By Jonathan Jibrin. Dir. Media , publicity.
The Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA) is pleased to formally announce to all Igala-speaking people at home and in the Diaspora that preparations for Italo 2026 — Ujéjú-Ógu Igala Cultural Festival are progressing steadily.
Italo 2026 is scheduled to take place on 30th and 31st December 2026 and is being conceived as a major cultural homecoming and celebration of the history, identity, unity and rich heritage of the Igala people.
Following the important consultation held with the Igala Area Traditional Council in Anyigba on 25th August 2026, under the chairmanship of the Ejeh Dekina, Alhaji Usman Obaje, and attended by the Chairmen of the various Local Government Traditional Councils across Igala land, the National Executive Council of ICDA met in Abuja on Saturday, 29th August 2026, to review developments and chart the way forward.
A broad-based planning structure is currently being developed to ensure that the organisation of Italo 2026 is inclusive and reflects the collective aspirations of the Igala Nation. The various committees required for the successful execution of the festival will be constituted in accordance with the proposal submitted to and approved by the Igala Area Traditional Council.
As part of the next phase of consultations, ICDA will engage with other Igala socio-cultural organisations in Abuja during the second weekend of September. The objective is to build consensus, encourage collaboration and secure the collective support and participation of all relevant Igala organisations and stakeholders.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF ITALO 2026
Italo 2026 is expected to feature a rich programme of cultural and social activities, including traditional music and dance, cultural performances, exhibitions of Igala arts and crafts, presentations on Igala history and heritage, traditional cuisine, youth and talent programmes, recognition of distinguished Igala sons and daughters, and participation by Igala communities and the Diaspora.
A particularly profound dimension of the celebration will be the traditional engagement of the Ata of Igala with his subjects.
During Italo, the Ata will meet with his people and proclaim royal blessings upon the land and the people. This sacred traditional moment represents more than a ceremonial blessing; it is a reaffirmation of the cosmic order and harmony that binds the Ata, his people, the land and the ancestral heritage of the Igala Nation.
It will provide a moment of spiritual reflection, renewal, unity and hope as the Igala people gather to honour their heritage and look towards the future.
The celebration will culminate in a grand cultural finale on 31st December 2026, bringing together our traditional institutions, communities, families, cultural organisations, professionals, youths and the Igala Diaspora in a fitting celebration of our shared heritage.
More importantly, Italo 2026 is an opportunity for the Igala people to come together beyond organisational, political, geographical and generational boundaries and celebrate what unites us.
We therefore call on our traditional rulers, community leaders, socio-cultural organisations, professionals, business leaders, women, youths, the Igala Diaspora and every person of Igala heritage to bring their ideas, goodwill, resources, talents and networks to the table.
The success of Italo 2026 will depend on the collective commitment of the Igala people.
Let us work together to make this a historic celebration of our identity, our heritage, our traditions, and our collective unity.
OUR CULTURE. OUR HERITAGE. OUR UNITY.
WELCOME HOME. THE IGALA NATION IS CALLING.
