By Dr. Jude Dike, Ph.D.
Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, Former Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dear Distinguished Senator,
On behalf of many appreciative sons and daughters of Ndokwa Nation, I write with profound gratitude and deep respect to acknowledge your exceptional leadership, courage, and enduring commitment to the development of our people, particularly your singular role in attracting the establishment of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale, Delta State.
As you take your leave from the All Progressives Congress (APC), it is only fitting that history records your remarkable contributions to the Ndokwa people and Delta State at large. Leadership is ultimately measured not merely by political titles held, but by lives touched, opportunities created, and legacies secured for generations yet unborn. In this regard, your name has been firmly etched in the developmental history of Ndokwa land.
For decades, Ndokwa Nation — despite being the second largest ethnic nationality in Delta State and host to enormous oil and gas resources that have substantially contributed to the economic sustenance of Nigeria — remained painfully marginalized in the distribution of critical government institutions and infrastructure. Successive administrations, both state and federal, overlooked the legitimate aspirations of our people for a federal or state-owned tertiary institution within our homeland.
The painful memories remain fresh. The state polytechnic originally intended for Ndokwa people was ultimately redirected to Ozoro, thereby denying our people a deserved educational and economic opportunity. Equally disheartening was the unfortunate abandonment of the Aboh Polytechnic project almost immediately after its conception, leaving yet another developmental vacuum in Ndokwa Nation.
Against this backdrop of historical neglect and institutional deprivation, your intervention stands tall as a watershed moment. Through your influence, political will, and strategic leadership, the Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale became a reality — the first federal tertiary institution of its kind in Ndokwa land. This monumental achievement has restored hope to our people and rekindled faith in purposeful representation.
Indeed, this institution represents far more than buildings and academic structures. It symbolizes recognition, inclusion, empowerment, and long-awaited justice for a people who have endured years of exclusion despite their immeasurable contributions to the Nigerian federation.
Your effort has not only opened educational opportunities for our youths but has also laid the foundation for economic growth, healthcare advancement, research development, employment generation, and broader socio-economic transformation across Ndokwa Nation and Delta State.
Distinguished Senator, history will remember you kindly for choosing to stand where many before you hesitated. While political seasons may change and affiliations may evolve, genuine service to humanity remains timeless. Your courage to champion the cause of Ndokwa people when it mattered most will continue to resonate across generations.
As you chart a new political course and continue your journey in public service, may you find strength, wisdom, and greater opportunities to serve humanity and advance the cause of equity, justice, and development.
On behalf of grateful stakeholders, elders, youths, and progressive minds across Ndokwa Nation, I say thank you for giving our people a sense of belonging and for writing your name in gold in the annals of our history.
May posterity continue to honour your sacrifices and contributions.
Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.
*Dr. Jude Dike, Ph.D. Ndokwa Political Stakeholder and Strategist.
