By Ogbobu Moses Oloche
In the heart of Africa lies the great continent, and within it, Nigeria stands as a proud giant. Situated in the Middle-Belt, Benue State flourishes with both beauty and opportunity. Among the treasures of Benue are the twin communities of Apa and Agatu, revered as the pride and jewel of Idoma.
The red and black that adorn our attire symbolize the sacrifices of our ancestors. Red represents the blood of our fathers who labored tirelessly, while black reflects our fertile land that continues to nourish us. As our forebears wisely taught, “Together we stand, divided we fall.” But can we walk this path if conflict remains a constant companion? Can we truly claim love for one another while division festers within?
What is Conflict?
In our Idoma dialect, we express it as “Alikpo kwun, Alabo kwun,” a phrase that embodies the deep understanding of the struggles of our people. In English, we define conflict as a violent clash or disagreement between opposing groups or individuals.
Given that conflict is a reality in our midst, what must we do to rid our communities of this damaging presence? After all, is it not true that the joy of sharing ‘okoho’ soup is greatest when enjoyed by two brothers in unity?
Steps to Conflict Resolution
- Taking Away Differences: The first step in resolving conflict and fostering peace is to shift our focus from what divides us to what unites us. We cannot claim to love one another while we actively oppose the things that bind us together. To heal our rifts, we must work collectively to bridge our differences and embrace the common ground that strengthens our community.
- Embracing Peace: Conflict arises when peace is absent. But how can we cultivate peace if mutual trust and love are lacking? Peace is fundamental to our progress, while conflict only brings retrogression and chaos. We must commit to abandoning actions and attitudes that threaten our peace, for a life of strife imprisons us all.
- Healthy Co-Existence Between Leaders: When leaders unite towards a common goal, the entire community benefits. In Apa-Agatu, leaders must prioritize collaboration and altruism, putting the well-being of the youth and the community ahead of personal gain. A united leadership will inspire harmony and yield tangible progress for all.
- Youth Unity: The youth are the backbone of our community. It is their strength and unity that will pave the way for peace and prosperity. The youth must champion campaigns for peace, law, and order within Apa-Agatu. As the rope that holds the broom together, the youth play an essential role in the future of our community. As our nation’s motto says, let there be “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” in the Apa-Agatu community.
In Conclusion:
Let us all come together as one people, committed to peace and unity. We have the power to overcome conflict and create a prosperous future for Apa-Agatu, for Idoma Nation, and for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God Bless Apa-Agatu
God Bless Idoma Nation
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ogbobu Moses Oloche
Dept. of Military History, Nigerian Army University, Biu
