“There’s no better time for Igala elites to reason together for the common good of the people than now” admr. jibrin usman “Success can only come out of hard work, good focus, resilience and determination” Prof. seidu o. mohammed
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THE ROYAL QUOTES
HRM, DR. IDAKWO
AMEH OBONI II ATA IGALA Agabaidu, Ata Igala and Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs.
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“This new change mantra is what we believe will bring our nation out of the woods. The current change mantra of the Federal Government should focus more attention on Kogi state in general and the East senatorial District (Igala land) in particular. Whatever changes occur in the nation without adequately addressing the structural and socio-political deficiencies suffered in Igala land since the amalgamation of the country in 1914, will be grossly inadequate and an exercise in futility, hence my clarion call on all Igalas to come together and talk with a united voice.”
The above was part of the Royal speech delivered by His Royal Majesty, Agaba Idu, Dr. Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II, Ata Igala on the occasion of the celebration of his 3rd anniversary on the throne of his forefathers on Saturday 26th March, 2016 at the Ata Igala’s Palace, Idah. 4
Arise Igala-Issue 30
“There’s no better time for Igala elites to reason together for the common good of the people than now” ADMR. JIBRIN USMAN “Success can only come out of hard work, good focus, resilience and determination” PROF. SEIDU O. MOHAMMED
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CONTENTS
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GOODWILL MESSAGE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI YAHAYA BELLO, GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE
ROYAL QUOTES
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FROM THE ARCHIVE
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PUBLISHER’S DESK
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FROM THE ARCHIVE
DR. NNAMDI AZIKIWE IN ATA IGALA PALACE
This is a historic picture of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s visit to the palace of Ata Igala in 1963. Shots taken at the ‘Alu-Aku’ (Main entrance to the palace). Photo Source: Timothee
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PUBLISHER’S DESK
ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR
Returning To The Basics The Only Way Out Truth is truth.
W
hen certain events unfold, situations develop and conditions grow worse or even become confusing, one thing that remains sure is that nothing can change the truth about the happenings. We may call it any name we so wish but the truth remains that truth is truth. For the fact that things are not what they should be still doesn’t change truth.
Returning to the basics is very fundamental at this very point in our lives as a people. As a nation this is one truth that we can not shy away from. Kogi state is very critical to the life of Nigeria right from the very beginning and the Igala people made that possible with the agreement made Arise Igala-Issue 30
with the British empire leading to the settlement of the Europeans in the confluence. Whatever we may be experiencing today may not be unconnected to the errors at the foundation. Some of these errors occurred unplanned while some were well planned ahead and the results of such are some of the instabilities and confusions that abound today in our politics, economy and even socio-cultural affairs. Coming to term with these realities, facts and appreciating them very well are sure ways to go. We need not to ignore certain things at critical points when knowledge of the truth is the only solution then we can put aside our prides and tell the truth even if it hurts.
Our cultures and traditions have a lot in common as it concerns solutions to some of the issues that seem to have defiled political options; when the man in Aguleri comes to the cultural reality that he has a blood bond with the Igala man on the other side then he might hesitate to take up arms against him because he at that point would have naturally gone beyond the reasoning of the Anambra and Kogi boundaries. It is becoming more obvious on daily basis that the nation’s National Orientation Agency need to do more that it is doing at the moment to save the nation from the many dangers ahead should the people continue on the growing trends of political and ethnic divides. Arise! 9
EDITORIAL
BETTER DAYS AHEAD
K
ogi East’s recent experience can best be described as baptism of patience and a call to love. Yes, to love one another as love is the only thing that possesses the power to conquer all things negative. The actions and inactions of the Igala people are pure demonstrations of patience as death snatched away two of their best sons at a very critical time. All they endure about the negative occurrence, rumours and criticisms from outside show how strong they are. They demonstrated strength and strong faith in God Almighty in whom they believe is the All-Knowing. They so disappointed many as they refused to tow the paths of violence, blames and accusations. Instead, the people decided to look inward quickly and began to analyse what they know and could imagine in very civil ways. There are better days ahead as far as an Igala man is concerned. He can easily be contented particularly when he fulfil his part of a deal and things go beyond his control. At such point, an Igala man would allow the intervention of God as he watches time go by. This hope of better days ahead keeps the Igala man very focused and patient as he awaits the right time and deal. At the celebration of the Ata Igala 3rd Anniversary on 26th of March, 2016, one thing was obvious, the people manifested hope for better days as they speak of how God has taught them to look only unto Him in every facets of their lives and also that love is paramount in all. With this development Igala land will surely witness a new dawn soon. Let everyone be at his best in all his ventures be it business, politics or whatever field one finds himself. The truth remain that our bond as a people is inevitable for the expected better days ahead.
