Peace Corps Award Ceremony – Dickson Akoh Applauded for Rural Development
Ogoli-Ugboju District in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State was, over the weekend of 9th December 2017, a cynosure of national attention as people thronged from far and near, defying the age-long maxim that “a prophet is not honoured in his own town.”
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; Michael Umale Adikwu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja; Armstrong Adejo, an erudite historian of international repute; Comrade Abba Yaro, APC Chairman, Benue State Chapter; and others eulogised Dr Dickson Akoh, National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, for his role in community development, rural sustainability, and nation-building.
Delivering his welcome address, Dr Akoh expressed his gratitude and appreciation to guests who attended the occasion organised to mark the Corps’ annual end-of-year award ceremony. According to him, the occasion “will be used to give awards and commendations to eminent personalities in recognition of their contributions to society, while encouraging them not to relent in doing more.”
Dr Akoh further stated that the rationale for hosting the event in Ogoli, a rural area, informed the choice of the theme for this year’s celebration: “Rural Sustainability and Nation Building: The Role of Social Organisations.” According to him, “for ideal and even development to take place, we must critically re-examine the near absence of social infrastructure in the grassroots.” In his final submission, he opined that for rural sustainability to be guaranteed, not only the government but also social organisations and philanthropic individuals should endeavour to contribute in this regard.
In his remarks, Governor Samuel Ortom, who was ably represented by his Deputy, Benson Abounu, expressed his delight at witnessing the important event organised by the illustrious son of the Idoma nation to revitalise rural life. According to him, Dr Akoh has rejuvenated rural communities and given them renewed vitality. He further stated that he is proud to be an Idoma man, noting that Dr Akoh has placed the Idoma name on the map of Nigeria, which explains why people from across the country gathered in Ogoli to celebrate with him.
