Okun Dialogue Adopts Unity, Security, Youth Development Agenda
By Samuel Temiloluwa
Leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders, youths and women representatives from across Okunland have resolved to strengthen unity, security and youth development as key pillars for the peace and progress of the region.
The resolutions were contained in a communique issued at the end of the Okun Dialogue on Unity, Security and Youth Development, organized by Okun Development Initiative (ODI) held on September 3, 2026, at the Conference Center, Armed Forces Officers Mess and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja with the theme, “One Voice, One Okun: United for Peace and Progress.”
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The dialogue, which was convened in the spirit of brotherhood and collective responsibility, focused on critical challenges confronting Okunland, particularly insecurity, leadership cohesion, youth unemployment and sustainable development.
The participants emphasised that the gathering was not for political campaigns or agitation, but solely aimed at promoting unity, peace, security and development.
On security, the dialogue expressed concern over the growing challenges of banditry, kidnapping and farmer-herder tensions in some communities, noting that fragmented security efforts could weaken the collective ability of communities to protect lives and property.
The meeting consequently resolved to establish an Okun Community Security Network to coordinate vigilante groups, hunters and other local security outfits across the six Okun Local Government Areas.
It also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to establish effective intelligence-sharing structures in collaboration with federal security agencies in each LGA.
The dialogue further urged government and well-meaning stakeholders to support technology-driven security initiatives, including communication gadgets and community patrols, while encouraging Okun communities to embrace peaceful coexistence and early conflict-resolution mechanisms.
The dialogue also identified disunity and lack of consensus among leaders as factors limiting Okunland’s ability to attract development and effectively articulate its collective interests.
To address the challenge, participants resolved that a non-partisan “Okun Leadership Charter of Unity” should be developed to guide engagements on matters of common interest.
They also called for the institutionalisation of a regular Okun Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum, where leaders and stakeholders can deliberate and reach consensus on major issues affecting the region.
The communique urged political and community leaders to place the interests of Okunland above personal or partisan considerations in public engagements.
It further proposed a central role for elders and traditional institutions in mediating disputes and fostering unity among stakeholders.
On youth development, the dialogue expressed concern over unemployment and its potential implications for the security and future of Okunland.
Participants resolved to establish a Regional Okun Skills and Entrepreneurship Hub to provide vocational, agricultural and technology-based training for young people across the region.
Government, the private sector and Okun sons and daughters in the diaspora were urged to invest in youth-focused programmes capable of creating employment and economic opportunities.
The dialogue also called on community leaders to establish mentorship and youth-engagement platforms to steer young people away from crime and other social vices.
Stakeholders equally resolved to identify, support and promote Okun youths who demonstrate exceptional talents in entrepreneurship, sports, arts and academics.
The participants expressed appreciation to the host or convener, traditional rulers, security agencies and all participants for their commitment to peace, unity and development.
In its conclusion, the dialogue reaffirmed the commitment of the people of Okunland to building “one indivisible Okunland,” stressing that unity remained essential to securing the region, strengthening its leadership and creating a better future for its youths.
The communique was signed by the Communique Drafting Committee on behalf of Okun Dialogue 2026, with the gathering ending on a note of collective commitment: “Okun a gbe wa o!”
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving Okun personalities who have contributed significantly to the overall development of the area. Those honoured included the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council, Mrs Folashade Ariki Ayoade, Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji; Senator Dino Melaye; Hon. Tajudeen Ayo Yusuf; Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd.); Hon Asiwaju Asiru Idris, Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, among others.
Dignitaries present at the event included all the first-class traditional rulers from Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Mopamuro, Yagba East, Yagba West and Oworo in Lokoja Local Government Area. Others included the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade; serving Honourable Commissioners, other government appointees from the area; captains of industry; representatives of the Okun Development Association (ODA); technocrats; as well as youth and women groups, among others.
Democracy Newsline Newspaper September 4, 2026
