Odidi: Gbenekama Resumes Duty As Chairman, Promises Development, Peace, Unity

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

Amb. Truston Gbenekama resumed duty as chairman of the Odidi federated community in Warri South West LGA of Delta State following his sworn in on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, becoming the first chairman from the Keneyinbor Quarter to head the community’s executive council.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the community playground, Gbenekama described the occasion as historic, noting that it marked the first cabinet in Odidi to include women in key administrative positions.

“I stand before you in utmost humility to serve our great community Odidi with sincerity of heart,” he said. “This ceremony is significant not only because it is a transition of leadership, but because it represents a new chapter of inclusion.”

The new executive council of the community includes Amb. Truston Gbenekama chairman, Mr. Jacob Ekponimi, vice chairman, Chief Bene Mamamu, secretary, (Clergy) Favour Okrikpa- Deribi, assistant secretary, Mr. Charles Meneko, treasurer, Chief Terry Ogisi, PRO, Mr. Clement Konkemele, financial secretary, Mr. Sunday Kulele, assistant financial secretary, Barr. Clarkson Aribogha, legal adviser.

Other cabinet members included Mr. Ekankumoh Egbegba, Mr. Solomon Aribogha, Mr. Augustine Aribogha, Mr. Akpos Numah, Mr. William Atunu, Mr. John Jolomi, Mr. Augustine Aribogha, Miss. Beauty Okiri, Mr. Theophilus Lokiri, Mr. Louis Okporo.

The new chairman while given his acceptance speech thanked the Elders Council for their “perseverance, integrity and Godly wisdom,” and acknowledged the role of women and youths in ensuring a peaceful transition process. He commended youths who resisted intimidation and unlawful detention in Warri and Abuja, saying their courage safeguarded the community’s right to choose its leaders.

Gbenekama also extended an olive branch to the outgoing executive led by Prince Preye Okirikpa, calling for cooperation and respect for mutual agreements to advance the community’s development.

“Let us shun the attitude of using our hard-earned resources to fuel court cases and intimidate opposing ideologies. Power is transient,” he said.

Outlining his administration’s priorities, Gbenekama said the new executive would operate under a four-year agenda tagged
‘RESCUED’ — an acronym for Restoration of Environmental Sustainability, Commitment to Unified Empowerment and Development.

He pledged to pursue strategic partnerships with operating oil companies, the Ministry of Environment, NOSDRA, and HYPREP to restore clean waterways, protect mangrove ecosystems, and safeguard aquatic life in the riverine community.

On economic empowerment, the chairman said his administration would collaborate with NDDC, MNDA, DESOPADEC, and the Local Content Development Board to reduce unemployment and create opportunities for both indigenes and non-indigenes residents in Odidi.

The agenda also includes a development blueprint covering healthcare, education, and infrastructure projects such as shoreline reclamation, shore protection, concrete jetties, and pipe-borne water across the community.

Gbenekama promised a break from “the old covert pattern of administration,” vowing to uphold transparency and accountability. He said a written constitution for the Odidi Community would be completed within six months, and reiterated that the executive would serve a single four-year term and hand over peacefully when it expires.

“We are nominated, selected, and approved by the leaders, elders, and stakeholders of the Odidi Community to serve, structure, and strengthen our norms, values, and tradition,” he said.

Gbenekama concluded by thanking the people of Odidi and well-wishers, expressing hope that by May 2027 the community would celebrate the first year of visible progress under the new administration.

The Inaugural ceremony was attended by community elders, leaders, stakeholders, traditional Chiefs, youths and women in their numbers, endorsing the new administration with prayers and support.

Some of the noticeable elders and Leaders were present in the swearing-in included Elder Gilbert Deribi, Engr James M. Deribi, Mr. Andrew Atunu, Chief Godwin Akori, Mr. Anthony Deribi, Hon. Friday Deinghan, Engr Faith Mamamu, Bishop Felix Piniki, Nigermark Abimene and Mr. Godpower Akori.