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By Norbert Chiazor
“Ukodo” is a sizzling delicacy relished among the people of Niger-Delta. A cuisine of meaty sauce, yam and plantain.
Derived from Urhobo culture, Ukodo, a three syllable word, is both a culinary and phonetic delight.
When on the table, the aromatic appeal attracts mass consumption by kindred, a happy gathering of communal sharing.
The attraction of the famous dish as a tasteful meal bears cultural and spiritual significance.
It is instructive that the Governor of Delta State, Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori adopted Ukodo epithet as his prosocial identity.
What is in a name? Everything.
A rose by any other name would still smell nice. Splendid Shakespeare.
Name makes a man. Manners feed human distinction.
The therapeutic elements of Ukodo as a fulfilling food of love and togetherness may have held much fancy for Oborevwori to cherish and embody.
The longest serving Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly and first Speaker to be elected Governor in the State is living the Ukodo philosophy in him.
Only a man who respects communalism as common patrimony could have come this far.
Truly, like the hand that rocks the cradle, the man that befriends his neighbours rules the world.
South Africans call it Ubuntu. Humanity towards others.
If William Wallace, the 18th century Scottish sage had the luxury of savouring Ukodo, he could have perhaps rephrased his poignant poem.
The public affection enjoyed by Oborevwori is rooted in his accessible easy going nature, devoid of distance.
He brought Julius Berger to transform Warri and Effurun with multiple mega bridges because he loves the streets and the people.
He is making efforts to build on the tremendous legacies of his predecessors in the development of Asaba, the Delta State capital because he believes that life is a merry go-round like the spread of Ukodo.
Across the State, he is planning and working towards even and accelerated development, as a function of his openness.
With N5 billion promotion arrears windfall for civil servants, N40 billion approved for local government pensioners and employment of about 2,000 LG personnel, he understands the meaning of empathy.
Those still wondering why Sheriff became Speaker and then Governor in quick historic succession may need to study the generous symbolism of Ukodo.
The one who shares to the village pot would ultimately be the beloved champion of communal honour. With “UKODO”, Deltans would never go hungry in development and advancement.
Chiazor is Executive Assistant, Media To Governor Oborevwori.