Rev. Oliva Nwoko is the First son of late Chief Van J. Nwoko, JP, Honourable member, defunct Bendel State House of Assembly (1979- 1983), who is also the Executive Chairman, Board of Trustees of Hon. Van Nwoko Foundation, during an online conversation with Anioma Online reminisced on his father's legacies and concludes he would love to see inclusiveness, accountability,robustness and courage by the representatives of the people, among other things.
How has it been taking on the leadership of the Van Nwoko clan?
It has not been easy filling an oversized shoe at any level but God has been helping me thus far.Challenging and interesting at same time. To God be the glory.
Can you please share some important memories of your late dad?
Early memories of my dad as a child growing up was as one with privileges not available to other siblings. As the 1st son I had exclusive rights to his remaining food in addition to my rations ( Laughing). He also ensured we got supplies of the basic things in life.I grew up seeing my dad out there in the public glare and had to share his time with countless others.He was a socialite,politician, community leader and strict disciplinarian. He was a sartorial dresser and widely travelled man who has been to all the continents of the world except one.
What exactly are his legacies?
His legacies are quite many. At the family level, he made the name Nwoko a brand one can be proud of and a household name. He loved education and made sure all his 12 children went to the Universities/Higher institutions. Politically he broke several glass ceilings and imparted the infrastructural landscape of his constituency, community and state. He was behind the establishment of the oil palm company in Nsukwa;the first Secondary school in the entire Nsukwa clan and after that other schools in Isheagu,Ewulu, Adonte,Ejeme Aniogor, Egbudu Akah and Ezemu Girls Ubulu Uku. He saw to the first tarred road that traversed Isheagu through Nsukwa to Ndemili (28km road);He was behind the establishment of the Rural Electricity station in Isheagu that supplied light to Ewulu, Isheagu, Umute and Nsukwa. As a Councillor he saw to the building of many market stalls in Nsukwa, Adonte, and others.
In the area of human capital development, Hon Chief Van J Nwoko was responsible for the admission/in service training of over 25 sons and daughters of Nsukwa clan into the then Colleges of Education in Agbor, Benin city and Warri. He gave employment to several people as auxiliary teachers to fill the gaps in the primary schools. He facilitated the appointment of his constituents into numerous boards and parastatals such as Bendel Development and planning Authority, oil palm company, Teaching service commission, Agricultural loans board,governing councils etc.
As a member of the Board of governors of Delta state University, he saw to the admission of over 26 eligible Anioma sons and daughters into the school in his less than 2 yrs membership of the board.I can't even remember all his legacies.
How do you compare political representation then and now?
During his time, representatives spent time with their constituents, held regular meetings to test their pulse and were more accountable.
What developments have you seen since the Van Nwoko era, both in Nsukwa and Delta?
It is sad to say that nothing much has happened in his immediate community and clan since his demise. Rather the road he bequeathed has been made smaller in the name of rehabilitation. Part of the clan had light albeit the rural electricity but none of the 11 autonomous communities can boast of having seen light in more than 20 years.None is linked to the National grid. Not until July this year did Nsukwa get an appointment as a Commissioner since 1999 inspite of voting for the ruling party eversince.
I can't talk about Delta state without drawing comparisons with other South South States like Rivers and Akwa Ibom. When juxtaposed with the resources that accrue to Delta state, it is my belief that much more could have been achieved within the period under review. The network of roads in Akwa Ibom and the investments they have made, their kind of politics too is worthy of emulation. The stepping down of the Okpai power plant is a game changer that should be devoid of politics. Let there be interconnectivity in roads to reduce the travel time,costs and provide alternative routes.
The Van Nwoko Foundation was initiated in your dad's memory, what challenges are you facing as the Executive Chairman?
The challenges facing the Hon. Chief Van Nwoko foundation is basically that of Finance to pursue the programmes of the foundation. Some pledges made by certain donors are yet to be redeemed over 7 yrs now.
Another challenge is the attitude of some people who were beneficiaries of our Principal.
And you are a pastor, why not take after your dad as a politician?
I am being obedient to divine directions. I am not totally out of politics but not following the trajectory of my late dad. I hold sufficient interest in politics, governance and development.
Moreover the political recruitment process of today is remarkably different from what it was then. It may interest you to know that as far back as the 2nd Republic I was the publicity secretary of the Youth wing of the Unity party of Nigeria UPN in Aniocha South. And when Apc was formed in 2014, 1 was a placeholder for the eventual Senatorial candidate fielded by the party for the 2015 elections.
What difference would you like to see in Anioma politics?
I will love to see inclusiveness, accountability,robustness, courage by the representatives of the people. I will advocate for wisdom in the conduct of politics and politicking and civility in the conduct of all the leaders and followers. It is not in our Anioma culture to abuse elders as we are presently seeing amongst our youths in politics.
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