Whenever I'm asked by a Deltan to say where I hail from, I don't give a long description. I just mention the name, and hey, 90% of Deltans must have either been there or heard of the place. I have never fancied the idea of mentioning notable landmarks or surrounding communities to describe my hometown. People ought to know it.
I have been living in the city for a very long time, and friends around me, especially my church friends, have grown so familiar with the name of my hometown because I mention it every now and then. That's because I'm proud of it.
What's special about Umutu?
When I was growing up, back when I was still very young, the older ones usually boasted that Umutu was the most peaceful town in the LGA and its surrounding communities. We heard stories about how neighbouring towns and villages often experienced conflicts, and people from these neighbouring towns and villages usually ran to Umutu to take shelter because it was well-governed and shunned violence.
Did they lie?
No, not at all.
When I was living in the village, I noticed enough evidence to support what they said. A lot of prominent personalities in the LGA leave their own communities to settle in Umutu. They buy land, build houses and live there. A lot of Ukwuani musicians also live in Umutu. It's truly an accommodating community.
Umutu isn't the headquarters of the LGA, but it's well known. It's so well known that its name has practically swallowed the names of some neighbouring communities.
Have you heard of the Source of River Ethiope?
My hometown is blessed with the River Ethiope. Back in the day, our street was known as Onoku Street, and the name originated from the fact that the end of the street is connected to the flow of River Ethiope. The famous source of River Ethiope is in the next community, which isn't far from us. Most times, however, that community is referred to as Umutu, whereas its actual name is Umuaja.
A lot of people from different parts of the world visit the area to see the source of River Ethiope. So, tell me again, why do I need to give a lengthy description whenever someone asks about my hometown? Just the name is enough.
Well said, but what do I think we lack?
Guess what?
As well known as Umutu is, there's no bank there.
Even today, despite no longer living there, whenever I think about how we don't have a bank in Umutu, I get a headache.
Back in the days, before POS services became common, we had to travel to the LGA headquarters to carry out banking transactions. The cost of transportation to and fro was quite something, and sometimes, when motorcycles were available, we had to ride them along the very busy roads, with fast-moving cars speeding past us.
Even till today, people still travel the long distance from my community to the LGA headquarters to carry out banking transactions. And the worst part is that my community is one of the oil-producing communities in Delta State. It's baffling why there's no bank there.
The fact is that although POS services have taken over many cash transactions in this era, we cannot dispute the importance of having a bank in a community.
Thanks for reading.
Photo: Chatgpt