Dr Christopher Odey Ogar, President of Ogar Okrache Save Alive Foundation (OSAF), has called on the people of Yala to embrace unity, love, mutual respect and collective responsibility as essential ingredients for the sustainable development of the area.
Dr Ogar made the call while expressing appreciation to the leadership of Yala United Forum Worldwide for honouring him with the prestigious title of Yala Community Development Champion at a ceremony in Abuja.
The event, led by the President of the forum, Amb. Dr Chris Oko Odey, brought together well-meaning sons and daughters of Yala in a celebration of community service, humanitarianism and a shared commitment to the progress of their homeland.
In his response, Dr Ogar expressed profound gratitude to the forum for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to do more for the people of Yala. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote community development, improve the welfare of vulnerable people and create meaningful opportunities for the younger generation.
He stressed the need for the people of Yala, irrespective of their political, social or personal differences, to close ranks, demonstrate genuine love for one another and respect their elders, whose wisdom, experience and guidance remain vital to the growth and stability of the community.
According to him, the development of Yala must be a collective responsibility, requiring the contributions of individuals, organisations, traditional institutions and other stakeholders who share a common vision for a peaceful, united and prosperous homeland.
Dr Ogar also emphasised the importance of identifying, encouraging and creating opportunities for industrious and hardworking sons and daughters of Yala to contribute their talents, skills and expertise to the development of the area. He noted that providing opportunities for people to excel would not only improve individual livelihoods but also strengthen the community's human capital and accelerate development.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for discussions on the future of Yala, with particular attention to community development, humanitarian interventions, youth empowerment and the need for stronger collaboration among well-meaning indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
A major highlight of the occasion was the establishment of a partnership between Yala United Forum Worldwide and Ogar Okrache Save Alive Foundation, aimed at strengthening collaborative efforts towards community development and improving the wellbeing of the people.
The partnership is expected to provide a platform for coordinated interventions, expanded humanitarian support, youth empowerment and other initiatives capable of addressing community needs and creating sustainable benefits for the people of Yala.
Dr Ogar, who hosted the forum's leadership and accompanying guests during the visit, also made a cash donation towards their transport logistics as a gesture of hospitality and support for the engagement.
Those present during the occasion included Comrade Joseph Odey, aka BobT, and Dr Ebriku John Friday, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State on Media Data Analytics.
The recognition of Dr Ogar underscores the importance of community leadership, philanthropy and partnerships in advancing grassroots development. It also reinforces the need for individuals and organisations to translate goodwill and shared aspirations into practical actions that improve lives.
With the partnership between Yala United Forum Worldwide and Ogar Okrache Save Alive Foundation, stakeholders expressed optimism that greater cooperation would open new avenues for humanitarian interventions, community advancement and opportunities for the people.
The message from the gathering was clear: the future of Yala depends on its people's willingness to unite, love one another, honour their elders and work together to build a community where hard work is rewarded, talents are nurtured and every opportunity is explored for the common good.
Yala First! — Unity, Peace and Development.
