The Abuja branch of the Ai'Agboko Community Development Association has elected the Head of Corporate Communications at the Nigeria Export Processing Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Martins Onyilokwu Odeh, as its new Chairman, with a pledge to reposition the association for greater grassroots development across the Ai'Agboko Clan in Benue State.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the association's Public Relations Officer and Chief Whip, Ogah Akatu, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to the statement, Dr. Odeh pledged to mobilise development partners, affluent members of the community and political leaders to improve the living conditions in the 11 villages that make up the Ai'Agboko Clan in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The new chairman identified communities including Upu, Edikwu, Asa 1, 2 and 3, Akpegede, Ogome, Ebologba, Ojantele, Ikobi, Otobi, Obagaya, as well as Wards 1, 2 and 3 of Otukpo main town, as areas facing severe shortages of basic infrastructure such as potable water, decent shelter, accessible roads and healthcare facilities.
He said the association would complement government efforts by attracting support from development partners and well-meaning individuals to address the challenges confronting the communities.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Odeh, a seasoned journalist who spent 15 years with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) before joining NEPZA, thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and promised to lead with integrity, fairness, transparency and dedication.
He urged members to remain united and actively participate in the affairs of the association, stressing that meaningful progress could 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 the Chairman of our great sociocultural and development association," he said.
He also paid tribute to the association's founding members, past leaders and executive officers for laying a solid foundation that has sustained the organisation over the years.
Dr. Odeh assured members that his administration would be guided by teamwork, accountability, inclusiveness and openness to constructive ideas aimed at advancing the association's objectives.
He further expressed optimism that, with the support of members and God's guidance, the association would record greater achievements and contribute significantly to the development of the Ai'Agboko community.
Other officials elected into the new executive 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.