The Kogi State Deputy Governor, Arc Yomi Awoniyi has begged the people of Mopa in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State to close ranks with him towards ensuring the growth and development of the community.
The Deputy Governor who represented the State Governor Capt Idris Wada at this year’s annual Mopa Day and at Mopa Welfare Society seventy year anniversary celebrations, described personality clashes, rancor and acrimony by sons and daughters of Mopa land as factors that have slowed the pace of achievements recorded years back by the founding fathers of the society.
Awoniyi however said he is ready to initiate processes that will create lasting peace and unity in the community.
Awoniyi lauded the foresight of the founding fathers of MWS and their early achievements, said it is only when the people who make up the community close ranks,that the fruits of communal efforts can be realized.
Awoniyi commended Mopa community for been lucky to have produced people who have made and are still making their marks in all fields of endeavors in the country,adding that the community does not have reason to lag behind in growth and development.
Awoniyi described his becoming a Deputy Governor as an undeserving blessing of God, said he begrudge no one, but tasked other personalities who feel offended by his emergence from the community to bury the hatchet and join hands with him for the development of the community and the state at large.
Awoniyi,who also holds the chieftaincy title of the Lisa of Mopaland, promised to do every thing humanly possible towards initiating fence mending process aimed at bringing various faction and interest groups of the community together.
Awoniyi described the state governor, Capt Idris Wada as a leader who encourages unity,togetherness and peace building,commended sons and daughters of the community for still holding unto and pursuing the vision of the founding fathers of MWS.
Awoniyi commended traditional and religious leaders,Politicians and other institutions desirous of peace for the area and also for coming together to foster unity and communal development.
Earlier in his speech, Barr Olu Adeko, President Mopa Welfare Society, said over the years the society has embarked on projects that are beneficial to the people. He solicited the support of the people of the community towards collaborative efforts that will complement the efforts of government in the task of providing infrastructures to the people.
The President urged the people of the community to contribute to the community’s ongoing development projects, appealing that such achievements can only be attained when the people of the community are united.
In his contribution, Oba J. O Joledo, the Elulu of Mopa, lamented the set back dis unity and acrimony has caused Mopa land.
He urged the people to once again reawaken the spirit of love, unity and communal self help projects that once existed among people of the community.
In a charge at the occasion, Rev (Dr) Ola Daniyan, called on the people of Mopa land to turn from their evil ways and to obey and do all of Gods commandment.
The clergyman described the sin of adultery, fornication and stealing what belongs to the people when in position of authority as sins that can affect the growth of a community, appealed to Mopa people to always exhibit genuine love, and generosity to one another so as to build a strong community.
Highlights of the 2013 Mopa Day and MWS 70th anniversary celebrations was prayers, thanksgiving, the presentation of award to some deserving personalities, launching of a book, fund raising for the rehabilitation of Mopa City Hall as well as the cutting of the anniversary cake.
