By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Egume-Ome Descendants Union (EODU) has urged the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to prioritize developmental projects in Egume, a community in Dekina Local Government Area.
Speaking during the annual gathering of the Lokoja branch of the union held at Dr. Y. Attah’s residence, Mr. John K. Umoru, a community stakeholder, highlighted the lack of significant infrastructural development in Egume. He noted that the ancient town, which serves as the headquarters of Okura District, lacks basic social amenities and has poorly maintained township roads.
Mr. Umoru called on all Egume indigenes to remain united and actively contribute to the growth of their community, stressing the importance of collaboration for its socio-economic development.
In his remarks, the outgoing chairman of the Lokoja branch of EODU, Comrade Noah Ocheni, expressed appreciation to members for their support and cooperation during his tenure. He commended the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency for the renovation of the health clinic at Efakwu and the rehabilitation of boreholes at Owala and Ogene-Odeto.
As part of the event, new executives were elected to oversee the activities of the Lokoja branch for the next two years.
The newly elected officials include:
- Joel Ijaja – Chairman
- Mallam Muhammed Acheneje – Vice Chairman
- Mr. Ademu Bernard Iyeh – Secretary General
- Mr. Ezekiel B. Odawn – Assistant Secretary
- Comrade Musa Abuh Musa (CNA) – Treasurer
- Abutu Samuel Ikani – Financial Secretary
- Theophilus Adega – Assistant Financial Secretary
- Mallam Shehu Mustapha – Publicity/Social Welfare Officer
- Mr. Ezekiel James – Assistant Publicity Secretary
- Mr. Yahaya Ebikwo – Provost Marshal
- Mr. James Solomon Okpanachi – Assistant Provost Marshal
- Pastor Emmanuel Omada – Auditor
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Comrade Joel Ijaja, appealed for cooperation among members to ensure the success of the new executive team. He assured the union of his commitment to selfless service and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him and his team.
The gathering highlighted the need for collective efforts to push for the development of Egume and its residents while celebrating the progress made by the union so far.
