PRESS RELEASE: THE IDUMUJE UGBOKO SPORTS UNIVERSITY LAND - A SETTLED ISSUE

Some persons, out of mischief or ignorance, seem not to be familiar, or pretend they don't know the process of acquisition of the university land in Idumuje Ugboko- a land that passed through due process in its acquisition for developmental purposes.

In 2015, the then Obi of Idumuje Ugboko, Obi Albert Nwoko, granted 90 hectares of land to Linas International Ltd for the purpose of establishing a University ( Stars University, Idumuje Ugboko). The grant was done after a careful analysis and investigation by the lands Allocation committee of the community. All the four Federating villages in Idumuje Ugboko participated in the acquisition process. 

After the acquisition, a Customary Right of Occupancy was issued covering the said parcel of land.

Many persons - both from Idumuje Ugboko and the neighboring Onicha Ugbo - who claimed to have been affected because of their possessive rights as existing farmers were paid compensation, all in a bid to carry everyone along.

The list of persons that have been paid compensations by Prince, now Senator Ned Nwoko is seemingly endless.

We are aware that two families are still in court regarding the land acquisition, but their cases do not vitiate the legality of the entire land acquisition. 

This clarification has become necessary because, 10 years after the formal acquisition of the University land, some persons , who are not aware of the gravity of their misinformation are still making unfounded statements that do not have the backing of law as far as the University land is concerned.

It also bears repeating that the Sports University Idumuje Ugboko is entering its third year now , with many indigenes of the community and other qualified indigent non- indigenes being offered scholarships to ensure that lack of money does not become an impediment for any dedicated student. As you all know, SUN is the first Sports University in sub- Saharan Africa. The University offers so many non- sport courses including Nursing Science. Anyone who is familiar with DELSU, Abraka or the former Ozoro Polytechnic, now upgraded to Southern Delta University will understand how a Higher Institution contributes to the development of a town or village in terms of ancillary infrastructure.

Even some persons in the Idumuje Ugboko who were initially unsupportive of the University due to local community politics are now sending their children to the University and enjoying other benefits that accrue from having a University in a rural environment.

This piece is therefore to inform some busy- bodies, some of whom have never been to Idumuje Ugboko, to desist from dabbling into issues they know next to nothing about . They should leave Idumuje Ugboko alone to enjoy their development

Media Aide To HRM 

Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwabuokei Nwoko (Late)