From Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
The paramount ruler or the Idoma Nation, His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu John Elaigwu Odogbo, Och’Idoma V has disclosed that since his ascension to the throne, the burden of leading the Idoma people had been his priority.
He stated this during the Idoma Day organized by the Idoma Association USA held recently in Bloomington Minnesota, United States of America.
“It is interesting to note that the period between my selection on 30th December 2021, to my coronation on 30th June 2022, and now has been a season of deep reflection and prayers for me, as the burden of leading God’s people weighs heavier on me with each passing day.
“Every congratulatory visit or felicitation in writing has conveyed with it a unique burden of the task ahead and the inadequacy of human wisdom and strength required for the making of a resilient and repositioned Idoma nation that can successfully navigate the socio-economic, political, cultural as well as religious waters ahead.
“This has compelled me like the young King Solomon of old to constantly request God to grant me the wisdom to lead His people to glory.”
While enumerating the challenges facing the Idoma nation to include socio-economic backwardness, insecurity, the erosion of the positive values of our culture and tradition, disunity and crime, the Monarch expressed optimism that by the help of God and the collective resolve of the Idoma people, a new Idoma nation will rise that is characterised by rapid socio-economic development where opportunities abound to all and poverty is defeated in every family.
“I see a new Idoma nation where we unite against all the forces that have vowed to render our land desolate and make us refugees in our legal homesteads. We shall defeat them because anywhere the oppressed unite, the oppressor will always become the victim,” he said.