PROTOCOLS
It is with great sense of honour and responsibility that I warmly welcome you all to the 12th Annual General Meeting of this very important Association taking place today. The timing of the meeting couldn’t have been more auspicious than now, considering the economic, social, security and development challenges facing the Tiv nation and Nigeria at large now. These vagaries have no doubt brought to the fore the need for a community based Professionals’ Association like Ontiv to make its voice heard in contributing to the solutions.
2. As you are all aware, this Association was established in 2010 in response to the need for unity, development and support for community in a Nigeria where we must build harmony between the government and the people on one hand and close the gaps between the urban and rural people on the other through education, enlightenment and opportunity that could enhance peace, understanding and solidarity among the people. This is most desirable at this auspicious time where there seems to be suspicion between the elite and the masses in the communities who believe that they are only important during elections and for electoral victory by politicians only.
3. It is therefore, the responsibility this noble Association whose members are people of various professional standing with non-partisan interest in their contribution to issues of community development and promotion of prosperity. I am glad to note that members have been focused on the need to create public awareness, building of synergy and tapping from the resources of the members towards the goal of a great Tivland where people share prosperity, opportunity and united against collective communal challenges.
4. Ontiv is a veritable platform that could be used to drive the engine of development in Tivland. It could also serve as the vehicle through which Tiv professionals could share their experiences, resources and proffer solutions that could assist government at all levels in understanding of social, economic and security challenges facing the Tiv nation at home and in the Diaspora.
5. Let me, therefore, thank all those that have always committed their time and resources towards ensuring that this Association stands on its feat strong enough to deliver the mandates for which it was established. I would also wish to appeal to those that are yet to commit themselves to this noble cause not to be on the fence but to come together, because there is power in unity.
6. Furthermore, with the ongoing political activities in the country, there is the greater need for our elite to come together irrespective of their political differences to chart a common developmental paradigm that could maximize our contributions and benefits derivable from the dividends of democracy. In this case, while our people may share different political beliefs, we as professionals must rely on our education, management skills and exposure to build the spirit of “politics without bitterness” among our people.
7. Permit me to recall that it is a thing of joy and pride that in the history of this nation today, Tiv people have been outstanding in their commitment to nation building, national unity, development and security. But how could our people remain committed to the questions of nation building and yet detached from the basic responsibility for community development? This is the question that this Association of Tiv Professionals who are here not on the platform of political parties but in the best interest of Tiv unity, development and solidarity must answer very frankly, because that is the central idea of this meeting today.
8. To this end, let me call on all of us to use the opportunity created by this AGM to critically review the activities, policies and ongoing projects of the Association with a view to improving its performances over the years while chatting the way forward. It is also hoped that the AGM will provide an ample opportunity for members to become more committed and united to serving their community and the nation better to the glory of Almighty God.
9. On this note, I once again welcome you all and wish you fruitful deliberation and a successful AGM.
10. Thank you and God bless.
DCM Julius A. Asom (Rtd), mni
Chairman, AGM Planning Committee
