By Thompson Yamput
The Idoma Community in Kogi says it deserves due recognition and assistance from the state government, considering its immense contributions to the development of the State.
Chief Joefrank Olotu, Newly elected President, Idoma Development Association, Kogi chapter. made the called in his acceptance speech, shortly after his election on Thursday in Lokoja.
Olotu lamented that inspite of the large population of the Idomas in Kogi and their contributions to the economic growth and development, the state government has relegated them.
He expressed hope that Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s administration would recognise the idoma nation, just as other tribes such as the Igbos and Tivs are being fairly treated.
“One fact remains that almost 80 per cent of the food being consumed in Lokoja and its environs are brought in across rivers Niger and Benue by the Agatu, an Idoma speaking tribe of Benue.
“The Idomas are still on the back seat in the state, despite their active participation in all elections. Every Idoma son and daughter in the state has a voter card for elections.
“I hereby appeal to the state government to urgently come out with measures to assist the Idoma community.
“Our loyalty to his (Ododo)’s administration is never and will never be in doubt, ” he said.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to the progress of all Idoma indigenes, who are resident in Kogi.
He expressed gratitude to the members of the community for finding him worthy to lead them as their president and pledged to serve them effectively for the progress and development of the association.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olotu, had in a keenly contested election, scored 75 votes to beat his opponent, Ejeh Yakubu-Joseph, who got 41 votes. NAN
