UMUNEDE: The New Road Community in Umunede, a rapidly expanding settlement within the Obi Quarters of Umunede Kingdom in Ika Northeast Local Government Area of Delta State, has inaugurated its Development Union and successfully hosted its maiden community carnival.
The landmark event, held on December 22 at Ede Road, New Road, Umunede, marked a significant step in the community’s quest for unity, a shared identity, and sustainable development.
The ceremony was attended by His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ezeagwu Ezenweali I, JP, the Obi Agadagidi of Umunede Kingdom, who served as the Royal Father of the Day. Also present were the most senior male residents of the community, with the event held under the distinguished chairmanship of Rev. Peter Otunji.
Other dignitaries included the President of the New Road Community Development Union, Elder Joseph Omodior; Mr. Gabriel Chiemeke, Chairman of the Planning Committee; Chief Augustine Aghaulor, the Igirigi of Umunede; Chief Eboka, the Akoluwe of Umunede; and the Guest of Honour, Chief Benson Iyama, the Elema of Umunede, alongside several other prominent Umunede chiefs.
The inauguration address 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 played a pivotal role in mobilising founding families and residents towards the formation of the union, organising the first-ever carnival, and facilitating the publication of the community’s maiden historical book.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the launch of the community’s first publication titled New Road Community: A History of Unity, Growth and Development, compiled by the New Road Community Development Union. The book, which chronicles the origin, growth, values and aspirations of the community, was distributed free to participants.
In his inaugural message, Pastor Okwunwa explained that the initiative to establish the Development Union was inspired by discussions with people born and raised in the community, as well as the pressing need to reunite founding families and residents.
He expressed concern over the gradual erosion of unity and communal love that once characterised the area during his secondary school and university years.
According to him, documenting the history of the community became imperative to preserve its heritage for current residents and future generations, while also providing a blueprint for restoring love, unity and shared values in the fast-growing New Road Community.
He revealed that the Development Union now holds bi-weekly meetings, with active participation from residents who have expressed satisfaction with the new leadership direction.
He added that the union’s core objectives include rebuilding unity among families and pursuing critical development projects such as the provision of clean drinking water, healthcare support for the elderly, and educational assistance for children from founding families.
Pastor Okwunwa further called on residents, especially youths, to embrace peace, unity and mutual respect, while cautioning against youth restiveness and drug abuse, which he described as harmful to both personal and communal development.
Residents described the inauguration, carnival and book launch as a rebirth of unity, love, identity and progress for the New Road Community.
The publication features photographs and names of the founding fathers and traces the transformation of the area from a narrow footpath linking Mbiri Community to Obi Quarters farmlands in the late 1950s into one of the most commercially vibrant areas in the local government.
Today, the New Road Community boasts notable infrastructure, hotels and cottage industries, positioning it as a major hub within Umunede and the wider Ika Northeast Local Government Area of Delta State.
