UMUNEDE: The Chairman of Ika Northeast Local Government Area, Hon. Monday Hunkanma Adigwe, has commissioned a public electricity transformer donated by Chief Dickson Utuke, the Owan of Umunede Kingdom, to Ileje Community in Umunede, Delta State.
The transformer, installed at the bus stop along Hospital Road in Ileje Quarter, is expected to supply electricity to a large section of Ileje and Oba quarters, bringing relief to residents who have endured months of power outage. The intervention is anticipated to ease daily living and stimulate business activities in the area.
Members of the community expressed deep appreciation to Chief Utuke, a Europe-based philanthropist, for the timely donation, offering prayers for God’s continued blessings and prosperity upon him.
The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by prominent Umunede chiefs, including Chief Benson Iyama, the Eleme of Umunede Kingdom; Chief Ambassador Augustine Aghalor, the Igirigi of Umunede Kingdom; Chief Emere, and several others.
Following the transformer commissioning, Hon. Adigwe, accompanied by Umunede chiefs, friends and family members, proceeded to Owa-Alero, where he also commissioned a hostel accommodation constructed by Chief Utuke near the Faculty of Law, University of Delta (UNIDEL), Owa-Alero Campus.
The hostel, named Saint Agatha Hostel in honour of Chief Utuke’s wife, Mrs. Agatha Dickson Utuke, consists of three separate two-storey U-shaped buildings designed to accommodate both male and female students. The facility is equipped with a functional borehole to ensure steady water supply, as well as a dedicated electricity transformer to guarantee uninterrupted power.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Adigwe commended Chief Utuke for his commitment to students’ welfare and for contributing meaningfully to the development of the university environment and the Owa-Alero community. He also thanked the Obi of Umunede, Obi Agadagidi, and the Obi of Owa Kingdom, noting that the land used for the project is located within Owa Kingdom.
The local government chairman pledged to construct an access road linking the hostel to the university and major roads to improve accessibility.
He noted that the hostel would significantly help to address accommodation challenges faced by students in Owa and Agbor towns.
Hon. Adigwe further appreciated Chief Utuke for donating two vehicles to young men who played key roles in the successful execution of the projects. The beneficiaries are Mr. Dada Uwada, who received a Toyota Yaris, and Mr. Sunday Nkeonyesor, who received a Nissan Micra.
In his remarks, Chief Utuke thanked the beneficiaries for their dedication and commitment, noting that their support ensured the success of the projects despite his loss of about ₦37 million to another party during the execution process.
The chairman also acknowledged Mr. Kingsley Erigbum, whom he described as a loyal friend and patriot, recalling his unwavering support since the period preceding the local government elections.
The event featured the presentation of kola nut, which was prayed over by the Obawenju of Umunede Kingdom, who offered prayers for Chief Utuke, his family and all those present.
Other chiefs in attendance included Chief Tony Ioguibuike, the Ekelemobi of Umunede; Chief Philip Onyeagwu, the Eribo of Umunede; Chief James Nwajie, the Ikpeaza of Umunede Kingdom, among others.
