By Chukwudi Asoya / Magnus Emuji
A ten man new Executive to pilot the activities of Okpanam Youth Organisation (OYO) in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State for the next four years have been elected with Comrade Lucky Okolo of the Vibrant Youths emerging as the President elect.
Other elected executive members included Comrade Lucky Okolo (President); Chukwudi Abumujor(Vice President); Fidelis Okonma (Secretary-General ) ; Betty Ikunor(Assistant Secretary); Igbekea Ikechukwu (Financial Secretary); Obiageli Nwabiankea (Treasurer); Nwaokolie Nkechi Gift (Organising Secretary) ; Umuna Rosemary (Provost) ; Ogbechie Joseph Uche (PRO); and Oseha Afam (Welfare Officer)
Announcing the result of the election, held at St. Molumba’s College, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State , the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Chief Stephen Okonta , who is the Oza Okita of Okpanam, said that Comrade Lucky Okolo garnered a total of 879 votes to defeat other two contestants for the position of Okpanam youth president.
Chief Okonta , who disclosed that a date for their inauguration would be announced in due course, appreciated members of his committee for their collective efforts towards the successful conduct of the election and Okpanam youths in general for their peaceful dispositions throughout the election.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Electoral Committee, Deacon Austine Ofuani who spoke shortly after sorting out the ballot papers said that out of the 1,587 registered voters a total of 1,304 voted and commended the youths for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, one of the Councillors representing Okpanam ward 9 in Oshimili North, Hon. Jeffery Mordi and a legal practitioner in the community, Barrister Arinze Aniemeka described the election as free, fair and credible just as they lauded the electoral committee for their resilience and determination towards the successful conduct of the election.
Hon. Mordi and Barrister Aniemeka, who urged those that emerged victorious to deepen their commitments towards uniting the people and run all inclusive administration for the overall benefits of the community, said that the election was a family affair.
In an interview with journalists, the newly elected President of Okpanam Youth Organisation, Comrade Lucky Okolo assured the community that he would justify the confidence reposed in him, adding that his administration would usher in a new dawn for the community.
Comrade Okolo reiterated his resolve to always operate an open door policy and lauded the leaders of the community and youths for their overwhelming support for his team of Vibrant Youths , saying that the welfare of youths as well as the growth and development of the community had remained his priority.
It could be recalled that the election was witnessed by the Ugoani of Okpanam kingdom, HRM Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu and several independent observers including the media.