By Samuel Abai
EFFURUN, DELTA STATE — Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabojor Pondi, has called on politicians, royal fathers and community leaders to prioritize development projects that directly reflect the pressing needs of their people.
He made the call on Thursday, June 26, 2025, during his goodwill message at the 83rd birthday celebration and official book launch of Chief (Dr.) Wellington Okrika (CON), the Bolowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, held at the KFT Event Centre, Effurun, Delta State. The book, titled “Mr. 13% Derivation Fund: The Life and Legacy of Chief Wellington Okirika”, highlights the role of Chief Okrika in the struggle for resource control and regional development.
Speaking to an audience that included traditional rulers, community stakeholders, and political leaders, Hon. Pondi said:
“The 13% has metamorphosed to a lot of things. Today, we have the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that is also contributing to the development of our communities. But let me say this for the purpose of clarity because our royal fathers are here – it is about time we prioritize what is important. It is about time we do projects based on bottom to top, not from top to bottom.”
He stressed the importance of engaging communities in identifying their most urgent needs, instead of assuming what they require.
“Ask the communities their immediate problems, what they want at the moment, instead of assuming for them. You are giving them roads and drainages, but what they need is water. You are giving them fish, but what they need at the moment is light,” Pondi said.
The federal lawmaker urged traditional leaders and community heads to ensure that the projects executed under their watch are those that will have the greatest impact.
“So I think our royal fathers and leaders should take it as a duty. Let it be from the bottom to the top,” he added.
The event also celebrated the contributions of Chief Okrika, who was praised for his advocacy for the Niger Delta and the role he played in achieving the 13% derivation fund for oil-producing communities.
