History was made on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Igala Unity House, Anyigba, Kogi State where some distinguished illustrious sons of the great Igala Kingdom were identified and honoured for their selfless positive contributions to the development of the kingdom.
His Excellency, Chief Edward Onoja, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State at the event was honoured with the Commander of Igala Kingdom (CIK) in view of his numerous contributions including his leadership in the unprecedented fundraising drive for the building of the magnificent Igala Unity House in Anyigba.
Also recognized and honoured at the event were Dr. Alidu Moses Abu (CIK), Dr. Idris Omede (OIK) and Chief Paul Idachaba (OIK).
AMODU ABUBAKAR, PRESIDENT OF
IGALA CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
PROTOCOLS
I have the singular privilege and honor to welcome you all to this unique and epoch making event. Today I stand before you on the historic sacred alter of the Igala kingdom to express my sense of fulfillment and appreciate to God Almighty for his love, favor, strength and wisdom to pilot the affairs of ICDA in particular and Igala people in general. I am delighted that despite our numerous challenges, there is an obvious rebirth and renewed template for the progress and development of our father land (Igala Kingdom).
This event is packaged as part of our tireless commitment in ICDA to unite our people and encourage them to participate in community development services for posterity sake. It is my belief that if we continue like this through synergy and cooperation, the Igala land will be great again.
Your Excellency, Your Royal Highnesses, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is important to NOTE that Igala Merit Award is not for sale, rather an individual must work towards earning it. We have carefully selected the recipients of this year award through wider consultations and their nomination’s approved by the National Executive Council of ICDA. I congratulate you on this great and a well-deserved honor.
My dear people of Igala nation, you will agree with me that in the last decade, we have witnessed very regrettable structural decay’s which we were reluctant to find out the source of our problems. It is now obvious that today is better than yesterday because there is rebirth of a better Igala kingdom as a result of our collective engagement to turnover a new leaf
While appreciating all concerned Igala people especially Chief Edward David Onoja for his focus and purposeful leadership, I appeal to all of us to shun our political difference and remain one united people to enable us consolidate on these wonderful achievements.
No doubt, Igala Unity House is the beginning of the best and sustainable development in our father land because it’s a symbol of our UNITY with all ancestral blessings
ICDA has reclaimed her lost status of providing leadership for the Igala people. Our recent achievement and the grassroots structure have boosted people’s confidence on this apex body. Today we shall be inaugurating ICDA Ward Executive Members to facilitate efficient and effective leadership for our people. I enjoy the newly elected leaders to take charge of their localities and come up with suggestions that will better the lives of the people in their communities.
We have noticed with Joy that the desire for the Unity of Igala people is high. To achieve this, the popular demand for the revival of ITALO Festival must be given adequate attention by ICDA. This has necessitated the need to set up a Central Planning Committee to suggest possibilities, consult with His Royal Majesty and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the realization of our World Class Festival. A seventeen (17) member committee under the chairmanship of Hon. Adejoh Akowe will be commissioned today to commence this big task. I congratulate the Chairman and all members of ITALO committee and wishing them best of luck in their assignment.
I thank our Royal Fathers and all of you that took your time to witness this occasion.
May the Almighty God and the spirit of our ancestors bless all of us.
Thank you.
