NDA-NDU COALITION FOR TRANSFORMATION: REALISING THE VISION OF THE GOLDEN SAGES

Introduction

The merger of the Ndosimili Development Association (NDA) and the Ndosimili Development Union (NDU) is more than an administrative move — it is the dawn of a new era for our people. It represents the rebirth of the Ndosimili spirit and the rekindling of a shared dream for unity and development.

Five years ago, during the NELGA Summit 2020, I described the emerging vanguard of our people as “The NELGA Golden Sages – the Seers of our Golden Age and Vision of a New NELGA.” That call remains alive today. The “Golden Sages” are not a select few; they are all of us — the sons and daughters of Ndosimili who have chosen to take our destiny in our own hands.

The merger of NDA and NDU is a clear answer to that call. It is a visible sign that the spirit of cooperation, once scattered, has found common ground. We have chosen to converge to transform.

1. Facing the Truth About Our Situation

For too long, our people have suffered from neglect and exploitation. The oil spills that destroy our rivers and farmlands, the poverty that weakens our fishermen and farmers, the flooding that drives families from their homes, and the lack of roads, electricity, and basic amenities — these are not abstract problems. They are our daily reality.

As I said in 2020, “NELGA, being a microcosm of Nigeria, is no different from the larger corruption and neglect that plague the nation.” But while others lament, we have chosen to act. The new NDU must begin by identifying and documenting our challenges clearly — so that we can demand justice, seek fair compensation, and plan sustainable solutions for ourselves.

2. Awakening the Spirit of the Golden Sages

The “Golden Sages” represent wisdom in action — young and old, men and women, home and abroad — who refuse to let Ndosimili fade into silence.

This merger must therefore not be about titles or offices. It must be about service. It must inspire mentorship, collaboration, and shared purpose. Each of us must become a Sage — ready to use our skills, our voices, and our resources to lift our communities.

Let this union be a movement of hearts and hands, not just of names and constitutions.

3. Reimagining the Ndosimili Dream

Let us imagine, as I urged five years ago:

A region that is recognised and respected for its oil, gas, and fertile land.

A local government area where brotherhood replaces bitterness.

Communities where youths are busy creating wealth, not waiting for handouts.

A Ndosimili where peace, enterprise, and unity flow like our rivers once did.

This vision must now become our shared roadmap. Every project, every partnership, and every policy under the new NDU should reflect this dream.

4. Building Good Governance from Within

A truly developed society rests on strong, transparent governance. We cannot ask others to do for us what we are unwilling to model ourselves.

The NDU must therefore stand on three strong legs:

1. Transparency – Let every decision be open and fair.

2. Accountability – Let every leader be answerable to the people.

3. Inclusiveness – Let women, youths, traditional rulers, and professionals all have a place at the table.

When we practise good governance among ourselves, we gain the moral strength to demand it from those who govern us.

5. Turning Vision into Action

Our unity should now translate into visible change. We can begin with a few bold steps:

Conduct a survey of our key needs: roads, schools, health centres, electricity, and livelihoods.

Establish development clusters where communities can pool effort and attract partners.

Create opportunities for our youths through entrepreneurship, training, and small-scale funding.

Engage the government and private investors with one strong, organised voice.

This is how unity becomes power. This is how vision becomes development.

Conclusion

The merger of NDA and NDU is not an end. It is a new beginning. It is a sign that the seeds planted years ago at the NELGA Summit are now germinating.

Let us, the children of Ndosimili, rise as the Golden Sages of our time — wise enough to see the vision, bold enough to act, and united enough to sustain it.

Together, we can make Ndosimili not just a name in history but a model of what a determined people can achieve when they believe in themselves.

I AM PROUDLY NDOSHIMILI ❤️