TACKLING THE SOCIAL MENACE IN IGALA NATION
By SULE ISA AKAGWU KPALEKO
ANYIGBA – KOGI STATE
The recent happenings in Igala nation call for spiritual cleansing from all perspectives, be it traditional, religious and socio-cultural perspective. Though going by my faith, I would have accepted whatever that happened is an act of God but the multiple occurrence of events in Igalaland need urgent attention as it metamorphosis into disastrous trend.
The genesis of our difficulty was the death of Prince Abubakar Audu which unfortunately change the mantle of leadership in the state from Igala Nation to other axis. As if that was not enough, our Honourable Minister, a dogged Barrister, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Hon James Ocholi died almost at the same time as a result of ghastly motor accident – this further destabilized the leadership traits of the people of Kogi east.
Indeed, Igala Nation is at its trying time, we have lost relevance in the scheme of things both at the state and national levels. this assertion might not be accepted by all, but we can make reference to the following happenings to draw a conclusion, we have no Minister, no Permanent Secretary, no Federal Commissioner, no Ambassador, no top officers in the military and para-military. Though it is widely accepted that marginalisation is not only bad but painful, and it is even more painful when the majority are being marginalized by the minority.
After the death of these aforementioned illustrious sons of Igala Nation, development, social cohesion and spirit of oneness have started eluding us. Envy, hatred, kidnapping, armed robbery, killing, sectionalism and all forms of barbaric activities reign supreme in our land. Politicians have become so desperate for any available political position for their selfish interest. Morality has been killed and buried by our generation without remorse. Thuggery and cult activities have become more lucrative and rewarding amongst the youths to the detriment of their certificates.
Let me use some of the conflict resolution approaches with social hypotheses devoid of political compromise to ameliorate Igala Nation challenges to a bearable minimum. These include but not limited to Traditional, Religion and Socio-Cultural Approaches.
TRADITIONAL APPROACH
As the name implies, this approach has to do with our traditional institutions, a supposed father of all sons and daughters of Igala origin both at home and in diaspora. In an ideal African society that exhibit our cultural norms and values, the traditional institution is seen to be sacred, apolitical, fair and just in their dealings, but where the reverse becomes the practice, it brings hatred, division and unrest among the people. A call for unity of purpose by an unjust traditional institution might not see the light of the day. Nevertheless, the institution can embark on a cleansing exercise to enhance productivity, attitudinal change, peaceful coexistence and prosperities in the land.
RELIGIOUS APPROACH
The various faiths in Igalaland; the Christians, Muslims, Orthodox, Pentecostal and all the religious houses should take it as a duty to embark on regular sermon against faulty leadership and mal-administration of our leaders and the various social vices that enveloped our society today. There is equally an urgent need for special prayers and fasting sessions to call upon the Almighty God for the betterment and peaceful coexistence among the people. All the Imams and Pastors must embark on these special prayers for the cleansing of Igala land from the shackles of under-development that has engulfed our land
SOCIO-CULTURAL APPROACH
The need to embark and revive our cultural heritage to showcase our rich cultural traits and folklore to the world is very crucial at this material time. The ITALO festival needs to be revived as urgent as possible without any political influence as an avenue to itemize our challenges and proffer possible solutions. The primary objective is to unite all sons and daughters of Igala origin. The EGBE festival at Egume is another heritage that need international coverage aside the sacrificial theme for the land, the OGANI festival of Ankpa and Idah, Ocho and Onoko Festival by Idah people and the IBEGU festival across all towns in Igalaland need to be revived to further enhance our peaceful coexistence.
This call for unity and peaceful coexistence is very crucial for all and sundry to help regain our lost glory in the committee of nations, the enlightenment program must start from our various homes, family/community associations, pressure groups, schools, organising lectures and symposiums on the value of human life and the need to unite for a better tomorrow. Our people must grow from the retardation of ÒMÀWÈDÈ and take responsibility in the scheme of things, this is a major way our generation can have the replica of Dr. Steven Achema (Politics without bitterness), Prince Abubakar Audu (Developmental politics), Alh. Jibrin Echocho (empowerment), Hajia Salamatu Baiwa (empowerment), Prof. Francis Idachaba (Igala Education Foundation), Dr Ibrahim Wada (IVF Expert), Rear Admiral Jibrin Usman (Okura Naval School), Alh. Siaka Alfa (empowerment), ASTA (empowerment) and several others of Igala extraction.
Thank you.
