‘We are not competitors, but partners in progress’ – Ochefu urges unity among stakeholders

Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, a respected academic and former university administrator, has formally assumed office as the new President-General of Ochetoha K’Idoma, the apex socio-cultural body of the Idoma Nation.

In a compelling inaugural address delivered at the organisation’s 32nd Annual General Meeting in Otukpo, Ochefu called for unity among all stakeholders, urging traditional leaders, political officeholders, technocrats, and the diaspora to work together as “partners in progress” to confront the pressing challenges facing the Idoma people.

Tracing the evolution of Idoma self-organisation over the past nine decades, from the Idoma Loving Union in 1933 to today’s Ochetoha K’Idoma, Ochefu described the current moment as a critical point in the people’s historical journey.

“Each generation of Idoma elites has faced unique challenges,” he noted, “yet our commitment to the progress and unity of our people has remained constant.”

Ochefu emphasized collaboration between Ochetoha K’Idoma, the Idoma Traditional Council, political officeholders, technocrats, the religious community, and the vast diaspora. “We must forge stronger strategic linkages… not as rivals, but as partners in progress,” he said.

The new President-General identified three immediate priorities:

Completion of the National Secretariat project, abandoned for nearly two decades.

Development of a clear socio-political and economic agenda to guide the next ten years.

Expansion of the organisation’s digital footprint and online engagement.

Ochefu also issued a passionate appeal to Idoma professionals across the globe. “With over 4,000 Idoma professionals in Nigeria and the diaspora, we have the knowledge and capacity to tackle our most significant challenges,” he stated.

He commended the outgone executive led by Air Vice Marshal Toni Adokwu (rtd.) for their dedicated service and thanked diaspora communities and local chapters for their sustained commitment over the years. Special recognition was given to Ofu K’Idoma Abuja for nominating key members of the new executive.

“Let us go down in history,” he said, “as the generation that rose to the occasion and secured the future of Idoma.”