Delta State Civil Society Organisations Forum (DELCOF) was on Thursday, February 24, 2022, birthed following the successful conduct of the election to fill the offices of the forum.
More than two hundred delegates drawn from different civil society organisations (CSOs) across the state converged at Africa for Peace Centre Complex, Ugolo near Osubi Airport and Warri, for the election conducted by DELCOF Election Committee which had Pastor Bridget Affiah as chairman, Dr Godwin Oradahwe, Secretary while Engr. Queen Chigbu and Chief MercyAlakis Auhana served as members.
After accreditation, voting commenced in an orderly manner and in the end, Dr Andrew Agboro, emerged the winner of the chairmanship position after defeating his rival with overwhelming votes.
Others elected were Mr Agbor Uzezi, Vice Chairman; Francis Orumgbe, Secretary; Mrs Joy Tobele, Assistant Secretary; Mrs Nwachukwu Bekenawei Endurance, Treasurer; Dr Kenneth Edun, Public Relations Officer; Mr Bieni Victor Emenike, Financial Secretary; Ambassador Prince Ebilade, Organising Secretary and Reverend Francisca Davis, Auditor.
The Agboro led 10-man state executive of DELCOF which has a single tenure of three years was sworn in immediately by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on External Relations (Donor Agencies), Hon Voke Ighorodje, who harped on the need for the pioneer executive to uphold the constitution of the Forum.
Ighorodje particularly commended Governor Okowa for creating the enabling environment for civil society organisations to operate in the state.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman of DELCOF, Dr Agboro, said: “I am boundlessly grateful to your votes of choice which thus empowered me to lead the group that will give voice to the voiceless and promote sustainable development in the state. It is with a profound sense of humility that I accept the honour you have bestowed upon me and l make haste to promise you that I shall do my very best to write my name with gold colour in the history of the Delta State Civil Society Organisations Forum, DELCOF.
“Our people have long searched for innovative initiatives to promote the principles of governance and sustainable development. This we bring to you through this platform. Am not unaware that government has its limits and cannot solve all the problems, but we reject the view that we must be reconciled to failures and mediocrity, or to an inferior quality of life.
“Those who know me well will testify of my capacity to deliver quality services. I can tell you I spent many vexed and anguishing years in development matters. I have tried to keep my integrity and values intact in negotiations including speaking the truth to the powers that be. But more importantly, I have kept myself immersed in the great social, economic and environmental issues that are the true harbinger of a better world for all of us.
“Our vision is a corrupt-free and peaceful society where human rights are respected with access to good health for citizens and sustainable development. This will be achieved through a collective and joint effort of us all.
“This administration shall work with constituted authorities to position and reset the mind of our people through strategic initiatives and more engagement processes. We shall facilitate partnership with the appropriate bodies/agencies to ensure sanity being a watchdog.”
The Convener of DELCOF and National National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, congratulated the newly elected officers of the umbrella body of civil society organisations in Delta State.
Mulade also commended other stakeholders who for months worked tirelessly to strengthen CSOs in the state adding that the election committee performed creditably well to deliver a clear cut election that reflects the true character and vision of CSOs.
