The atmosphere at Leach Hotels, Otukpo, on the evening of the last day of the month of May 2025 could rightly be described as “electric”. The aroma of celebration was as pervasive as Christmas eve during the General Yakubu Gowon years when money was not Nigeria’s problem. Delegates from different affiliate Associations of Ochetoha k’Idoma(formerly Idoma National Forum), the umbrella body of all Idoma socio-cultural Organizations from all over Nigeria and the diaspora, had converged on Otukpo to elect officials to run its affairs for the next two years.
The usual tension around delegates during such previous elections was completely absent this time. The result of the coming election was already known. There was only one contestant for the prime office: Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, a Professor of Economic History and Development Strategies, and immediate past Secretary General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.
A unanimous choice pushed forward by the Ofu k’Idoma, Abuja.
The thunderous ovation which greeted the announcement that returned Prof Yakubu Ochefu unopposed as the newly elected President General of Ochetoha K’Idoma at the 2025 Delegates Conference of the elite Idoma group, was a clear indication of the popularity of the man.
In his acceptance speech, Prof Yakubu Ochefu was quick to beckon on history, tracing the socio-cultural journey of Idoma unity going back almost a century, stressing the immediate imperative of drawing up a strategic plan for Idoma development.
“We must forge stronger strategic linkages with the Idoma Traditional Council and the Och’Idoma, not as competitors but as partners in progress. We must progressively interface with our political leaders, office holders, technocrats, and religious leaders at the State and national levels, as well as our Leagues of Generals and Professors, to channel ideas and resources to address our contemporary challenges. To our brothers in the diaspora in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia, I invite you to share your skills, talents, and networks with us to expand our base of operations”, the new President General enthused, adding that the immediate priorities of Ochetoha K’Idoma include the dire insecurity pervading the entire Benue South; engendering employment opportunities as much as possible for Idoma youths; preservation of positive aspects of Idoma culture (especially the language); and completing the national Secretariat of the Association which has lingered for decades.
Other officers elected are:
*Mrs Pauline Ene Onoja Padere as Vice President.
*Chief Dr Paul Samuel Edeh Esq. as Secretary General.
*Emmanuel Anebi Ongaji as Assistant Secretary General.
*Mr Otse David Egegwu as Financial Secretary.
*Mr Adah Obande as Treasurer.
*Dr Echeofu Agada as Public Relations Officer.
*Mr Sam Edache as Auditor.
*Johnson Victor Eche Esq. as Legal Adviser. *AVM Toni Adokwu (rtd) as Ex-Officio
