His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo John, the Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Nation and Chairman, Idoma Area Traditional Council, has charged Idoma sons and daughters to embrace 2026 as a year of purposeful hope anchored on unity, economic self reliance, cultural pride and disciplined citizenship.
In his New Year broadcast delivered on Thurday with the theme: “Keep Hope Alive,” the monarch, while thanking God for preservation through 2025, described the new year as a defining moment that calls for responsibility rather than complacency.
“I thank Almighty God, the Giver of life, for preserving us through the year 2025 and granting us the privilege of standing at the doorway of 2026 with hope in our hearts and duty upon our shoulders,” he said.
The Och’Idoma, who also paid warm tribute to the traditional institutions across the Kingdom commended the first class chiefs, among other chieftaincy title holders, with the ward and district heads, clan and kindred heads, and others whom he observed that their quiet service continues to anchor peace, order and stability.
Your wisdom and steady counsel continue to guide our people toward unity and peace,” he said.
Continuing, the Benue monarch noted that societies endured through duty, restraint, and consistency.
While reflecting on the lessons of the past year, the monarch acknowledged the challenges experienced in parts of Idoma land while emphasising resilience, lawful vigilance, and cooperation as the pathway forward, even as he reaffirmed the sanctity of life, declaring that “the life of every Idoma son and daughter is precious and must be defended with lawful courage and collective vigilance.”
The Och’Idoma
stressed that “peace is not a gift dropped into a community; peace is built.”
To strengthen community responsibility for safety, John announced practical measures, directing that “every ward and clan within Idoma Kingdom shall activate a Community Peace and Security Committee under the guidance of the traditional institution, working strictly within the law and in cooperation with recognised security agencies.”
He also announced the establishment of an Idoma Peace Desk at the Palace to receive verified reports, support mediation and interface with authorities for timely intervention, while warning leaders and citizens that “we must never trade truth for noise.”
He insisted that progress rests on shared conscience rather than division, stating that “no one builds a great nation by insulting one another or competing in division. Greatness requires a shared conscience.”
Families, kindreds, and associations, the monarch urged, must resolve disputes early and allow dialogue to guide relationships.
The Och’Idoma, meanwhile, also honoured the memory of Idoma sons and daughters who passed on in the previous year, describing their lives as meaningful contributions to the collective journey of the Idoma Nation.
He extended his royal consolation to bereaved families, pointing out, “your pain is known, your tears are seen. The Idoma Nation stands with you in this season of grief,”
John urged the people to honour the departed by preserving values, unity, and dignity.
Our correspondent reports that culture, he observed, occupied a central place in the broadcast, with the monarch recalling the First Idoma Cultural Reawakening Festival held on December 23, 2025.
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