Ochetoha K’Idoma elects Prof Ochefu President, pledges loyalty to Och’Idoma

Ochetoha K’Idoma, the umbrella union of all Idoma sociocultural organisations has elected Economic Historian, Professor Yakubu Ochefu as its national President. At an election held in Otukpo, Benue State on Saturday, the Forum also elected Chief Paul Edeh, as the General Secretary. While Professor Ochefu is the immediate past Secretary of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Chief Edeh is the serving Chairman of Benue State Football Association (BSFA). Professor Ochefu, former Vice Chancellor, Kwararafa University, Wukari is also the current National Chairman, Association of Nigeria Universities Alumni. In a communiqué released at the end of its 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Forum also condemned the escalating security threats, including herdsmen attacks and kidnappings, which have negative impacted agricultural activities and instilled fear in communities, including Otukpo. It called for unified community action, enhanced local intelligence, and urgent government intervention to safeguard Idoma lives and territories. In the 11-point communique, Ochetoha K’Idoma pledged allegiance to the Och’Idoma, promising that the new EXCO “shall maintain a harmonious working relationship with His Royal Majesty.” The body observed that such harmonious relationship would help to “foster the rapid development of the Idoma Nation.” Another focal issue addressed in the communique was unity among the Idomas and need for funding support for ongoing development projects in Idoma land. The others are, Dr. Echeofu Agada, Public Relations Officer; Mr. Sam Edache, Auditor; Johnson Victor Eche, Legal Adviser and AVM Toni Adokwu (rtd.), Ex-Officio. Other members of the 10-member Executive Committee include: Emmanuel Anebi Ongaji – Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Otse David Egegwu, Financial Secretary and Mr. Ada Obande, Treasurer.

Ofu K’Idoma donates food items to victims of violent crises

Completely abandoned by the state, federal, and local government authorities, communities in Apa and Otukpo Local Government Areas of Benue State that were recently attacked by armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen got a respite from Ofu K’Idoma for Unity and Development Association, a socio-cultural organization based in Abuja.  The affected communities are Ikobi, Opaha, and Ugbobi, in Apa LGA and Umogidi in Otukpo LGA. Ojantelle, in Otukpo LGA, and Ijegwu in Obi LGAs were recently enmeshed in a fatal communal clash and were also extended the kind gesture. Making the presentation of food items to representatives of the affected communities, the Chairman of Ofu K’Idoma, Mr. Emmanuel Abechi regretted the absence of institutionalized support systems in aid of our people in emergency situations. “We are laying a foundation for a culture of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) such that our people can help others in need”, said the Chairman who was accompanied by Alhaji Dahiru Ali, the Secretary of Ofu K’Idoma and Tony Okwa, projects and community development Committee chairman of the Association. Speaking on behalf of the recipients, the Village Head of Ojantelle, Chief Acha Ocheche expressed gratitude to members of Ofu K’Idoma for their kindness. He called on other socio-cultural and non-profit organisations to come to the aid of their neighbours in similar situations. In a brief remark, the Secretary General of Ochetoha K’Idoma, the umbrella union of all Idoma-centric socio-cultural organizations, Mr. Akpa commended Ofu K’Idoma for taking the lead. He enjoined other affiliate associations to emulate the good example of Ofu K’Idoma. A community organizer and social welfare volunteer, Daniel Adakole commended Ofu K’Idoma for being the first to respond to the strident call for assistance for Internally Displaced Persons due to series of violent disturbances in Benue South Senatorial District.