Group Commends Och’Idoma for Restoring Peace Among Factional Idoma Socio-Cultural Groups

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A coalition of Idoma professionals under the aegis of the Idoma Patriotic Front (IPF) has praised the peacebuilding efforts of the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo, for uniting six factional socio-cultural groups into one harmonious body.

The paramount ruler, during his recent visit to the United Kingdom, met with leaders of the various groups and emphasized the importance of unity among Idoma sons and daughters in the diaspora.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the President of the Idoma Patriotic Front, Mr. Chris Aakpa Diga, expressed deep appreciation to the Och’Idoma for his genuine commitment to the growth and development of his kingdom.

Diga commended the monarch for personally funding his UK trip without aligning with any political or sectional interest, noting that his primary goal was to foster unity and promote the collective development of the Idoma nation.

According to him, “The move by His Royal Majesty, Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo, to unite all the factional diaspora socio-cultural groups, particularly in the United Kingdom, is heartwarming. It marks the beginning of peace, unity, and progress among our brothers and sisters abroad.”

He added that the reconciliation would strengthen collaboration with the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, who is driving development across the state, and help identify areas in Benue South that require urgent attention.

Diga urged Idoma ethnic nationalities to seize the opportunity provided by Governor Alia’s transformative leadership to advance infrastructure, healthcare, education, and cottage industries in Benue South.

He further stated, “We must leverage the unity and peace brokered by His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma, by rallying around our people serving in Governor Alia’s administration to attract meaningful projects to Idoma land.”

Diga called on all Benue indigenes, particularly those from the Idoma nation, to support Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration and use that support to drive development in Zone C.

He expressed confidence that, with collective effort and unity of purpose, the current administration can achieve significant progress and address the years of neglect experienced by Benue South under past governments.