Engr[Chief] Julius  Otusorochukwu Dike Emerges President General of Umokodike Okwelle, Autonomous Community, Imo State. Unveils Vision for Unity and Sustainable Community Development
By Mezie Seth- Development Watchers Africa.
Umokodike Okwelle Autonomous Community in Onu-Imo Local Government Area, Imo State, has entered a new phase of leadership following the emergence of Engr. Chief Sir Julius Otusorochukwu Dike, JP, was elected President General following a peaceful and credible election process, as described by community stakeholders.
In his acceptance address, Chief JODike, who has the traditional title of Udo-Oha Umokodike, expressed gratitude to God and the people of Umokodike for the confidence reposed in him and other elected officers, describing the mandate as a call to service rather than a privilege. He noted that the calm and orderly conduct of the elections reflected the maturity and unity of the community.
According to him, the new administration would anchor its leadership on faith, humility, and collective responsibility, stressing that meaningful progress could only be achieved when leadership and community members worked together toward shared goals.
Engr. JODike paid tribute to the Traditional Ruler of Umokodike, His Royal Highness, Eze Remigius Okpara, Ebubedike II, whom he described as a stabilising force and custodian of peace, culture, and wisdom in the community. He also acknowledged the Immediate Past President General, High Chief G. Emeahu, the Secretary General, Chief Nick Obialor, and members of the outgoing executive for their dedicated service, which he described as marked by eight years of peace and stability.
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He said the legacy of the immediate past administration had provided a solid foundation upon which the new leadership intends to build, noting that continuity, rather than disruption, would define the transition.
Outlining the guiding philosophy of the new executive, the President General stated that the administration would be driven by service, integrity, transparency, and collective progress. He emphasised that leadership under his watch would be people-centred and accountable, with decisions guided by dialogue, fairness, and the long-term interest of Umokodike.
A significant focus of the address was youth inclusion. Chief JODike described the youths as central to the community’s future, stressing that they would be actively engaged in programmes, development initiatives, and decision-making processes. According to him, no community can experience sustainable growth without deliberate investment in its young population.
He also formally introduced members of the newly elected executive committee, including Sir Humphrey Nwuka (Vice President General), Femi M. Durumbah-Obi (Secretary General), Mazi Emeka Ezirim (Financial Secretary), Hon. Joe Obialor (Treasurer), and Otis Daniel (Public Relations Officer), alongside other committee members. He assured the community that the team was committed to sincerity, prudence, and transparency in the management of community affairs.
One of the major policy directions announced during the address was the ongoing move to establish a Community Development Trust, which Engr. JODike described as a strategic framework for structured development, partnerships, accountability, and long-term planning. He explained that the Trust, when completed, would serve as a central platform for attracting investment, mobilising resources, and implementing sustainable development projects in Umokodike.
Calling for unity and cooperation, the President General reminded community members that leadership alone could not deliver development. He urged sons and daughters of Umokodike, both at home and in the diaspora, to see the new administration as a collective project that requires shared responsibility and mutual trust.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to peace-building, reconciliation, and purposeful development, expressing confidence that with unity and faith, Umokodike would experience steady and inclusive progress under the new leadership.
-Mezie Seth for Development Watchers Africa