By Bishop Aturu
In a significant step towards strengthening regional unity and cultural pride, Kogi State Chapter of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has inaugurated new executives to to paddle the affairs of the organisation.
The new State Executives include; Chairman, David Ehimony, Dep. Chairman, Hon. Shittu Omala, Secretary, Alh. Raji Usman, Asst. Secretary, Hon. Isiaka Mamud, Treasurer, Hon. Awal Inman, Publicity Secretary, Com. Adeiza MomohJimoh, Women Leader, Mrs. Christina Aturu, Cultural Officer, Pst. Moses Bako,
Others are; Org. Secretary, Mr. Collins Adama, Youth Leader, Com. Suleiman MAS, VC. West, Hon. Orebiyi, VC. East, Hon. Bako Shigaba, VC. Central, Mr. Collins Adama, Legal Adviser, Barr. Abdulrahman Okpasco. The Ex-Officio are; Hajia Ibrahim, Virginia Ekpa and Fati Sanni.
The ceremony which was held in Lokoja, was witnessed by members and representatives from across the region.
Speaking at the inauguration,the National President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, congratulated and assured the new leadership of his support while urging them to prioritise unity as well as strengthen the body.
Represented by the National Vice President, Mal. Idi Waziri, he highlighted the strategic importance of Kogi State within the Middle Belt region emphasising that “Without the establishment of a strong state chapter here, the Middle Belt remains incomplete”
Dr. Bitrus underscored the role of the newly inaugurated executives, urging them to leverage on their mandate to its full potential, with the assurance of support from the National Secretariat.
Recognizing Kogi’s rich cultural heritage, he applauded the state’s unique identity and enjoined the new leadership to promote and preserve the people’s rich traditions.
He further urged the new Executive Committee to prioritise the task of promoting Kogi’s rich cultural legacies which he described as a “gospel of our unique culture that must be passed from generation to generation”.
Dr Bitrus also used the occasion to sensitise stakeholders about the structure of the Middle Belt Forum, which according to him, operates through national, state, and youth divisions. Even as he highlighted the unity in diversity that characterises the Middle Belt’s ethos noting that “Despite our different locations and cultures, we stand as one ”
The National President also used the forum to express gratitude to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for fostering an inclusive environment that supports the growth and development of all citizens.
He hinted at the possibility of hosting a major Middle Belt Forum event in Kogi, aimed at further strengthening ties within the region.
In his acceptance speech, the State Chairman, David Ehimony, appreciated the National Secretariat for entrusting him and the new state committee with the responsibility of leading the Kogi chapter.
He vowed to fulfill their mission beyond expectations, adhering closely to the association’s constitution and principles.
Ehimony also expressed appreciation to the state governor for his ongoing support and mentioned the governor’s commitment to engaging with the state chapter through his deputy.The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from the chapter’s Legal Adviser, Barr. Abdulrahman Okpasco, who reiterated the importance of unity, commitment, and adherence to the forum’s values as the state chapter embarks on its new journey.
