The Aren Akun of Akun Chiefdom, Nasarawa State, James Angbazo, has called for collective efforts among Nigerians for community and national development.

Mr Angbazo made the call at the inauguration of Eggon Cultural and Development Association (ECDA), Wakama Chapter, on Sunday in Wakama, Akun Area Administrative Council.

He said that teamwork and collective efforts would not only promote development but would also promote unity and peace in society.

Mr Angbazo urged the new officials to key into good projects, policies and programmes that would promote unity, peace and development in Wakama.

He said that the importance of unity and peace to societal development cannot be overemphasised.

The second-class traditional ruler urged the officials to shun divisive acts and to provide all-inclusive leadership that would bring speedy development to the community.

The traditional ruler urged stakeholders and other members of the association to support the new officials to succeed.

Salamis Ajege, the chairman of the occasion, urged the youth to embrace entrepreneurship and other positive ventures to be self-reliant and contribute positively to societal development.

He urged the youths and other Nigerians to embrace unity and peace at all times.

While congratulating the new officials, he urged them not to be benchwarmers.

” Don’t be benchwarmers, be servants of your people for the unity, peace and development of Wakama Ward,” he said.

On his part, Charles Agum, the guest speaker and deputy director, Centre for Cultural Studies, Federal University Lafia, said that culture has promoted unity and peace over the years.

He called on Nigerians to embrace their cultures for human and societal development.

Mr Agum, while congratulating the officials on their successful inauguration, urged them to promote culture, unity and peace.

Dr Samuel Akawu, director, federal ministry of livestock development and food security, Adams Makka Nangba, district head of Wakama, among others,  urged the new officials to hit the ground running by executing people-oriented projects.

They assured their support to the association to succeed.

Barr. Joseph Kudu, while administering the Oath of Office to the officials, urged them to abide by the oath taken for unity, peace and development of the area.

Francis Namo Maggah, chairman of the inauguration committee, appreciated the Aren Akun, the district head and other stakeholders for their positive contributions to ensure the success of the inauguration.

Dennis Anzaku, the outgoing president of the association, also assured the new officials of his support to succeed.

Responding, Bala Ewuga, the new chairman of the association, assured of his commitment to promote unity, peace and development in the community.

”By the special grace of God, I will organise annual cultural activities that will bring the people together and promote peace in the community,” he said.

He appreciated the Aren Akun, the district head of Wakama, other traditional rulers, the chairman of the occasion and other personalities for gracing the occasion.

Other officials  included Ango Moses – vice chairman, Louis Umbugadu –  secretary, Pius Kuke – assistant secretary, Jatau Akolo – financial Secretary, Ewuga Affiku- public relations officer.

Others are Adamu Attah – auditor I, James Akyen- auditor II, Lamba Abimiku – social director and Angbashim Isa- provost marshal.

(NAN)