A former Political Correspondent with the Champion Newspaper and businessman Mr. Bayo Akhigbe has been elected the new President of Uneme National Development Association (UNDA), the umbrella body of Uneme communities in Edo state.
The election, which took place in Lagos during the 2016 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of UNDA, followed the expiration of the administration of the former President of the body, Mr. Ernest Adeji who held sway in the last two years.
Akhigbe, who until his election was the Vice President of UNDA and it Chairman on Education Committee, and also the Lagos state Chairman of Imiava Anegbette Development Association (IADA) emerged unopposed after his nomination at the AGM.
The former journalist said his administration will rally Uneme sons and daughters in the Diaspora together for peaceful co-existence and socio-political and economic development across all Uneme communities.
According to him, “the peaceful co-existence of Uneme Nation with neigbouring communities is non-negotiable; this administration will vigorously pursue programmes and processes aim toward addressing the falling standard of education in our various communities across the state”.
Mr. Bayo Akhigbe
On the recent communal clash between Uneme–Erhurun and Okpella over a disputed land, the President explained that a peace committee has been set up to mediate between both communities in collaboration with security agencies and the Edo state government.
According to him, the Governor Adams Oshiomole led administration has made giant strides in promoting the peaceful atmosphere in the state, hence the need for communities to eschew violence.
He advised leaders of both towns to restrain their youths from further provocation and allow negotiations among the peace committees carry out dialogues and mediation.
Akhigbe also urge well meaning indigenes of Uneme origin to support his administration in the economic emancipation of the people in the rural communities.
Other elected officials include Fred Iyogun as Vice President, Shaba Austin emerged as General Secretary while Clement Olatunji was elected Assistant Secretary.
Others are Joseph Oboh as Financial Secretary, Samuel Ojo was elected as Treasurer, Austin Tobi , Publicity Secretary, Sunday Daodu emerged as Provost while the former General Secretary of the body Mr. Ralph Seriki re-elected as Ex officio.