By Egbe Attah
As Ugbokolo community celebrated her annual Arts and Cultural Day recently, sons and daughters of the land stressed the need for unity among the people, in order to move the area forward.
Speaking, the Chairman of Ugbokolo Community Development Association, Peter Itodo, called on the sons and daughters of the community to unite and love one another for rapid development of the land.
Itodo, who gave the advice at the L.G.E.A. Primary School, Odessasa – Ugbokolo, during the 14th annual celebration of Ugbokolo Arts and Cultural festival, described Ugbokolo as a home of peace and harmony, but threatened by clandestine feuds and internal wranglings.
The association chairman, who observed that there would be no progress in any society without peace and unity, expressed hope that the case of his community was redeemable if her citizens could quickly leave their divisive ways.
“What’s destroying us is disunity. The good old days of Ugbokolo in which we are each another’s keepers is gone. Look at the level of infrastructural decay in our land, look at the level of insecurity in Ugbokolo, all because of politics and factionalism. I’m however, happy that our situation is redeemable. The solution is in our hands; we simply need to go back to the good old days of love,” he emphasized.
Itodo, however, appreciated God for his protection over the years and for enabling the community to mark the annual feast, despite all odds, even as he thanked members of the community for their abiding faith in the association, despite the current situation.
Earlier, the Guest Speaker at the occasion, Barr Emmanuel Ejeh, called for forgiveness, peace and love in Ugbokololand.
He lamented the unforgiving attitude of his people which he said was drawing the community backward and urged them to embrace the olive branch.
On his part, the Chairman of the occasion, Sunday Alo, commended the efforts of Sen. Abba Moro, Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, and former President of the Senate, Sen. Ameh Ebute, for their efforts towards building a better Ugbokolo and for their political attainment which he noted has placed the community on national pedestal.
On the absence of love among the community, Alo, said it was unfortunate and called for change of attitude among the people.
“There is an urgent need for our people to come together to build our land. Those of you fanning embers of discord should remember that we have no other home besides Ugbokolo,” Alo said.
Also speaking, the Och’ Anyiligwo, Chief Ejeh Paul and the Chairlady of the Occasion, Dorathy Anthony, appreciated God for making that day a great one and prayed God to make the next year anniversary even more successful while calling for unity among the people.