Martins Onyilokwu Odeh, Ph.D., Head of Corporate Communications at the Nigeria Export Processing Authority (NEPZA), has been elected the new Chairman of the Ai’Agboko Community Development Association, Abuja branch, with a commitment to revitalising the association to support effective grassroots development projects across the 11 villages of the Ai’Agboko Clan in Otukpo Local Government, Benue State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Ogah Akatu, the Public Relations Officer, Ai’Agboko Community Development Association, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja by Ogah Akatu, the Public Relations Officer of the association.
The statement stated that Dr. Odeh, a seasoned journalist with 15 years of experience at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in his inaugural address, expressed dissatisfaction with the poor living conditions across all Otukpo villages.
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The areas needing urgent attention include Upu; Edikwu; Asa 1, 2 & 3; Akpegede; Ogome; Ebologba; Ojantele; Ikobi; Otobi; Obagaya; and Wards 1, 2 & 3 of Otukpo main town, as, according to the new Chairman, these villages lack basic amenities like water, shelter, access roads and health facilities.
The Chairman said the association would engage development partners, wealthy individuals, and community political leaders to address the situation, adding that these initiatives would complement the government’s efforts.
Dr. Odeh expressed deep gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead with fairness, transparency, and dedication.
He called on all members to embrace unity and renewed commitment, stressing that the progress of the association could only be achieved through collective effort.
The inaugural address reads in part: “I stand before you today with a profound sense of responsibility as I accept the honour of serving as the Chairman of our great sociocultural and development association, the Ai’ Agboko Community Development Association, Abuja branch.”
“First and foremost, I sincerely thank the Almighty God for His grace and guidance. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member who participated in this democratic process and entrusted me with this important responsibility. Your confidence in my ability to lead is both an honour and a solemn obligation I do not take lightly.”
“I pay special tribute to our founding members, our past chairman, and our executive officers, whose dedication, sacrifices, and vision have laid a strong foundation on which we continue to build. Their commitment has preserved our heritage, strengthened our unity, and inspired future generations.”
“To my fellow executive members, I look forward to working closely with each of you. Together, we will embrace teamwork, transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in all our decisions and activities. I firmly believe our greatest strength lies in our collective wisdom and shared commitment to the progress of our association and community.”
“Distinguished members, no chairman can achieve meaningful progress alone. Success requires the commitment, ideas, resources, and active participation of every member. I therefore call on each of us to renew our dedication to this association. Let us set aside personal differences, embrace unity, and work together for the common good.”
“Our diversity should be our strength, our culture our pride, and our unity our greatest asset. Together, we can build an association that future generations will be proud to inherit.”
“As your Chairman, I pledge to lead with integrity, fairness, openness, and dedication. My doors will remain open to constructive suggestions, honest dialogue, and innovative ideas that advance our association.”
“Once again, I sincerely thank you for the confidence you have placed in me. With God’s guidance and the support of every member, I am confident our best days lie ahead.”
“Let us move forward together with renewed hope, a shared purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of our association and the development of our beloved community.”
The other elected executive members included: Engr. Owoicho Ammo as Vice Chairman; Ina Ali as Speaker; Emiene Odeh as Chairlady; Ajumi Okidu as Vice-Chairlady; Ogamenyi Ikongbeh as Treasurer; Ugbodu Adakole as Financial Secretary; Emmanuel Odeje as Secretary; Isaac Adakole as Assistant Secretary; Ogamenyi Ikongbe as Treasurer; and Ogah Akatu as Chief Whip/PRO.
