* Demands best practices from coal miners.
The Igala Cultural and Development Association ICDA under the leadership of Commodore Abdullahi Ahmed (Rtd) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the establishment of North Central Development Commission NCDC and Kogi Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo on Security.
This was part of the resolution issued at the end of the one day consultative and maiden press briefing by the National Executive Council of the Igala Cultural Development Association ICDA, held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The body commended the flagging off of Idah , Ibaji road by Governor Ododo while appealing to the state government to prevail on the deplorable condition of Anyigba -Shintaku road that was abandoned to resume work , as well as the fast dilapidated Idah – Ajegwu road among others desiring urgent attention.
This was contained in press briefing released by the Public Relations Officer of the body , Jonathan Jibrin and made available to Journalists
They called for the remodelling of the palace of the paramount ruler of igala land , the Atta Igala, Dr Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa 11 CFR .
The body supported the exploration of mineral resources like coal in the area ,, but appeal to stakeholders to devise a means to engaging the communities through the establishment of Corporate Social Responsibility CSR, that will benefit the communities, observed the road from Ofugo to Ika desiring government and corporate intervention.
“Coal exploration activities in Igala land. Those engaged in coal mining should embarking on corporate social responsibilities CSR. The Road from Ofugo to ikah is in deplorable state due to heavy duty vehicle that ply the road to haul coal. The various communities need to feel the impact of the mining companies.”
ICDA calls for cultural renaissance and creativity, stating that a body will be set up to revitalise our rich cultural heritage in line with local and global approach and requirements, promising to revitalise our cultural activities.
“Cultural Renaissance
ICDA shall uphold our igala cultural ethos. We shall make global impact using our rich cultural relics to make our land a tourism destination in Nigeria.
“Creativity
We acknowledge the tremendous impact of our artists and content creators in the Nigeria entertainment industry. We shall engage and put in place a body to help develop the potentials of our entertainment practitioners and content producers to promote Igala values and ethics. ”
“We shall put in place a body to liase with our traditional institution to revitalise our cultural festivals .”
While appealing to government agencies for a collaboration and synergy that will promote cultural activities in Igala Bassa land , the body commended the representation at the National Assembly for a good work , urging them to sustain the tempo, particularly their recent effort to create Okura State out of tue present Kogi state.
Commodore Abdullahi Ahmed led ICDA thanked those who showed supports during the inauguration, stating that a lot of progress has been achieved after the Inauguration, particularly in Jos , Lafia and more other local chapters.
He promised to continue to advance cultural activities through collaboration with relevant organizations.
Highlights of the occasion of the maiden press briefing included presentation of progress reports and way forward for the Igala Cultural and Development Association ICDA.
