Idoma group applauds Ochi’doma’s peace mission to UK, seeks stronger ties with Benue govt

Idoma group applauds Ochi’doma’s peace mission to UK, seeks stronger ties with Benue govt

Benedicta Aboh

A coalition of Idoma professionals under the aegis of the Idoma Patriotic Front (IPF) has hailed the peace efforts of the Ochi’doma, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo, following his recent trip to the United Kingdom where he successfully reconciled six factional socio-cultural groups of Idoma indigenes in the diaspora.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the President of the IPF, Mr. Chris Diga, commended the royal father for demonstrating genuine commitment to the unity and progress of his kingdom. He noted that the monarch personally funded the peace mission without aligning with any interests or political inclinations.

According to Diga, the decision of the Ochi’doma to unite all factional diaspora groups, particularly in the UK, marks “the beginning of peace, unity and progress” among Idoma people abroad and will help advance the collective interest of the Idoma nation.

“With all six factions now working together as brothers and sisters under one umbrella, it becomes easier to engage with the administration of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who is rapidly developing the state, and identify areas of urgent need in Benue South,” he said.

Diga noted that the reconciliation effort aligns with earlier steps taken by the traditional ruler, including the recent Royal Banquet in Abuja, which brought together Idoma sons and daughters from across the country to foster unity and chart a new path for development.

“When you have a leader, a father and a visionary like the Ochi’doma, progress becomes inevitable. What has been achieved is commendable. The next step is to ‘walk the talk’ by deepening engagements with the Benue State Government for the rapid development of Zone C,” he added.

The IPF President urged the Idoma ethnic nationality to capitalize on what he described as the “transformative administration” of Governor Alia by pushing for the expansion of road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, educational development and cottage industries in Benue South, which is rich in raw materials.

“We must take advantage of the unity and peace fostered by His Royal Majesty by leveraging the presence of Idoma sons and daughters in the current administration to attract more benefits for our people,” he stated.

He further appealed to Idoma indigenes at home and abroad to give full support to the government of Governor Alia so as to bring more development to the land.

The Idoma Patriotic Front expressed confidence that with unity of purpose and collective effort, the current administration can address the years of neglect suffered by Benue South.