THE HOUNDS OF HEAVEN AND THE CHILDREN OF MEN: A CRY FOR UKWUANI'S DEVELOPMENT

There is an old saying that when the heavens roar, the earth trembles. But in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, it seems the heavens have been roaring for years while the land remains untouched, unmoved, and unimpressed. The roads, or what’s left of them, have become relics of an era long forgotten, resembling obstacle courses rather than channels of connectivity. The hounds of heaven have barked, but the children of men—the very custodians of governance—appear deaf to the wailing of their people.

Under the current administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ukwuani finds itself at a crossroads—not the kind paved with asphalt, but the kind paved with neglect. The people of this great land, known for their resilience, peace, and industry, continue to struggle against the harsh realities of underdevelopment. They do not ask for miracles. They do not seek the impossible. They simply demand what is rightfully theirs: good roads, functional healthcare, a higher institution, and the recognition they deserve.

 A ROAD TO NOWHERE - LITERALLY 

One cannot speak of Ukwuani without mentioning the roads, or lack thereof. These roads have evolved from mere inconveniences to full-blown nightmares. Commuters, traders, farmers, and schoolchildren navigate these craters with the agility of Olympic gymnasts, performing vehicular acrobatics just to make it to their destinations in one piece. The Ukwuani man is strong, but must he wrestle with roads that belong in an archaeological dig? Must his daily commute feel like a journey through Dante’s Inferno? Governor Oborevwori, the time has come to fix these roads—not with empty promises, not with patches of sand and gravel, but with solid, lasting infrastructure that will stand the test of time.

 THE he SILENT CRY OF THE AILING 

A sick man in Ukwuani has two options: faith in divine intervention or a perilous journey to another town for proper medical attention. The Government Healthcare institutions in the LGA exist more in name than in function. Medicines are scarce, equipment is obsolete, and the weary doctors and nurses can only do so much with what little they have. Healthcare is not a privilege; it is a right. If the government truly believes in its mantra of ‘More for All, Less for Government Pockets,’ then let them prove it by ensuring that these health facilities serve the people they were built for.

 WHERE IS UKWUANI'S UNIVERSITY CAMPUS ?

Delta State boasts of institutions of higher learning, yet Ukwuani remains a neglected stepchild. Is there a law that forbids this land from having a campus of Delta State University or the University of Delta? Are the young minds of Ukwuani not deserving of an institution within their reach? Education remains the greatest weapon against poverty, yet we deprive our youths of this tool. Governor Oborevwori, it is time to locate a university campus in Ukwuani, giving our children a fighting chance in an increasingly competitive world.

THE ROYAL RECOGNITION THAT MUST COME 

In the intricate hierarchy of traditional rulership, recognition is more than just a title—it is a symbol of identity, respect, and cultural preservation. Ukwuani, with its rich history and noble heritage, deserves to have at least one of its traditional rulers accorded the status of First-Class Traditional Ruler. This is not about politics; it is about justice. It is about giving honor where honor is due. If the government can crown sycophants with undeserved praise, surely they can crown a worthy ruler with a deserved title.

TECH SPACES AND MINDSET RESHAPING -THE FUTURE WE NEED 

The world is moving at the speed of innovation, and Ukwuani cannot afford to be left behind. Our youths must not only be seen as the leaders of tomorrow but must be equipped to lead. The state government should set up tech spaces where our young people can acquire skills in machine learning, data analysis, software development, and more. Knowledge is power, but applied knowledge is transformation. In addition, the government should establish an agency dedicated to reshaping the mindset of youths across the state—an agency that will plant the seeds of leadership, responsibility, and progressive thinking.

 A CALL FOR UKWUANI SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN GOVERNMENT 

No one understands the plight of Ukwuani better than Ukwuani people themselves. The time has come for more sons and daughters of this land to be called to serve in government. Fresh ideas are needed, and who better to provide them than those who have lived the struggle firsthand? Governor Oborevwori must listen more and seek counsel from Ndokwa and Ukwuani sons and daughters within his cabinet. By doing so, he can identify the real problems and yearnings of the people and make decisions that reflect their true needs. Governance is not about sitting in comfortable offices; it is about walking the streets and understanding the pulse of the people.

 SELF-INTEREST VS THE PEOPLE'S INTEREST 

Political leaders and gladiators in Ukwuani must prioritize the well-being of the people over personal ambition. The aspirations of a few must never supersede the collective good. Ukwuani needs leaders who will fight for development, not just positions. The people have had enough of self-serving politics. It is time for representation that is based on service, integrity, and a genuine desire to bring positive change.

In recent times, we have seen politicians attend thanksgiving services to celebrate appointments, yet the roads leading to those churches are barely passable. We have seen political leaders pass votes of confidence in government while their own communities suffer from lack of infrastructure. How long shall we continue on this path? Let our leaders be reminded that history is watching.

 A UNITED UKWUANI FOR A GREATER TOMORROW

Ukwuani sons and daughters, let us set aside party differences and affiliations. Let us speak truth to power at all times. Let us not be a people who settle for crumbs when we deserve the feast. Our resilience must not be mistaken for weakness; our peace must not be mistaken for complacency. If we do not demand our share of development, who will? If we do not rise to challenge the status quo, who shall speak for us?

The hounds of heaven have sounded their alarm. The question now is: will the children of men listen? Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the people of Ukwuani are watching, waiting, and hoping.

UKWUANI PROGRESSIVE MEDIA COALITION