By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – Dr. Martins Onyilokwu Odeh, Assistant Director and Head of Corporate Communications at the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), has been elected Chairman of the Ai’Agboko Community Development Association (ACDA), Abuja Branch.
Dr. Odeh emerged as the new leader during the association’s election, pledging to reposition the organisation to champion grassroots development initiatives across the 11 villages that make up the Ai’Agboko Clan in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ogah Akatu.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Odeh expressed concern over the poor state of infrastructure and social amenities in communities across the clan, describing the situation as unacceptable.
He identified affected communities to include Upu, Edikwu, Asa I, Asa II, Asa III, Akpegede, Ogome, Ebologba, Ojantele, Ikobi, Otobi, Obagaya, as well as Wards 1, 2 and 3 of Otukpo Main Town.
According to him, many of the communities continue to face challenges such as inadequate access to potable water, poor road networks, insufficient healthcare facilities and inadequate housing.
Dr. Odeh said the association would collaborate with development partners, philanthropists, political office holders and other stakeholders to mobilise resources aimed at addressing the developmental gaps while complementing government efforts.
He thanked members of the association for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead with integrity, fairness, transparency and accountability.
He also urged members to remain united and actively support the association’s programmes, stressing that sustainable community development can only be achieved through collective effort.
“I stand before you today with a profound sense of responsibility as I accept the honour of serving as Chairman of our great sociocultural and development association,” he said.
He paid tribute to the association’s founding members, past leaders and executive officers for laying a solid foundation that has continued to promote unity and preserve the community’s cultural heritage.
Dr. Odeh further assured members that his administration would embrace teamwork, inclusiveness and open dialogue, adding that his leadership would remain accessible to constructive ideas capable of advancing the association’s objectives.
He expressed optimism that, with the support of members and God’s guidance, the association would record significant progress in promoting the development of the Ai’Agboko communities.
Other officials elected into the executive committee include Engr. Owoicho Ammo as Vice Chairman, Ina Ali as Speaker, Emiene Odeh as Chairlady, Ajumi Okidu as Vice Chairlady, Ogamenyi Ikongbeh as Treasurer, Ugbodu Adakole as Financial Secretary, Emmanuel Odeje as Secretary, Isaac Adakole as Assistant Secretary, and Ogah Akatu as Chief Whip/Public Relations Officer.
