Celebration in Koko as OMO Foundation Commission Boreholes to Mark 5th Anniversary in Delta
By Ezekiel Kagbala
It was celebration galore in Koko community, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday, November 22, 2024 with the gathering of prominent political leaders and government officials drawn from the length and breadth of the state as a Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, Oritsegbegbemi Maurice Ojo-Ede (OMO) Foundation, commissioned three water boreholes project to mark its 5th anniversary celebration.
Among the prominent personalities at the commissioning ceremony were the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Chief Solomon Areyenka; the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Thank Godkgod Harry; the Chairman, Warri North Local Government Area, Hon Fetus Ashima; Leader of the legislative arm, Warri North, Hon Gift Duakpemia and a host of other dignitaries.
Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the event at the popular KCMA Hall in the coastal community of Koko, the founder of the OMO Foundation, Dr. Oritsegbegbemi Maurice Ojo-Ede expressed immense gratitude "to community leaders, partners and all who supported the success of the project" which, according to him, aims at providing clean, safe water to the community.
He commended the support of partners, community members, and his wife, Sasu Ojo-Ede, for their contributions toward the foundation’s success.
“These water projects are a testament to the power of collaboration between government, NGOs, and local communities. We are proud to celebrate this milestone, which underscores our shared responsibility to address pressing needs,” he said.
Dr. Ojo-Ede, while acknowledging his wife, Mrs. Faith Isoken Ojo-Ede, who is a co-founder of the Foundation noted that "the mission to empower, uplift and transform communities across the country through sustainable development initiatives was embarked upon, five years ago".
He said, "As we celebrate this 5th anniversary, it is only fitting that we reflect on the progress we have made and the impact we have created together.
"The OMO Foundation was born out of a deep desire to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by our communities. From access to quality education, healthcare, and clean water, to building sustainable infrastructures that foster long-term well-being, Over the past five years, we have built a legacy of positive change through our unwavering commitment to these pillars of development".
Dr.Ojo-Ede noted that there is still much to be done, and many challenges remain, just as he expressed optimism that "with the continued support, we will overcome these challenges and achieve even greater success in the years to come".
"We will continue to invest in education, healthcare, community development, and sustainability", he assured.
Highlighting the significant milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to provide access to clean water and improve the quality of life for the people of Koko, the PDP Chairman Chief Solomon Areyenka, noted that the government cannot do it all alone, "hence, any intervention aimed at supporting growth is encouraged and deserves support, the task of providing water is not easy at private and government level".
The PDP State Chairman remarked that "for this Foundation to come here today and commission three water boreholes for consumption in the Koko community means they have done very well; we will take this Foundation to a very high level, and the state government will hear of this".
Areyenka advised the benefiting community to adopt the maintenance culture of the Boreholes and ensure their longevity stressing that "maintaining facilities of this nature will encourage others to do more".
Also speaking, the Chairman of Warri North Local Government Council, Hon. Festus Ashima lauded the OMO Foundation for its "life-changing projects".
The event featured traditional leaders, security personnel, and representatives from various sectors, who joined in celebrating the foundation's efforts in fostering sustainable growth and improving lives.
