UMUNEDE: The New Road Community in Umunede, a fast-growing settlement located within the Obi Quarters of Umunede Kingdom in Ika Northeast Local Government Area of Delta State, has inaugurated her Development Union and successfully hosted her first-ever community carnival.
The historic event, which took place on the 22nd of Dec, at Ede Road, New Road, Umunede, marked a major milestone in the community’s journey toward unity, identity, and sustainable development.
The occasion was graced by His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ezeagwu Ezenweali I, JP, the Obi Agadagidi of Umunede Kingdom, alongside the most senior male residents of the community. Also present was one of the founding fathers Families members of New Road Community, Elder Joseph Omordion, chairman of the New Road Community Development Union, and Reverand Patrick Otunji, chairman planning committee, Chief Augustine Aghaulor, the Igirigi of umunede, chief Eboka, the Akoluwe of umunede, and the Special Guest of Honour, Chief Benson Iyama, the Elema of Umunede and other notable Umunede chiefs
The inauguration speech was delivered by Mr. Solomon Onyeagwu (popularly known as Padonna) on behalf of the sponsor and initiator of the Development Union and the maiden New Road Carnival, Pastor (Engr.) Festus Okwunwa.
Pastor Okwunwa was instrumental in mobilizing founding families and residents toward forming the union, organising the first carnival, and publishing the community’s first historical book.
As part of the ceremony, the community officially launched its first-ever publication titled New Road Community: A History of Unity, Growth and Development, compiled by the New Road Community Development Union. The book documents the origin, evolution, values, and aspirations of the community and was distributed free to attendees.
In his inaugural address, Pastor (Engr.) Festus Okwunwa explained that the idea of forming the union was inspired by discussions with individuals born and raised in the community, as well as the urgent need to reunite founding families and residents. He lamented the gradual loss of unity and communal love that once defined the area during his secondary school and university days.
According to him, documenting the community’s history became necessary to preserve its heritage for present residents and generations yet unborn, while also serving as a roadmap for restoring love, unity, and shared values in the fast-expanding New Road Community.
He disclosed that the Development Union has been holding bi-weekly meetings, with residents actively participating and expressing satisfaction with the new direction. He noted that the union’s primary objective is to restore unity and love among families, while prioritizing key development projects such as access to clean drinking water, healthcare support for the elderly, and educational assistance for children from founding families in the coming years.
Pastor Okwunwa further urged residents and youths of the community to promote peace, unity, and mutual respect, warning against youth restiveness and drug abuse, which he described as destructive to individual and communal growth.
The inauguration, carnival, and book launch were described by residents as a rebirth of unity, love, identity, and progress for the New Road Community.
The publication contains photographs and names of the founding fathers and chronicles how the area, which began as a narrow footpath linking Mbiri Community and Obi Quarters farmland in the late 1950s, has transformed into one of the most commercially vibrant areas in the local government.
Today, New Road Community hosts notable infrastructure, hotels, and cottage industries, making it a key hub within Umunede and Ika Northeast Local Government Area of Delta State.
