A new internal executive leadership chaired by Chief Omolo Seabowei has been sworn-in to pilot the affairs of the main Okerenkoko community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, for the next three years.

Other members of the executive leadership are Comr. Bright Kenny (Vice Chairman), Engr. Philip O. Samuel (Secretary), Comr. Elvis Friday (Public Relations Officer), Comr. Ebragha Ene (Assistant Secretary), Comr. Mrs Stella Azesibe (Financial Secretary), Comr. David Governor (Treasurer), Comr. Mrs. Aberewa Stella (Assistant Treasurer), Comr. Aminor Blessing (Chief Organiser), Comr. Victor O. (Assistant Organiser) and Comr. Dennis Oyibo (Provost).

The internal exco were inaugurated at a ceremony that held in the Okerenkoko community playground and was witnessed by community elders, women and youths, on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

In his appreciation speech, the internal chairman, Chief Seabowei, on behalf of the exco members, thanked the people of Okerenkoko main community for giving them the privilege to serve and assured them of their readiness as they are eager to give their best.

Chief Seabowei also appealed to the people to also play their part by joining forces with the exco members to uplift the Okerenkoko main community especially as the challenges are numerous.

PENGlobal learnt that the internal executives of the Okerenkoko main community is distinct from the Okerenkoko Federated Community but that both organs of leadership work in synergy to further advance the growth and development of the community.

Speaking on the development, a prominent community leader, Chief James Tangbowei (JP), the Toimelemowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, who is popularly referred to as Alapalepe, advised the new exco members to be active, not dormant, in order to address the many challenges facing the riverine community.

Other community members also spoke in same vein, and in addition, cautioned the exco members to work in unison and to put the interest of the community foremost as representatives of the people who elected them to serve.

"My message to them is to stand firm; they have to be strong and they should do the needful so that the community will move forward. They should not sit down or be relaxed, they have to move to make sure the community is developed, and that is why they are there. So, it's for them to move from one place to the other to make sure they can attract development and ensure the cleanliness of the community," Alapalepe said.

Stakeholders in the community also lamented the myriads of challenges facing the host community to oil production companies, citing the lack of community transport boats, epileptic power supply, potable water, medical center, among others.

They called on the government and oil companies, particularly the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, among other investors in the area to partner with the community to address the challenges.

"The challenges are many. We need 24 hours light; we need the NPDC to at least give us turbine. Equally we are still lacking water, the most essential commodity. We still need a well equipped medical center and transport facilities. We need the government to at least help us because our people are fishermen, some are farmers. So we need human capital development and then opportunities to help address youth unemployment," the chief appealed.

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