By Amos Aar
IDOKO Enefola Esq., the author of the book titled “The Province of Aidogodo”, has stressed the need for Idoma people and the Aidogodo people in particular to preserve their history through language for the sake of their identity and posterity.
During the launch of the book last Saturday in Makurdi, Benue State capital, Idoko who is also the founder of Aidogodo Youth Movement (AYM) and Okpoga Unity Forum (OUF) called for love, peace and unity in Aidogodo and Okpoga community at large as it was the central objective of the book.
According to a citation presented by Amari Mathias Ameh during the book launch, Barr Idoko got a vision to write the history of his people and he swung into action without hesitation, doing research based on oral and fragmented documentary which he gathered from sources in Aidogo, Okpoga and other communities, spanning a period of 19 years.
Amari described the author as an astute researcher, writer, social activist, community leader and “an adventurous person right from childhood who likes to discover new things, especially in the areas that have not been explored by any one yet”.
In a goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Health Sciences (FUHSO), Otukpo, Prof. Innocent Ujah, asserted that the only way for people to sustain their history is by documentation because “once you forget your history, you forget your generation”.
Prof. Ujah who decried poor reading culture by the youths and the declining nature of language attributed the rising cases of crime to lack of the African value system. He commended the author and other stakeholders for contributing to the success of the book.
In her address, chairlady of the Central Planning Committee (CPC) of the book launch, Prof. Mrs Beatrice Ker, said the The Province of Aidogodo which is an introduction to Aidogodo history marked a significant milestone in the community’s journey as they unveiled the chronicles of their shared heritage. According to Prof. Ker, The Province of Aidogodo is more than just a book but a treasure trove their community’s experience, struggles, triumphs and a testament to their forebearers resilience, ingenuity and determination”
On his part, Chairman of the occasion, Engr Agaba Ikuwe, added his voice by calling for peace and unity among the people of Aidogodo and Okpoga community and the preservation of their cultural values and heritage.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Agbo of Aidogodo represented by Pastor Ambrose Agada, the book launcher, AVM Morgan rtd, Chief Captain Adole John Adole rtd and many others.
