By Vivian Okejeme
In a bid to promote unity, peace, security and civic participation, the Edo Indigenous Forum, has been officially unveiled at a colourful General Assembly held at the Bwari Town Hall, Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja.
The forum admonished members to shun violence, intimidation, intolerance and any act capable of threatening the peace and unity of Edo communities.
Delivering the keynote address, President of the Forum, Dr. M.K Moh’d Alo’khose, said the Forum, now duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), is apolitical but will not be indifferent to civic duties.
He explains that voting is a fundamental right and civic responsibility and urged every eligible member to exercise their right to vote peacefully and responsibly.
Further in his speech, Alo’khose stressed that whatever political differences members may hold, their common heritage, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence must remain paramount, urging residents in the FCT to be security-conscious and law-abiding.
The Assembly, which drew a large turnout of Edo indigenes resident in the FCT, including traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, women leaders, youth groups, professionals and business owners, formally affirmed the name “EDO INDIGENOUS FORUM” as the umbrella body for Edo people in the capital territory.
According to Dr. M.K Moh’d, the Forum is open to persons of Edo heritage and those connected to Edo by parentage, ancestry or marriage who identify with the heritage and are committed to unity and progress.
Outlining the objectives of the Forum, he said it will promote unity, peace and solidarity; preserve and promote Edo culture, traditions, languages and heritage; encourage education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and empowerment; provide mutual welfare support for members; foster networking among professionals and business owners; encourage mentorship and responsible citizenship; celebrate outstanding achievements; and build constructive partnerships with traditional institutions, government and other stakeholders for social and economic advancement.
In a major announcement, the President disclosed plans to institute an Annual Edo Day to be observed every 1st October, beginning from 1st October, 2027, to celebrate Edo history, culture, achievements and contributions to Nigeria, and to honour elders and inspire younger generations.
He reaffirmed his commitment to lead with humility, transparency, fairness and accountability, calling for collective sacrifice to build a community where no one feels forgotten.
“Today’s Assembly is only the beginning. The real work starts from here. We may not always agree, but we can always respect one another. We may come from different families and backgrounds, but we remain connected by a common heritage. That is the strength we draw from our unity,” he said.
Dignitaries at the event including Hon. Gabaya John and Sarkin Bwari, Alhaji Auwal Musa Ijakoro commended the initiative, describing the Forum as a timely platform to strengthen identity, enhance security awareness and promote responsible citizenship among Edo people in the FCT.
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