By Our Correspondent
The Itsekiri Liberation Group (ILG) has appealed to Governor Ifeayin Okowa of Delta State to establish a University at the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people as a major contributor to the economic, social and political growth and key revenue base of Delta State.
The group whose mission and vision are not limited to the advocacy for a better society through the development of their communities, but strengthening democracy for good governance in a letter addressed to Governor Okowa alleged that political and Developmental Marginalisation of the Itsekiri Nation has become unbearable and needs tackled by him.
The letter signed by Hon. Charles Mofe Pemu, Comrade Mone N. Oris, Okorodudu C. Gbesimi and Comrade Mathew Igiogio respectively noted that education is an instrument for Nation building, but that aspect is one area the Itsekiri nation has been denied despite her economic contribution not just to Delta State, but Nigeria at large.
According to the ILG “We pray that, may you use your good office to redress the injustice done against the Itsekiri Ethnicity in the interest of equity and good conscience”, noting that of the Twenty Five (25) Higher Educational Institutions in the State that comprises both State and Federal including the Polytechnics none is located in Warri, except the College of Education, Warri that is honestly not befiting for an old economic environment like Warri that will give some sense of belonging to the people in Warri, and most especially the Itsekiris that is most deprived of essential and basic amenities.
They are therefore appealing that the government of Delta State put into consideration the Itsekiri Nation, in the planned upgrade of Higher Educational Institutions in the state saying that as a tribe, everyone is aware that aside the fact of being a major contributor to the nation’s treasury, they are a peaceful, loving and accommodating ethnic nationality in the Nigeria entity, and wish to improve on that, adding that it will also help reduce the rate of your restiveness in their communities.
The letter suggested that, a University which the Itsekiris have brainstormed, discussed and concluded to be named” Iwere University” be established and located at Ode-Itsekiri, Big Warri, so as to make Education closer to those at the riverine communities as it will also impact positively on the people irrespective of ethnicity.
While commeserating with the Governor on the unfortunate demise of his father, they prayed for the repose of his soul and for God to grant Governor Okowa the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
