By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Meeting in session.
Members of the Lokoja branch of the Okengwe Development Association (ODA) have voiced strong support and loyalty to the newly elected national executive council of the association,pledging their commitment to its growth and success.
Dr. Haroun Yussuff, the President of the Lokoja branch, made this declaration on Thursday during a meeting the branch association has with the newly elected President General of ODA, Mr. Emmanuel Sani (Azika), in Lokoja.
Our correspondent reports that the gathering, took place at Bala Youth Centre, Lokoja as part of the branch’s monthly meeting, it also marked the first official interaction between the new leadership and the Lokoja chapter.
Dr. Yussuff commended the peaceful and orderly election process that led to the election of Mr. Sani and his team in December 2024 and acknowledged the vital contributions of the branch’s members, whose support helped ensure the success of the election.
He said that the branch has no option than to give their maximum support to the new president general as he is a member of the branch.
Dr. Yussuff encouraged the new leadership to stay focused on the pressing needs of Okengwe, especially in areas like education, healthcare, and water to boost community development of Okengwe.
He emphasized that the well-being of Okengwe’s people should remain the central goal in all the endeavors of the Sani-led exco.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Emmanuel Sani (Azika) expressed deep gratitude for the support that helped him secure the position of President General.
He called on all members to continue working together to ensure the successful implementation of the new executive’s programmes.
Mr. Sani assured the branch members and other branches that his team had started working with various stakeholders to gain insight and ideas for placing Okengwe on a path of sustainable development.
One of the first areas of focus, he revealed, is the revival of the Okengwe Community Secondary School (OCSS) in Arigo, which he hopes to restore to its former educational excellence.
Water provision, he noted, is another top priority on his agenda, and he expressed commitment to improving the local infrastructure for the benefit of all.
Mr. Sani also outlined plans to visit Okengwe indigenes in prominent positions to seek their moral and financial backing for key projects.
However,Dr. Yussuff advised the new executive, to note the importance of maintaining dignity when seeking financial support.
He reminded them that while funding is crucial for executing projects, the manner in which funds are solicited must always reflect the association’s integrity and reputation.
Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of the Okengwe Development Association and expressed confidence that the collaboration and efforts of all members will lead to lasting progress for their community.
