By Samuel Atuluku
Igala sons and daughters have been urged to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness for the good of all and the society at large.
Attah Igala and President, Kogi State Council of Chiefs, Doctor Matthew Alaji Oguche Opaluwa gave the admonition at the tenth remembrance ceremony of late veteran broadcaster and Amana Attah Ojikpadala-Egume, Chief Isah Edime, held at Ojikpadala in Dekina Local Government Area.
The Attah Igala who was represented by the Ejeh Ofu, Alhaji Akwu Obaje noted that forgiveness was key in life, saying the late Chief Edime lived a life worthy of emulation.
He emphasized the need for a society devoid of rancour, saying that the land would only progress when there is love, peace and tolerance among the people.
Chief Alaji Oguche expressed delight that the late traditional ruler of Ojikpadala was being remembered based on his personality and urged those living to be wary of the lessons of death.
In a remark, the Ogohi Onu Anyigba, Alhaji Shaibu Okolo described the late Isah Edime as a respected traditional ruler who contributed meaningfully to the growth of not only his community, but the society at large.
The Ogohi Onu Anyigba said the crowd at the ceremony was an indication that the legacies of Chief Edime lives on, appealing to his Children to take after his steps.
Other speakers, including the Achadu Oko Attah Igala, the Ohi of Okene, Alhaji Isah Mamman Okatahi and the Ejeh Dekina, Alhaji Usman Obaje all explained the need for love among the various ethnic groups, noting that the state would progress speedily with the likes of late Chief Isah Edime whom he described as a trusted friend.
The Omachi Attah Onu Ochaja, Chief Yahaya Musa Ibrahim stressed that the traditional institution should be respected considering its role in the society.
Chief Yahaya Musa said the coming together of traditional rulers from across Kogi State for the remembrance speaks volume and expressed optimism that the late traditional ruler would be immortalized for the sake of prosperity.
In his paper presentation by former Acting Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Professor Armstrong Idachaba, noted that a lot needed to be done on the establishment of private broadcast stations in Igala land to justify the efforts of late Chief Isah Edime.
Professor Idachaba who was represented by Doctor Theophilus Omale lamented that arts and the entertainment industry was capital intensive, hence the need for intervention by wealthy individuals and organizations.
“A cursory look at box office gross indicates that our indigenous contents are toping the scale in Nigeria. There is therefore, the need for Igala content creators to patronize international market”, he said.
The eldest son the deceased, Mr Sunday Edime thanked all the traditional rulers and other dignitaries for honouring the family, adding that every good deed would be remembered by all.
Friends and Associates of late Chief Isah Edime, traditional rulers and other well wishers attended the tenth year memorial.
