By Francis Sadhere
The entire crew of Generals of Grassroots Empowerment have honored the immediate past Commissioner of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC) Chief Mathew Poko Opuoru, with an outstanding award for his contribution to youth empowerment in Delta State.
The award was presented to Hon. Opuoru and thirteen others at the official launching of a book titled,”Generals of Grassroot Empowerment”written by popular comedian in Warri, Prince George Ighomena at the Ocean View,Shell Petroleum Development Company yesterday.
Receiving his award, Chief Opuoro who thanked the organizers of the award for deeming it fit to give him an award for touching lives of young ones in the state, said the award will spur him to do more for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.
He said that it is the responsibility of those who God has empowered in the society to give back to the society, noting that it was only through empowering young people that the blessings of God will keep showering on them.
Chief Opuoru added that “there comes a time in a mans life that he no longer thinks of himself. We all know the difference between good and bad. Some people decided to do bad, but for me, I have chosen to do good.”
While noting that so many people face different challenges in life, Chief Opuoro advised those that are well to do in the society to try and help those who are in need, stressing that a little empowerment given to people will go a long way to help them and their families.
Chief Opuoro added that he is motivated to help people when he sees the sufferings that they are faced with everyday, saying he will continue to do his best in helping the less privileged in the society.
Launching the book, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Sunny Popo, a high chief of Uvwie council area in his opening address, thanked the author of the book and his crew for recognizing and honoring the men with the awards.
Chief Popo called on all present at the occasion to support the author of the book and encourage him to do more in the future.
Barr. Mudiaga Odje, a constitutional lawyer while reviewing the book, “Generals of Grassroots Empowerment in Delta State,” described the writer as a very resourceful person who never gave up despite the hardship has gone through.
He said the 73 pages book, described how some influential men in Delta State have contributed to the development of their various communities, adding that the book touches on the importance of giving back to society.
Barr. Odje commended the writer for summing up the courage to single out these men and write about them, stressing that he has done justice to book by vividly describing how these men have helped people in their communities.
On his part, the author of the book, Prince Ighomena said that he was inspired to write the book because of what he has passed through since graduation from the Delta State University, Abraka.
He called on wealthy Deltans to always look out for ways in which they can empower the youths in their communities because according to him, “it is very important that people in your community feel your impact while you are still alive.”
Others who also bagged the awards include the member representing the people of Delta Central Senatorial District, Sen. Ighoyota Amori,the member representing the people of Delta South Senatorial District,Sen. James Manager,Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu, Delta State Governor. Sen.(Dr.)Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa,Delta State Deputy Governor,Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly,Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi who was represented by Hon. Oyibosochukwu Nwabueze, Sir. S.B.Abidaku,Hon. Ben Igbakpa, Hon. Vincent Uduaghan, Chief Ayirimi Emami, Chief Victor Nwakwo and Chief Victor Emonena Egukewhere.
