By Samuel Atuluku
Kogi State Chairman of Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA, Mr Faruna Danladi Francis has called for greater unity among the Igala speaking people, both at home and in Diaspora.
Mr Faruna Danladi Francis made the appeal on Saturday at the end of year ceremony of the ICDA, Post Flood Estate and its environs in Lokoja.
The ICDA State Chairman who was the guest speaker at the event, noted that there can be no development without unity of purpose, stressing that no society grows beyond its unity.
According to him, the ICDA is the umbrella body of all Igala socio cultural organizations and warned against divisions as his leadership is poised to transform the body to be a pride to all.
He Called for support to the body in view of its numerous programmes aimed at ensuring steady growth and development.
While commending the ICDA leadership in the area for its initiative, Mr Faruna Danladi Francis urged them to sustain the tempo, adding that his leadership would continue to encourage initiatives aimed at realizing set objectives.
The Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka who was the special guest of honour, highlighted the importance of culture in a developing society, saying effective culture could help in overcoming the challenges facing the nation.
Comrade Edoka who was represented by the state Chairman of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Ahmed Tijani Sule appreciated the organizers for the recognition and promised to support them in line with their dream.
The Special Adviser also urged the Igala people to sustain their support for the present administration, noting that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has come and ready to serve with passion, describing his attention to workers welfare and other development programmes across the State as heartwarming.
In his remarks, the Onu Igala Lokoja, Chief J.B Akpa said the existence of ICDA in the Estate was an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Igala kingdom.
Chief J.B Akpa expressed appreciation to the Igala sons and daughters for speaking with one voice, noting that the dignitaries at the event was an attestation to the fact that there is greater hope for the kingdom.
Other speakers at the event, including the traditional ruler in the area, Edembe one of Gadumo, Chief Yahaya Audu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization, Princess Joy Oguche and other suburb Chairmen and leaders, noted that the noble idea should be emulated and used to attract development to the area.
They all pledged their commitment to contributing to the growth of the ICDA in the area, adding that unity is strength.
Earlier, the Chairman of ICDA in the Area, Mr Daniel Alhassan said the end of year get-together was to express appreciation to God for the gift of life and have a sober reflection on the activities for the year.
Mr Daniel Alhassan promised a more robust ICDA in the coming years and thanked all invited guests, executives, members, the planning committee and other stakeholders for contributing to the success of the event.
Highlight of the programme was the breaking of Kolanut, unveiling of Óbióló Ahikpa as an Igala Cultural drink and Cultural dances among others.
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