By Pan Afric Reporters| Otukpo
The call for Peace, unity, security, economic empowerment and development has topped discussion at the maiden edition of Idoma nation peace and unity symposium held at the Och’Idoma Palace Otukpo, The headquarters of Idoma people in Benue State.
The symposium held today with a theme ” Bridging Divides: How Dialogue and Trust Can Foster Peace and Unity” as grass root and solution oriented model brings new energy to the strategic front for the peace, unity, security and the advancement of both the economic and political developments of Idoma nation drew discussants from all works of life from military brass, to academia, lawyer(SAN), entrepreneur, politician, top government functionaries,the traditional institution, security expert, farmer, artisan, women and youths.
The symposium being the melting pot, births a first of a kind strategic platform where Idoma sons and daughters bore their experiences and thoughts on the plethora issues bedeviling the development of Idoma nation with solutions in view.
The distinguished guest of honour, the executive governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia Ph.D who was unavoidably absent but ably represented by his Deputy, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode mni eulogizes Och’Idoma for initiating programs that are changing the narrative in Idoma land especially the Idoma national prayer day and assured the organizer and Och’Idoma of his commitment to the resolutions of the symposium.
The Deputy Governor, observed that despite deliberate effort by the Central Planning Committee at wide publication of the event in addition to the choice of the Easter holiday date to ensure broader participation, concerned that only one or two out of the nine council chairmen, one out of four House Representatives members, and two members out of the eleven members of the state house. Described the scenario as the tragedy of the Idoma nation.
Earlier, the Och’Idoma & President of Idoma Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu, Pst. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, CON in his address said the symposium offers opportunity to addressing issues that threatened the very fabric of the great Idoma kingdom , calls for continued commitment to preserve and promote the Idoma heritage for the future generation.
” Today we gathered to address the merage of issues that threatened the very fabric of our great Idoma kingdom, we stand on the shoulder of our ancestors who were known for bravery, resilient and hospitality, and indeed in absolute surrender to Almighty God.
” Our cultural heritage is a testament of their greatness and it is our duty to preserve and to promote it for the future.”
In a similar development, the Chairman of the occasion, retired soldier, businessman and an industrialist, Major General Geoffrey Obiaje Ejiga (Rtd) queries and challenges the political status quo against the Idoma in the state, appeal to the tiv brothers to give Idoma the opportunity to govern the state as a governor.
Worried on the state of insecurity in Idoma land, the former War College Boss, Gen. Ejiga Rtd sues for the unity of Idoma sons and daughters against the onslaught of Fulani in the land, said ” we don’t go around killing others, so nobody should kill our people.”
In another development, a university Don, Prof. Okpe Ochayin OkpenJr., FHSN in a lecture titled “BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CONFLICT:
STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN IDOMALAND” gave a historical insight on the conflict in Idoma land while acknowledging the efforts of the Idoma Traditional Council headed by the Och’Idoma.
“Agaba Idu, Your commitment to the total transformation of Idoma land would not go in vain. You have consistently been attempting to rally very seasoned technocrats, business moguls, very senior military officers (both serving and retired), members of the academia and even youths from a broad spectrum, straddling the length and breadth of this great land, towards a common cause. Undoubtedly, these are men and women of substance, intellectual depth and consummate experience every society would require to advance its aspirations to develop. I dare say, you have courageously taken the bull by the horn and you must be commended by all who mean well for the people of Idoma land.”
Okpe also examined the sources of conflicts in Idoma land and their implications on the development of the Idoma society with recommendations.
Similarly, Barr. Harris Ogbole, SAN rounding up a panel session agreed on some of the issues raised which range from poverty, hunger, insecurity etc called for creation of opportunities skill acquisition, the apprenticeship, economic empowerment etc.
This first day of the symposium climaxed with presentation of award to the special guest, resources person, and others. However, the day two which is tomorrow promised to be more engaging. Said Chief Odatse Peters Ph.D, chairman, publication sub committee of the Central Planning Committee for the symposium.
