It was a night of renewed hope for the Idoma Nation as His Royal Majesty, Agaba’idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, CON, PFD, Ph.D., the Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, led an inspiring call for unity, reconciliation, and collective action during a grand royal banquet in Abuja.
The prestigious event, themed *“Shaping the Future of the Idoma Nation: One Kingdom, One Destiny,”* drew dignitaries from across Nigeria and focused on fostering peace, development, and cultural renaissance in Idoma land.
In his royal address, Agaba’idu commended the spirit of unity demonstrated during the Idoma National Unity and Peace Symposium held in April 2025, describing it as a rekindling of togetherness that must guide the people’s politics, institutions, and relationships.
“That spirit must never fade,” he said. “It must guide our actions because unity is the key that will open every closed door before us.”
The monarch lamented the misrepresentation of Idoma’s story by outsiders, calling for a reawakening of self-pride and confidence.
“They speak of our challenges but forget our contributions,” he said. “They remember our pains but overlook our power — the power of knowledge, unity, and wisdom that resides in each of us. The story of Idoma is not one of defeat, but of rising courage.”
Addressing the issue of herdsmen attacks, Agaba’idu expressed deep sympathy for victims and affected communities, assuring them that their pain would not be forgotten.
“We sympathize with every family and community that has lost loved ones to these tragic incidents. Their blood cries for justice, and their memory must strengthen our resolve to defend our heritage within the bounds of the law,” he said.
The monarch called for forgiveness, reconciliation, and collaboration, stressing that “the palace is open to all. Passion on social media will not strengthen our kingdom — but engagement will. The throne is a symbol of unity, not a tool for division.”
He urged political leaders to put aside partisan differences and align personal ambitions with the collective vision of the Idoma Nation.
“You can never be greater or higher than the kingdom you belong to,” he said. “Let us unite to protect our villages, farmlands, families, and dignity. The soul of the Idoma Kingdom is built on integrity.”
Agaba’idu also advocated for youth empowerment and economic revitalisation through the establishment of business hubs to reduce unemployment and social vices.
“Empowering our young people economically is one of the surest ways to secure the future of Idoma land,” he said.
On cultural preservation, the Paramount Ruler described culture as “the soul of our identity” and announced that the Annual Idoma Cultural Festival would henceforth become a national celebration to promote unity and preserve the people’s heritage.
In an emotional message to the youth, he said: “To our young men and women across the world, remember your ancestral homeland. Bring your skills, energy, and talents home. Idoma will never truly rise until her children return to lift her high.”
Earlier, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief (Dr) Paul Edeh, described the banquet as a “symbolic convergence of purpose,” thanking the monarch for inspiring a new wave of unity across Idoma land.
Justice Ejembi Eko (rtd), in his keynote address, urged unity as the foundation for progress, saying: “Oche needs Opu, and Opu needs Oche. Unless we unite now, our future is in jeopardy. We have the brains and resources — it is time to turn them into results.”
President-General of Ochetoha K’Idoma, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, called the event “a rebirth of identity,” stressing the need for “shared values and measurable actions.”
Dr Kelvin Odatse Peters proposed the creation of a Consolidated Idoma Nation Socio-Economic Endowment Fund to support education, health, security, and culture — an idea that received immediate endorsement from Chief Mike Oglegba and Consul Emmanuel Akpakwu.
The banquet concluded with the adoption of far-reaching resolutions to promote unity, peace, and inclusive development. The proposed Endowment Fund was endorsed as a symbol of collective prosperity, with contributions to be made through a digital platform ahead of its official launch at the Och’Idoma Palace, Otukpo.
Among the distinguished guests were Senator Abba Moro, Major General Chris Abutu Ejiga (rtd), Professor Ode Ojowu, Chief Steven Lawani, Major General E.J. Enenche (rtd), Major General E.G. Ode (rtd), AIG Wilson Inalegwu (rtd), Chief Paul Harris Ogbole (SAN), Chief Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, and Comrade Dan Onjeh, alongside numerous traditional rulers across the Idoma Nation.
