Okpoga, the capital of Okpokwu Local Government Council in Benue State was agog on October 1, 2022 as youths under the aegis of Coalition of Okpokwu Youth Groups (COYOG), gathered to brainstorm in an epoch making Okpokwu Youth Independence Day Summit (#OYIDaySummit), themed “Harnessing the Power of the Youth for Peace, Security and Good Governance”.
The event was which brought together, high profile Okpokwu Sons, Daughters and youths from across the globe was Convened in conjunction with a Non-governmental organization, Beyond Boundaries Legacy Leadership Initiative (BBLLI), by Comr. Omaga Elachi Daniel, who doubles as the Founder of BBLLI and the leader of the Coalition.
In his remarks, the Convener charged Okpokwu Youths to be good ambassadors, noting that the rising spate of insecurity and other vices in the council is perpetrated by youths and that if left unchecked, will lead to further decline in our growth as a council, since the youths are the bedrock of the society.
The lead paper presentation was done by Vicky Idoko-Pope, a Development Consultant based in the United States of America and had other notable persons like Rev. Fr. John Attah, Mr. Idoko Agbo Idoko, Dr. Onuh Okwori, Rev. Fr. Daniel Abbah, Mr. Jerome Adaje, Barr. Ogwiji Mary and Mrs. Mariam Omela Godwin as Discussants.
Other dignitaries who graced the Summit amongst whom were Distinguished Senator Patrick Abba Moro, who was ably represented by Hon. Dan Atayi, Bishop Michael Apochi, Hon. Anthony Agom, Dr. Ralph Otobo Odoh, Mr. Adoyi John Ochigbo, Chief and Mrs. Atarhe Okaredje, commended the laudable initiative while charging the youths to remain law abiding citizens.
In an appreciation message issued by the Convener, Comr. Omaga Daniel, he thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the event and promised to make the summit better in the next edition, having identified areas of concerns, recorded in this maiden edition.
For their immense contributions to Community Service and Humanitarian gestures, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Apochi, the Catholic Bishop of Oturkpo Diocese, Cdr. Emmanuel Ajenu (Rtd), the President, Board of Governors, Cherryfield College Abuja, Mr. Adoyi John Ochigbo, from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Dr. Ralph Otobo Odoh, Proprietor of Apa College of Education were awarded by Coalition. In the same vein, the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, was given a Special Recognition Award as “Icon of Greater Nigeria”, in recognition of his Pro-masses Legislation, Outspokenness and Contributions to National Development”.