Eje-Alekwu Festival 2018 in Ugboju District and Dr. Dickson Akoh’s Contributions

To witness the changing face of Nigerian suburbs, visit Ugboju District in Otukpo Local Government of Benue State. The district showcases positive development with electricity, good roads, potable water, and infrastructural projects.

Remarkably, Ugboju District continues to preserve its rich cultural heritage despite modern influences. The Eje-Alekwu Festival is an annual celebration that unites sons and daughters of the land, irrespective of political or religious background. The grand finale for 2018, held on Sunday, 18th March, brought together distinguished sons and daughters, friends, and well-wishers from across Nigeria.

Celebrating Culture and Heritage

The festival featured a spectacular display of culture, with different dance troops and masquerades parading systematically to entertain and educate the audience on traditions that have endured through generations.

Honoring Dr Dickson Akoh

A key highlight was the traditional blessing of Dr Dickson Akoh, National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria. His contributions to the district reflect his generosity and commitment to overall development. On the occasion, Dr Akoh provided two wheelchairs to disabled persons in Ugboju District.

Support from Distinguished Guests

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Steven Lawani, a senatorial contender for Benue South in the 2019 elections, praised Dr Akoh as a son whose contributions have elevated the Idoma nation to the international stage. Dr. Akoh also donated One Million Naira to support the district.

Chief Mrs. Blessing Onuh, aspirant for the Ohimini/Otukpo Federal House of Representatives seat, contributed Five Hundred Thousand Naira and pledged to collaborate with Dr Akoh for further community development.

Other Notable Speakers

• Bar John Adam Okloho – Member, Benue State House of Assembly, Ugboju/Adoka
• Governor Samuel Ortom, represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, praised the Obande K’Ugboju and Dr. Akoh for preserving culture and establishing the Ambassador’s Resort and Garden in Ogoli-Ugboju
• Comrade Austine Agada, SA to the Governor, urged Sen. David Mark to advocate for the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill at the National Assembly
• Other guests included Dr. Oyigeya, HRH Samuel Onuh, Rt. Hon Ezekiel Adaji, Arch Eric Adokwu, Hon Johnson Egli Ahubi, Hon Mike Audu, Hon Leo, and many others who commended Dr. Akoh’s contributions

Vision for Ugboju District

During the event, Dr Akoh stated: “Ugboju is in a hurry to grow and develop and catch up with developed cities. Our strategic vision is to transform the district into a financial and commercial hub of Benue State, avoiding distractions and uniting all political actors to achieve this goal.”

Vote of Thanks

HRH Chief Solomon Apochi, Obande K’Ugboju, expressed gratitude to all participants and prayed for God’s blessings on their contributions. He also prayed that the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill would receive presidential assent, enabling community surveillance and job creation for youths.