The Och’Idoma and President of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu Pastor Elaigwu Odogbo John, Ph.D., CON, has called on all sons and daughters of the Idoma Kingdom to embrace unity, forgiveness, and collective action to rebuild the future of Idomaland.
Delivering his Opening Address at the Idoma Dinner with Sons and Daughters of the Idoma Nation held at the Armed Forces Conference Centre, Asokoro, Abuja, the monarch said the gathering was a solemn assembly themed “Shaping the Future of the Idoma Nation: One Kingdom, One Destiny.”
He began by leading a minute of silence for departed Idoma sons and daughters and expressed deep sympathy to victims of herders’ attacks, describing the lives lost as “precious and deeply missed.”
The royal father commended participants of the Idoma National Unity and Peace Rally held in April 2025, describing it as proof of the people’s desire for harmony and cohesion.
Agabaidu Elaigwu urged forgiveness and reconciliation, saying progress was impossible amid lingering divisions.
“The time has come to heal and move forward with one heart and one vision,” he said.
He called for the strengthening of traditional institutions to serve as symbols of peace, stability, and justice, urging traditional leaders to lead by example.
Addressing political leaders, he appealed for cooperation across party lines, noting that “our people expect development, not division.”
On security, the Och’Idoma tasked communities to defend their farmlands and families, while also confronting social vices such as drug abuse, idleness, and disrespect for elders.
He unveiled a vision for a business and empowerment hub to engage the youth productively and reduce crime, stressing that economic empowerment was key to a safer and stronger Idoma nation.
The monarch also emphasized protecting women, children, and the vulnerable from violence and exploitation, saying, “When women and the vulnerable are secure, the whole community prospers.”
Calling for the revival of Idoma cultural festivals, he urged the teaching of traditional virtues such as respect, hard work, and dignity to preserve the kingdom’s heritage.
In a passionate appeal, the royal father urged unity and positive engagement:
“We must replace petitions with projections, confrontation with cooperation, and rivalry with reposition,” he declared.
The event was well attended by prominent sons and daughters of the land from all works of life including traditional rulers, politicians, professionals among others.
