ATABOR JULIUS LOKOJA
In a renewed vigour to tame the insecurity ravaging Igala kingdom , the Igala socio-Cultural Organisation, Ukomu Igala has elected Major General James Alilu Ataguba (rtd) as National Chairman and Commodore Godwin Obaje (rtd) as Secretary General to pilot the affairs of the organization.
This is as the organization has charged the duo to reinvigorate security architecture in the area, foster unity, forgiveness and reconciliation among the sons and daughters of the kingdom.
Ukomu Igala , meaning the Igala Voice, is an apex socio-cultural organization of the Igala ethnic nationality in Kogi East senatorial district of Kogi state.
Gen Ataguba and Commodore Obaje who emerged as National President and national secretary of the organization had served the nation while in the military and now back home to serve their communities.
Both retired generals were among the 16-man Executive council inaugurated at NBA House Abuja on Saturday.
According to Gen Ataguba who emerged as the national leader, declared that the new Ukomu Igala leadership is focused to deliver its mandate of restoring the lost Glory of Igala land and to ensure the escalating insecurity in the zone is frontally tackled.
” we are here to provide a strong unifying voice for the Igala people, foster continuous dialogue across communities.
“We are coming in with a mandate to regenerate our land, socially, economically and culturally and to reclaim our rightful place in the Nigerian project. We envision an Igala people fused into one formidable socio-cultural organization with understanding and shared opportunities.
“To achieve this, we are required to network with other socio-cultural organizations across the country, partner with local, state and federal government and collaborate with relevant NGOs to bring developments to our people.
“Above all, let us burry our hatchets, mend fences, heal our wounds with renewed commitment to unity and mutual love. We need to seek a common ground for love, peace and progress. And commit to the collective development our land” he said
Also speaking, Gen Obaje who emerged as the national secretary of the 6th executive council of the organization said, “I have served my country, I’m back home, my community need my service now. There are leadership vacuum in Kogi East that required people like us to take charge and bring our people together for development purpose”
In his welcome address, the chairman board of trustees Dr Michael Idachaba said, “You are carefully selected based on your antecedents, competence, visible passion and commitments to Igala/ Bassa people.
“The current situations in Igala nation is more dare than in 2009 when the organization was formed. Then there was no banditry. Today, insecurity in Kogi East has gone through the roof while hopelessness and despair pervade the entire land. But with these generals now on board, the peace and progress that has eluded us over the decade will soon be history”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the chairman of the inauguration planning committee, Chief Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, SAN, noted that the emergence these personalities as chairman and secretary means the Igalas are no longer ready to remain in the backseat on national stage. It’s time for Igala to take it’s pride of place in Nigeria, there must be unity in the rank and file of the people.
“The current attitude of everyone for himself and no one for all is not healthy for our strength” he advised
