By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
Unity has always been more than just a concept; it is a powerful force for fostering peace,welfare, building partnerships, and driving economic development in any organized society. The ultimate goal is essentially to ensure human and societal development.
This is the vision of members of a fledgling group with immense potential for advancing human development, anchored in resilience and unity to overcome divisive tendencies and achieve greatness.
The group, known as the Kogi Unity Movement (fondly called KUM), has hit the ground running to achieve its aims and objectives.
In Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, the Kogi Unity Movement (KUM) exemplifies this idea, as its leadership and members are working tirelessly to unite diverse ethnic groups and non-indigenous residents for mutual support and shared growth.
Founded by Mal. Abdullahi Ubeida, KUM is a non-partisan organization with a vision to uplift the lives of its members.
During the recent KUM monthly meeting in Lokoja, Ubeida addressed the newly inaugurated executive council of the movement,urging them to initiate programmes and actions aimed at enhancing members’ welfare. His message to members was clear: look beyond politicians for sustenance and embrace self-sufficiency by supporting each other.
Ubeida stressed KUM’s founding principles, emphasizing that the organization’s purpose is to foster an environment where members, particularly business owners, can thrive by collaborating within the group. The movement encourages members to patronize one another, stimulating local economic growth. For Ubeida, economic empowerment begins with members forming partnerships among themselves and other enterprises, allowing individuals to earn a living without relying on inconsistent political handouts.
The movement plans to connect its members with businesses where they can buy products at lower prices, sell them, and earn a profit, among other goals of the organization.
KUM’s mission resonates deeply with its members, and attendance at meetings has steadily grown.
Ubeida expressed delight at this increasing participation, although he urged members to maintain active involvement. He stated that anyone absent from two consecutive meetings without a valid reason would be removed, reflecting the commitment KUM expects from its members.
For retired members facing challenges accessing their benefits, Ubeida offered a lifeline. He invited affected individuals to submit applications detailing their issues, which he pledged to present to the relevant authorities for resolution. Some members of KUM, especially those concerned in such challenge describe this direct line of support as a reflection of KUM’s dedication to the welfare of its members.
Looking ahead, Ubeida assured members that KUM plans to organize workshops and seminars aimed at gathering members’ opinions and aspirations, which will be presented to the government and other key institutions for consideration. This proactive approach ensures that the voices of Kogi residents are heard and that KUM’s members play a role in shaping policies that impact their lives.
The movement’s commitment to progress was further reinforced by former acting president Mal. Aliyu Yussuff, who announced KUM’s official registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), establishing it as a legal entity. This status,he said, strengthens the organization’s foundation, enabling it to pursue its goals with greater legitimacy and access to resources.
The current president, Mal. Yesufu Omuya Ahmadu, expressed his enthusiasm for advancing KUM’s objectives, pledging the executive council’s dedication to serving the interests of its members. In his vote of thanks, Chief Okpanachi Bala Nicholas, an executive member of KUM, commended Ubeida for his visionary leadership.
He encouraged members to pray for Ubeida’s wisdom in steering KUM’s development and emphasized the importance of ensuring that KUM members benefit from the dividends of democracy under the Ododo-led administration.
Hajia Salamatu Aliyu also toe the line of Chief Nicholas in stressing increased prayer for the founder of the movement to enable him lead KUM with renewed vigour to the promise land.
Chief Nicholas reminded the group that many KUM members had supported the current government during the recent elections. Given their contributions, he argued that they should be beneficiaries of government programs aimed at improving the lives of Kogi residents.
A highlight of the meeting was the celebration of four KUM members who were recently honored by the UK organization, Pillar of Peace International.
These individuals were recognized for their artistic achievements, character formation and intellectual accomplishments at an event held at the Federal College of Education in Okene. This recognition illustrates the positive impact KUM members are making both locally and internationally.
At the meeting, attendees from various ethnic backgrounds in the three Senatorial districts of the state were seen sitting on a round table. They set aside their differences, exchanging pleasantries, and sharing experiences and discussing ideas that will propel the success of their personal aspirations,the way forward for the progress of the movement and the how to move kogi state to the next level of development.This was the vision and mission of Kogi State’s founding fathers when it was carved out of Benue and kwara states in 1991.
From all indications, it is apt to describe KUM as an entity standing as a powerful example of how collective effort and unity can drive meaningful change. As KUM continues to grow, its impact on the lives of Kogi residents is undeniable, paving the way for a future marked by self-sufficiency, economic resilience, and enduring solidarity.
Ahmed, a member of KUM, publishes The Reporters.
