By Dada Ahmed.
L-R: Dr.Daudu Ahmed Yusuf,Out- going President General of ODA, Mr.Emmanuel Sani and Arc.Sadiq Ogido, Abuja branch President of ODA.
In less than a month from now, members of the Okengwe Development Association (ODA) will gather in Okengwe, located in the north-central district of Kogi State, for their Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the election of new executive officers to lead the association for the next two years.
With the AGM set for December 30, 2024, attention is focused on the community’s leadership transition.
Therefore, it is fitting to say that fostering peace and unity ahead of the upcoming, highly significant gathering of the Okengwe-Ehi people is essential. This gathering, which will lead to the emergence of new leadership of ODA is crucial for advancing the legendary association to the next stage of development.
Consequently, on Sunday, December 1, 2024, Mr. Sani Emmanuel Asika, a prominent member of the Lokoja branch, and one eyeing the President General position of ODA paid a courtesy visit to the outgoing President General (PG) of ODA, Daudu Dr. Ahmed Onoruoiza Yusuf, at his residence in Abuja, FCT.
Those in the know of the politics of ODA election, the meeting is a clear testament to the need for collaboration, humility, and unity as the community gears up for this critical event.
During the visit, Mr. Asika formally announced his intention to contest for the position of President General at the AGM.
He praised Dr. Ahmed’s leadership, acknowledging the remarkable progress ODA has achieved under his tenure. Asika emphasized his desire to ensure continuity, vowing to draw from Dr. Ahmed’s wealth of experience.
“Your leadership has set a high standard and I intend to build on the foundations you have laid for the benefit of our community,”Asika remarked.
Dr. Ahmed responded with a heartfelt reminder that “power belongs to God, and He gives it to whom He pleases.”
He assured Asika of his full support and encouraged him to prioritize unity, but warned against the influence of detractors who he said might seek to sow discord. His advice was clear: “Carry everyone along and let the vision for Okengwe-Ehi be one of shared progress,”he stressed.
In a display of unity and sacrifice, Dr. Ahmed made a significant phone call during the meeting to Prince Dr. George Ogirima Bello, a key stakeholder from the Lokoja branch of ODA who had also harbored ambitions for the position.
In a gesture of profound solidarity, Prince George graciously stepped down his candidacy and pledged his support for Asika.
“For the sake of our community’s unity, I will support Asika like an elder brother,” Prince George affirmed, emphasizing the importance of collective progress over personal ambition.
Also present at the meeting was the Abuja branch President of ODA, Arch Sadiq Ogido, who echoed the call for peace and cooperation. His presence underscored the broader community’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and peaceful transition.
As December approaches, the message is clear: the success of the AGM depends on unity, humility, and a shared vision.
This is undoubtedly a positive development that has significantly eased the apprehension among ODA members, particularly those in Lokoja, who eagerly anticipate a peaceful AGM of the association.
The fact remains that the strength of ODA as a community lies in the unity of its members where personal ambitions are set aside for the greater good. After all,true leadership is not measured by personal gain but by the ability to inspire members, ensure peace, foster collaboration, and work collectively for the progress and prosperity of all.
The Okengwe Development Association has a rich history of resilience and cooperation, and the forthcoming AGM offers an opportunity to reinforce these values.
With leaders like Dr. Ahmed, Mr. Asika, and Prince George emphasizing peace over personal gain, the future of Okengwe-Ehi looks bright. The entire community is reminded that peace is not just the responsibility of leaders but of every member who desires progress.
In the words of Dr. Ahmed, “Our strength lies in our unity, and together, we will achieve great things.”
Therefore, it is imperative for members of ODA nationwide to embrace and internalize the outgoing President General’s valuable advice, ensuring shared responsibility not only during the AGM but also beyond, to uphold and enhance the association’s rich and enduring legacy of peace and development.
Ahmed, a member of ODA, Lokoja branch,publishes The Reporters.
