By Oluwatope Lawanson
The Managing Director (MD) of Independent Newspapers, Mr Steve Omanufeme, says purposeful leadership remains vital for community and national development.
Omanufeme said this at the Ozoro Progress Union (OPU) Delegates’ Conference, held for indigenes of Ozoro Kingdom of Delta on Monday in Lagos.
The conference had as its theme, “One Heritage, One People, One Destiny”.
He spoke on the topic, “Purposeful Leadership: A Tool of Economic Empowerment and Political Emancipation”.
The managing director noted that responsible and effective leadership would create vision, build strong institutions, and invest in human capital.
He urged leaders to focus on strategic planning, human capital investment, infrastructure development, and transparency to drive sustainable growth.
“Visionary leaders must prioritise education, innovation, and accountability.
“Leadership should serve the people, not self-interest,” Omanufeme said.
Also, the President of OPU, Lagos Chapter, Mr Stanley Egware, said the gathering was aimed at fostering unity and development among Ozoro people nationwide.
He explained that the theme, “One Heritage, One People, One Destiny,” reflected the community’s commitment to shared values and collective progress.
“One heritage speaks about our common brotherhood, reminding us that though we may be from different parents, we trace our roots to one ancestor, Opute, the founder of Ozoro.
“The topic, “Economic Empowerment and Political Emancipation”, was chosen to promote selfless leadership and re-orient community leaders,” Egware said.
In his remarks, a Traditional Ruler, Uvietobore Ogbogbo (Ibuka I), called for unity among the people of Ozoroland to drive peace, prosperity and development.
Ogbogbo, who is the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta, said that the purpose of the two-day conference was to renew the peoples’ energy and revive their spirit for unity, progress and togetherness.
The ruler urged indigenes of Ozoro Kingdom to embrace patience, tolerance and mutual respect, saying, “Development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and unity.
“It may not be easy, but there is a silver lining ahead. We will get there.”
Ogbogbo, who prayed for oneness of mind and peace, encouraged the people to push ahead.
“Once there is no unity among a people, they cannot succeed in anything,” he added.
A cross-section of the indigenes of Ozoro Kingdom
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Omanufeme received an award for dedicated service at the conference.
Also, the conference ended with a renewed call for unity and inclusive leadership to harness Ozoro’s human and natural resources for lasting prosperity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Christiana Fadare
