The need for unity among the Idoma people of Benue State was again reechoed on Monday at an Idoma peace and unity symposium held at the Och’Idoma Palace, Otukpo Benue State.
Speaking at the symposium, entitled “How Dialogue and Trust Can Foster Peace and Unity”, Chairman of the occasion, Major General Geoffrey Ejiga (Rtd), expressed dismay that despite the Idoma people’s historical unity, peacefulness, and strong work ethic, which have earned them distinction in various fields, they are currently facing difficult times.
He explained that peace, unity and development have eroded his people, noting that with their great achievements their land ought not to be in such ugly states.
The general called on the people to love and work in unity, saying, it is only by so doing would they be able put back their land on the path of greatness and ward off external aggression as currently seen in the suspected herder attacks on them.
The elder statesman, noted that whatever is the cause of disunity and trouble among the people that have pulled them from their lofty height, could be resolves through dialogue and trust in one another.
He expressed gratitude to the Idoma Area Traditional Council for organizing the event, describing the timing as particularly fitting and relevant.
Also speaking, the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Barr Sam Ode, lamented that the Idoma, given their material and human resources ought to have been greater than they are.
He urged the people to unite, love and forgive one another and further appreciated the organisers of the symposium, stressing that with such programme in place, peace and unity would be restored to the troubled land.
The governor expressed delight in the leadership of the Och’Idoma and described the Idoma Day of Prayers and the symposium instituted by him as legendary.
Fr Alia, restated his support for the royal father to succeed while appealing to the people to also support and respect him.
The Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr John Elaigwu, in his submission said that the Idoma nation is passing through a turbulent time and called for prayers, unity and love among his subjects to survived the odds.
He thanked all those who contributed to the success of the event while pledging his best to the service of the land even as he sued for due respect to the Idoma Traditional Institution.
On his part, the Senator representing Benue south, Senator Abba Moro, represented by his legislative aide, Egli Ahubi, noted that there is every need for the Idoma to unite more than ever in order to withstand its current challenges
Also speaking, the former Senate President, Senator David Mark, represented by the Member representing APA/Agatu at the National Assembly, Ojotu Ojema, praised the Och’Idoma for coming up with the idea of the symposium, saying, it is the panacea to the challenges facing the Idoma nation.
Mark, implored the people to unite and rally round the Och’Idoma to overcome the current challenges, especially, the onslaught on them by the marauding herders.
“For us to have peace, we must agree to work together. It is only when we work in unity that we’ll be able to resist those that want to takeover our land,” he stressed.
All others who spoke, including Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan (Rtd), former Federal Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbile, Benue State APC Caretaker Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale and the Chairman, Ochetoha K’Idoma, AVM Tony Adokwu, sued for unity among the people, stressing that the symposium was a step in the right direction towards attaining peace and development in the land.
The Voice reports that the two day event drew resource persons from various fields who spoke on different topics aimed at fostering peace and unity in Idomaland.
