BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Otukpo
The Och’Idoma and Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Nation, His Royal Majesty Agaba’IdU Elaigwu Odogbo John, PhD, PFD, CON, has called on Idoma sons and daughters to embrace 2026 as a year of purposeful hope founded on unity, economic self-reliance, cultural pride and disciplined citizenship.
The monarch made the call in his New Year broadcast delivered on January 1, 2026, themed “Keep Hope Alive,” in which he thanked God for preserving the people through 2025 and described the new year as a defining moment that demands responsibility rather than complacency.
“I thank Almighty God, the Giver of life, for preserving us through the year 2025 and granting us the privilege of standing at the doorway of 2026 with hope in our hearts and duty upon our shoulders,” the Och’Idoma said.
He commended the traditional institution across the Idoma Kingdom, praising first, second and third class chiefs, as well as ward, district, clan and kindred heads, for their quiet but steady role in sustaining peace and stability. According to him, societies endure through duty, restraint and consistency.
Reflecting on challenges recorded in parts of Idoma land in the past year, the monarch emphasised resilience, lawful vigilance and cooperation, declaring that the life of every Idoma person is sacred and must be defended through collective and lawful means. “Peace is not a gift dropped into a community; peace is built,” he said.
As part of measures to strengthen local security, the Och’Idoma directed that every ward and clan should activate a Community Peace and Security Committee under the guidance of the traditional institution and in collaboration with recognised security agencies.
He also announced the establishment of an Idoma Peace Desk at the Palace to receive verified reports, support mediation and interface with authorities, warning against misinformation.
On unity and reconciliation, the monarch recalled dialogue initiatives such as the Idoma National Peace and Unity Symposium in Otukpo and the Royal Banquet in Abuja, stressing that progress thrives on shared conscience rather than division.
He urged families, kindreds and associations to resolve disputes early through dialogue.
The Och’Idoma also paid tribute to Idoma sons and daughters who passed on in 2025, extending royal condolences to bereaved families and urging the people to honour the departed by upholding unity, dignity and shared values.
Culture featured prominently in the address as the monarch reaffirmed that December 23 of every year would be celebrated as Idoma Festival Day, following the maiden Idoma Cultural Reawakening Festival held in 2025.
Activities, he said, would commence on December 21 and culminate at the Och’Idoma Square. He further announced plans for an Idoma Festival Planning Council, a Culture and Heritage Register and an Idoma Language Revival Programme, warning that a people who abandon their language abandon their memory.
On development, the monarch outlined plans for an Idoma Education and Mentorship Initiative to support talented students through mentorship and scholarships, as well as an Idoma Skills and Enterprise Initiative focusing on agriculture, agro-processing, trades, fashion, creative industries, digital skills and small-scale manufacturing.
Calling for economic self-reliance, the Och’Idoma urged internal patronage of Idoma businesses and the strengthening of cooperatives to keep wealth within the land. He disclosed plans to convene an Idoma Development and Investment Roundtable in the first quarter of 2026 to identify bankable community projects and attract credible partners.
The monarch also warned against dishonesty and moral decline, urging integrity and accountability in public and private life. He appealed for responsible communication, especially on social media, and announced plans for a structured Diaspora Engagement Framework to link Idoma people abroad to development, education and cultural promotion.
With political activities expected in the year ahead, the Och’Idoma called for peaceful participation, openness and restraint, urging communities to assess leadership based on integrity, conduct and service. He reminded traditional rulers to remain fathers to all and promote civility and unity.
Turning to history, the monarch noted that 2026 marks 103 years since the establishment of the Idoma Native Authority in 1923.
He described the milestone as a responsibility on the present generation to strengthen institutions for the future, placing the task of organising the “Century Plus” remembrance on Ochetoha K’Idoma in consultation with the Palace.
Concluding, the Och’Idoma urged all Idoma sons and daughters to recommit to peace, unity, hard work and respect for constituted authority, expressing confidence that disciplined action and shared resolve would usher in stability and progress for the Idoma Nation in 2026.
