Benue Monarch Outlines 2026 Agenda Of Hope, Unity For Idoma Nation

According to reports, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo John, the Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Nation and Chairman of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, has urged Idoma sons and daughters to embrace 2026 as a year of purposeful hope, anchored on unity, economic self-reliance, cultural pride, and disciplined citizenship.

Delivering his New Year message themed “Keep Hope Alive,” the monarch expressed gratitude to God for preserving the people through 2025 and described the new year as a defining moment calling for responsibility rather than complacency. He also praised first-class chiefs, district and ward heads, and other traditional leaders for their quiet service, which he said continues to anchor peace and stability in the kingdom.

Reflecting on the past year, the monarch acknowledged challenges faced in parts of Idoma land and emphasised resilience, lawful vigilance, and cooperation as the pathway forward. He stressed that the life of every Idoma son and daughter is precious and must be defended with lawful courage, declaring that “peace is not a gift dropped into a community; peace is built.”

To strengthen community safety, His Royal Majesty directed that every ward and clan establish a Community Peace and Security Committee under the guidance of traditional institutions in collaboration with recognised security agencies. An Idoma Peace Desk will also be established at the Palace to receive verified reports, support mediation, and interface with authorities for timely interventions.

Unity and reconciliation were central themes in the address, with the monarch recalling dialogue platforms held during the year, including the Idoma National Peace and Unity Symposium and the Royal Banquet in Abuja. He emphasised that societal progress rests on shared conscience, urging families, kindreds, and associations to resolve disputes early through dialogue.

Honouring Idoma sons and daughters who passed away in 2025, the monarch encouraged the living to preserve values, unity, and dignity. Cultural preservation was also highlighted, with the announcement that December 23 of each year will be celebrated as Idoma Festival Day, supported by a newly constituted Idoma Festival Planning Council, a Culture and Heritage Register, and an Idoma Language Revival Programme.

On development priorities, the monarch outlined initiatives such as the Idoma Education and Mentorship Initiative and the Idoma Skills and Enterprise Initiative, focusing on agriculture, creative industries, digital skills, and small-scale manufacturing. He urged internal economic solidarity and investment in local enterprises, with plans to convene an Idoma Development and Investment Roundtable in early 2026 to attract credible partners and improve community infrastructure.

Addressing governance and civic conduct, His Royal Majesty called for integrity, accountability, and responsible public discourse, particularly on social media. He announced a structured Diaspora Engagement Framework to connect Idoma people abroad with educational, investment, and cultural opportunities.

In anticipation of political activities during the year, the monarch encouraged peaceful participation, openness, and the rejection of violence, insisting that communities should allow all willing sons and daughters to offer themselves for service. Traditional rulers, he said, must remain fathers to all and promote civility, unity, and restraint.

Highlighting history, the monarch noted that 2026 marks 103 years since the establishment of the Idoma Native Authority in 1923, describing the milestone as a responsibility to refine institutions for future generations. He tasked Ochetoha K’Idoma, in consultation with the Palace, to prepare a befitting remembrance that reflects discipline, elegance, and community progress.

Concluding his broadcast, the monarch called on all Idoma sons and daughters to renew their commitment to peace, unity, hard work, enterprise, and respect for constituted authority, expressing confidence that 2026 would advance stability and prosperity across the Idoma Nation.