Amb. Truston Gesikeme Gbenekama has been inaugurated as the Executive Chairman of Odidi Federated Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, to lead the 20-member Executive Committee in overseeing the affairs of the riverine community for the next four years, with a mandate to drive unity, transparency, and development.

Other inaugurated executive members are Mr. Jacob Ekponimi (Vice Chairman), Chief Bene Mamamu (Secretary), Clergy Favour Okrikpa-Deribi (Assistant Secretary), Mr. Charles Meneko (Treasurer), Chief Terry Ogisi (Public Relations Officer), Mr. Clement Konkemele (Financial Secretary), Mr. Sunday Kulele (Assistant Financial Secretary), Barr. Clarkson Aribogha (Legal Adviser).

While Mr. Ekankumoh Egbegha, Mr. Solomon Aribogha, Mr. Augustine Aribogha, Mr. Akpos Numah, Mr. William Atunu, Mr. John Jolomi, Miss Beauty Okiri, Mr. Theophilus Lokiri, Mr. Louis Okporo are Members.

The inauguration on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, followed the expiration of the tenure of the Prince Preye Okrikpa-led administration on April 28, 2026.

The ceremony which held in Odidi Federated Community drew traditional leaders, security agencies, neighboring communities, and members of the press.

Delivering the opening address, Engr. James Meneko Deribi, Secretary of the Elders Council, said the new committee would operate under the Council’s rules and regulations pending the completion of a formal community constitution.

He urged all sons and daughters of Odidi to uphold unity among the four quarters descended from progenitor Dinakorogha - Bosienumughan, Deribi, Keneyinbo, and Tamiemene - and to avoid actions that could spark discord or invite external interference.

“The composition of this new Executive Committee is based on nominees submitted by the respective indigenous families, as is our custom,” Deribi said.

He therefore tasked the new leadership to complete a written constitution within the first half of their tenure and to prioritize human and capital development projects.

The Elders Council also called on the outgoing executive to cooperate fully with the incoming team by handing over all necessary records for a smooth transition.

In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn-in Chairman, Amb. Gbenekama of the Keneyinbo Quarter said his administration would focus on a development blueprint tagged 'RESCUED' - Restoration, Environmental Sustainability, Commitment, Unified Empowerment, and Development.

“This is the first cabinet to be sworn in on Odidi soil with women in the administration,” Gbenekama noted, and thanked the elders, women, and youths for their role in ensuring a peaceful transition.

Key points he also mentioned during his presentation were; "Environmental Restoration: Partnerships with operating companies, the Ministry of Environment, NOSDRA, and HYPREP to clean waterways, restore mangroves, and protect aquatic life.

"Unified Empowerment: Job creation and skills programs for youths and women in collaboration with NDDC, MNDA, DESOPADEC, and the Local Content Development Board.

"Infrastructure & Services: Projects in healthcare, education, shoreline protection, concrete jetties, and pipe-borne water across the community.

"Transparency & Governance: Establishment of a community constitution within six months and an end to covert administration practices."

Gbenekama stressed that the administration would serve a single four-year term and hand over peacefully when its mandate expires. He also appealed for an end to litigation and intimidation over community resources, saying, “Power is transient.”

Some of the noticeable elders and leaders present in the swearing-in include Elder Gilbert Deribi, Engr James M. Deribi, Mr. Andrew Atunu, Chief Godwin Akori, Mr. Anthony Deribi, Hon. Friday Deinghan, Engr Faith Mamamu, Bishop Dr. Felix Piniki, Nigermark Abimene, and Mr. Godpower Akori.

Bishop Piniki (JP), General Overseer, Fire Faith Praise Mission Int. Inc. Effurun, Warri, Delta State, who opened the ceremony, closed it with prayers for safe journeys home and blessings for the new administration.

View more photos of the inauguration here:

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