwezor, thanked the Council Chairman for granting audience despite his busy schedule.
He congratulated Dr. Gift Worlu on his emergence as the Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA and lauded his infrastructural transformation, particularly the massive improvement of the Rumuodamaya Market area, which he said has made movement easier and safer for residents and traders.
“Your work at Rumuodamaya is commendable. That area was once unsafe and difficult to access, but today, your leadership has brought sanity and development,” Dr. Iwezor stated.
Dr. Iwezor, on behalf of the Okpo Club of Nigeria, presented a request for assistance from the Council to secure their land at Greater Port Harcourt through fencing, explaining that the Okpo Club of Nigeria had faced encroachment challenges. He clarified that the request was not for financial assistance but for partnership in safeguarding their property.
He further informed the Chairman of the association’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold on December 13 at Obakiri in Emohua Local GovernmentArea, to be hosted by Barr. Dr. Franklin Ajinwo, where lawyers of Ikwerre origin from across Nigeria would converge.
“We know your capacity, vision, and mission for Ikwerre land. We are confident that you will not let us down,” Dr. Iwezor concluded.
Signed:
Obio/Akpor Press Unit
November 4, 2025
