Ovie of Igbide Sets Up Advisory Council to Drive Bold Development Vision

The ancient Igbide Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State has taken a historic step toward a new era of progress. His Royal Majesty, Patrick Okpomo Agre I, Ovie of Igbide Kingdom, has formally established the Igbide Kingdom Advisory Council (IKAC), a body of distinguished professionals, public servants, and friends of the kingdom to help chart its future.

Though yet to be inaugurated, the Advisory Council is conceived as a strategic think tank for the throne. Its mandate is to provide guidance on governance, economic growth, cultural preservation, and the mobilization of Igbide’s human and material resources for sustainable development.

A Kingdom of Heritage and Potential

Igbide, one of the oldest and most influential communities in Isoko land, is renowned for its rich cultural traditions and history of commerce, farming, and fishing. Blessed with fertile farmlands, abundant waterways, and oil-rich lands, the kingdom remains central to Delta State’s resource base.

Despite its natural wealth, Igbide, like many Niger Delta communities, has grappled with underdevelopment, unemployment, and infrastructure gaps. Since ascending the throne, His Royal Majesty has vowed to redefine traditional leadership by pursuing a bold development agenda anchored on education, youth empowerment, agriculture, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and inclusive diaspora engagement.

The Advisory Council

The newly constituted Council mirrors this ambitious vision. It brings together accomplished sons and daughters of Igbide, alongside trusted allies whose expertise and networks will strengthen the kingdom’s advancement.

Appointees include:

Her Royal Majesty Evelyn Agre, Queen of Igbide Kingdom.

Barr. Chief Mike Edegware, Director General, Delta State Internal Revenue Monitoring and Tracking.

Chief Sylvester Egede, General Manager, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Tin Can Port, Lagos.

Chief Emamusi Obiodeh, Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Urban Development, Delta State.

Chief Felix Mamode Akugha, Clan Otota of Igbide Kingdom and Anchor of Inside the Niger Delta.

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, 1st Deputy President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), and former MD, NEPZA.

Chief Charles Alakpa, Founder & CEO, EarthCore Holdings (USA & Nigeria), and Legislative Aide.

Barr. Chief Amos Ogba, Dublin-based legal practitioner.

Mr. Tim Akpareva, Business Director and Diaspora Coordinator.

Mr. Ekene Ogbechie, Oil Industry Expert.

Barr. Joel Ahoada, businessman.

Harnessing Expertise and Partnerships

In announcing the appointments, the Ovie stressed his commitment to tapping the finest expertise available, both within and beyond the kingdom.

“The Igbide Kingdom Advisory Council embodies our shared resolve to embrace progressive leadership while safeguarding our traditions. I trust in the knowledge, wisdom, and integrity of the members, and I pray for strength, unity, and divine guidance as they support the throne in steering a new path of peace and prosperity for our people,” he declared.

The Council’s diverse membership ensures that key sectors — governance, law, oil and gas, diaspora affairs, maritime, finance, and media — are fully represented, providing Igbide with access to fresh opportunities and partnerships.

Tradition Meets Modern Governance

The formation of IKAC represents a refreshing model of traditional leadership blending seamlessly with modern governance. At a time when communities across Nigeria confront globalization, insecurity, and resource management challenges, Igbide Kingdom is showing a proactive, visionary, and inclusive approach.

The Council will serve an initial three-year renewable term, with its inauguration — expected to be a landmark event — to be announced by the palace.

For the people of Igbide, the establishment of the Advisory Council is more than an appointment; it is a beacon of hope that their rich cultural and natural resources can be harnessed to secure sustainable development, peace, and prosperity.