By noah ocheni, Lokoja
The AtaIgala ,HRM, Alhaji Matthew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa has charged the new Executive Committee Members of Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA) to adopt new strategies that will foster deeper unity, peace and security in order to fast track development of Kogi East.
The Monarch, who is also the President, Kogi state traditional council, gave the charge on Saturday while administering oath of office to the newly elected National Executive Council 2024 of the Igala Cultural Development Association ICDA held in Idah, headquarters of Igala Kingdom.
He said , the ICDA has been an umbrella body and a symbol of the collective strength and sense of purpose for the Igala People, and advised them to keep the flame burning for a desired peace , security and development of the zone.
He, however regretted, that despite the ideals of the founding fathers, the body has of late became a home of disunity, lacking cohesion, desecration of Igala customs , tradition and value system.
Represented by Ejeh Dekina and Chairman, Dekina Local Government traditional Council, HRH, Usman Obaje, charged the new exco under the leadership of Surgeon Commodore Dr.Ahmed Abdullahi, to justify the overwhelming confidence the people repose in them, by weaving together, hitherto divergence opinions to drive the ICDA at this critical time in the history of Igala people.
He described the inauguration as an epoch making , marking a new beginning for the people and placed a burden on the Exco to exhibit visionary, purposeful and exemplary leadership to correct the short comings of the past.
Speaking on behalf of the 17 member Exco, President General of ICDA, Surgeon Commodore Dr.Ahmed Abdullahi promised to serve and hold tenaciously the values and customs of Igala in all the activities of the Association.
He assured that under his leadership, the voice of Igala Nation would be strengthened, and would be heard loud and clear within the purview of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria while working hard to engage and lobby the Federal and state governments to attract functional development to the zone.
He solicited for cooperation and support from well meaning Igala sons and daughters to enable them succeed on the mandate given to them.
In a remark, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo represented by the Deputy Governor, Joel Oyibo Salifu assured of the administration’s commitment to partner with reputable Socio Cultural association like ICDA in inculcating their values and customs in the people for a better society.
He noted that his doors are wide open to receive them in audience and should not hesitate to call on him when needed.
In his remarks, the National leader of Ukomu Igala organisation,Elder David Abutu noted that the inauguration of ICDA is indeed historic, and a dawn of a new era for the Association which has the onerous mandate of promoting the Igala culture and to also defend and checkmate possible influence of foreign cultures on our society.
“Although, later years of the association were adversely affected by unwarranted political gimmick, leadership tussle, but what we are witnessing today is a seamless
process of power transition, which is hopefully a wakeup call to selfless service.”
“As a sister organization, we inspire the leadership to be readily available for collaboration in our shared aspirations and commitments, in order to make our society a better place.”
“We urge all Igala sons and daughters to fuse into Ukomu Igala Organization, Igala
Cultural Development Association, Ojuju Agbadufu and Kogi East Elders Council (KEEC), for a more definitive pursuit of goals and aspirations.”
