By Stephen Adeleye.
The Executive Chairman, Kabba-Bunu LGA, Barr. Dare Michael Zacchaeus, has urged Okun people in Kogi to unite and collectively intensify their support Gov. Ahmed Ododo, towards the development of the state.
Zacchaeus made the call at the launching of “Okun Youth Alliance (OYA) Movement” with the theme: “Raising a New Generation of Okun Leaders: Through Sensitisation, Empowerment, and Political Action”, in Kabba.
The chairman lauded the OYA Movement initiative and commended all the stakeholders’ for their efforts and commitment towards the development of Okunland.
“The hour has come for Okunland to be united because the era of dividing against ourselves is over.
“We have seen clearly that we have a secured future under the leadership of Gov. Usman Ododo, who is a diplomat and fully committed to serving his people as the Chief Servant of Kogi State.
“The only way we can achieve that future is to stay focused and preach to ourselves to be united towards that future by supporting Gov. Ododo and his constitutional second term.
“Even though we supported him during 2023 governorship election, we must increase our support base for better performance to support Ododo’s second term; because that is where our future lies politically as okun nation in Kogi.
“So, my take today, is that Okun unity is now, and we must do away with anything that divides us and focus on things that unite us, and I think this OYA Movement will bridge that gap,” Zacchaeus said.
The chairman, therefore pledged his total support and alignment with OYA Movement, sayinthe is ready to support them for the unity of okunland anytime anyday.
He added: “We cannot afford to allow any individual to come and divide us.
“We have built a structure in Okunland with Gov. Ododo, and we know that by God’s grace, Okun interest will be protected in that structure,
“We bless God who has given us a man at this time, who is the Chief Servant of Kogi State, who is fully committed to serving his people and fulfilling all the promises he made during his electioneering campaign to the people .
“By the grace of God Okun unity is now, and has come to stay”.
In his remarks, the Convener, OYA Movement, Comrade Oladele John-Nihi, said the moment marked a significant milestone in the journey towards unity, progress and development of Okunland.
John-Nihi said the OYA movement was anchored on three pillars: sensitisation and reorientation, empowerment and engagement, as well as politics.
He said the movement would provide a sense of belonging, support, and motivation for young people to make a meaningful impact in their communities, state and the Nigeria at large.
“We believe that by sensitising and reorienting our youths, we can help them develop a sense of purpose and direction.
“By empowering and engaging them, we can unlock their potential and help them become active participants in the development of our community.
“And through politics, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that our interests are represented at all levels of governance.
“As at today, we have had over 1000 members on OYA Movement platform that cut across political, religious and ethnic divides,” John-Nihi said.
He, therefore urged the people to unite their efforts, resources, and talents to build a brighter future for themselves, their children and community.
In his remarks, the Obaro of Kabba, and Chairman Okun Traditional Council, HRM, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, commended the convener and his team for the initiative, saying the movement was timely and in the right direction for the development and unity of okunland.
The paramount ruler urged the youth to approach the movement with a great sense of responsibility and commitment without sentiment towards the development of okunland.
He, therefore expressed the full support of Okun Traditional Council of Chiefs for OYA movement towards the development and progress of Okunland.
In their separate comments, the State Security Adviser, Cmdr Jerry Omodara rtd; Arc. Idris Salman, member of House of Rep. Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, jointly stressed the need to make great sacrifice and take responsibility in addressing societal poverty bedevilled Okunland for decades.
The event was well attended by dignitaries, royal fathers, politicians and government officials, sons and daughters from Okunland.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of OYA Movementt logo and inauguration of its Steering Committee Executives both at the state and local government levels.
