By Bilqis Mohammed
The President-General of the Okengwe Development Association (ODA), Mr. Sani Emmanuel (Azika), has appealed to political actors and candidates in Kogi State, especially in Kogi Central Senatorial District, to ensure their campaigns are issue-based and devoid of insults and unhealthy language.
Mr. Emmanuel made the appeal in Lokoja during the Central Executive Council meeting of the association.
He reminded members of the political class that “election comes and election goes, but the people remain.”
The President-General said ODA would bring all candidates and other political leaders together for a peace accord meeting in December ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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He said under his leadership, ODA had taken several measures to ensure that Model College, Makaranta, meets the requirements for accreditation by the West African School Certificate (WASC), examination authorities and the State Ministry of Education.
He disclosed that the project was estimated to cost N1.2 million, describing it as one of the notable achievements recorded since he assumed office in 2025.
Also speaking, the Chairman of ODA, Lokoja branch, Dr. Haroun Yussuff, said the meeting was held in Lokoja because the branch produced the current President-General of the association.
Dr. Yussuff disclosed that the event provided an opportunity for members of the association from various states of the federation, including the FCT, to rub minds on issues affecting Okengwe-Ehi and find solutions to them to boost the development of the area.
Members of the traditional institution and other participants at the occasion expressed concern over the growing rivalry among political candidates from various parties in Egbiraland and their supporters, urging relevant authorities to intervene promptly to prevent it from escalating ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also addressing political actors in Egbiraland, Chairman of ODA, Lokoja branch, Daudu Yusuf, urged them to embrace thoughtful and constructive engagement in shaping their collective political future. He called for stronger accountability mechanisms, inclusive representation, responsive governance, and sustained dialogue and consensus-building as essential ingredients for the development of the area.
Highlights of the occasion include the setting up of a 5-man committee to review the constitution of the association and the breaking of kola nut by the Ohi of Okene, Alhaji Mamman Okatahi.
Many traditional rulers of Egbira extraction and members from within and outside Kogi, attended the occasion and brainstormed on various issues in Okengwe-Ehi, with a view to charting a course for the progress of the area.
History reveals that the Okengwe Development Association came into existence in 1934, with Pa Oniwon of blessed memory as the pioneer President-General.