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COVER STORY
HRM, Dr. Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni Ii Delivering The Speech At The 3Rd Anniversary Celebration
THE SPEECH OF AGABAIDU (DR.) IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI II, ATTAH IGALA AND CHAIRMAN KOGI STATE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 3RD ANNIVERSAY CELEBERATION ON 26TH MARCH, 2016. Protocols. (Greetings to Governor Yahaya Bello for attending in person.)
O
n this occasion, I would like to reiterate the fact that there is need to take a critical look at the structural and political equation in Nigeria viz a viz the Igala nation.
The emergence of H.E. General Muhammadu Buhari in May 2015 as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria opens a new chapter in our political history regarding accountability, justice, fairplay and equity. The man Buhari has a track record of correcting the political, economic, social and primordial ills invested in segments of society. This new change mantra is what we believe will bring our nation out of the woods. The current change mantra of the Federal Government should focus more attention on Kogi state in
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COVER STORY general and the East senatorial District (Igala land) in particular. Whatever changes occur in the nation without adequately addressing the structural and socio-political deficiencies suffered in Igala land since the amalgamation of the country in 1914, will be grossly inadequate and an exercise in futility, hence my clarion call on all Igalas to come together and talk with a united voice. In that direction, I have invited the two warring parties in the conflict between the people of Odeke and Echenwo in Kogi state and our brothers in Aguleri in Anambra state to find a lasting solution to the crisis. The solution is within and not without. MOVEMENT OF IGALA WITHIN NIGERIA In the chequered history of the Igala people, we have been scattered all across the length and breadth of Nigeria. When the British administration was introduced in the 19th century, the Igala nation once an indivisible entity was, due to the ignorance of the colonial masters of our history and geographical configurations, balkanized and dispersed us in three provinces as follows: Idah District was merged with Onitsha province, Ankpa District was merged with Munchi province, Dekina District formed part of Nasarawa province. In 1918 during the reign of Attah Oguche Akpa, these three Igala districts came back together as one unit and were merged with the Northern provinces but not without some damage. Some of our people were ignorantly left behind in the present day Enugu, Anambra, Nasarawa, Benue, Delta and Edo states thus drastically reducing the numerical strength of the Igala nation. Therefore the present size of the Igala people in Kogi East is a much reduced size compared to what the overall population of the Igala people should be in Nigeria. This singular act by the colonial masters and its acceptance by our frontline nationalists has been the main cause of our loss of strength and voice in national matters. The lack of the knowledge of the history of the Igala people by our past and present national leaders is the bane of our advancement as a people. As early as 1841, Attah Amocheje had signed a treaty with the British, twenty years 12
before Lagos signed a treaty with them in 1861. The Igala nation had been a very strong kingdom controlling commercial activities and navigation on the Niger River at Idah many years before the advent of the white man. The Igala nation fought and conquered many territories in its hay days and was one of the most established kingdoms in Sub Saharan Africa. Remember also that as early as 1963 during the national head count the Igala tribe was declared the ninth largest ethnic group in Nigeria despite our reduced geographical spread, and consequently listed among the national languages. The advent of states creation in Nigeria, has no less added to our woes as a people. The first state creation exercise in 1967 by the Gowon administration took us to Kwara state where we were mockingly referred to as Kwara overseas. In 1976, another state creation exercise by the Murtala regime took us to Benue state where we remained till 1991 when we were once again returned to the former Kabba province now renamed Kogi state. This tossing up and down within the country has adversely affected our growth and development as a people. After many years of military rule, in 1979 they decided to hand over to civilians. In the civilian regime of President Shehu Shagari which succeeded the military, one of the best brains from the land in the person of Dr. Abubakar Usman, an ebullient political analyst, was in the forefront of the exercise that brought in that government on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria(NPN). At the end of the day Dr. Abubakar Usman was “honourd� with the post of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. In the course of an official assignment to Sao Tome and Principe on a peace mission, his aircraft crashed into the sea and he perished in the service of the nation. We lost a rare gem in that painful incident. During the military regime of President Ibrahim Babangida, local government areas were created in the three senatorial districts of Kogi state. In spite of our numerical strength, no local government area was created for us by the regime even though local government areas were created two times in both the West and Central senatorial Arise Igala-Issue 30
COVER STORY Districts. Today Dekina local government bears the inglorious appellation of the largest local government in Nigeria in terms of population and land size. In 1998, the Igala people put forward a stainless politician who single handedly changed the political equation of Kogi state. Dr. Steven Achema, was responsible for making Kogi state win the gubernatorial election under one party and another party for presidential election which President Obasanjo eventually won. This is a feat that has not been repeated in our state. At the end of the day, he was rewarded with the ubiquitous position of Senior Special Assistant to the president on labour matters. A few months later while on an official trip from Abuja to Lokoja to attend a party congress he was involved in an accident on the Murtala bridge and he died thus once more orchestrating our woes and losses. In 2007, late President Musa Yar’Ádua appointed Arch. (Chief) Gabriel Yakubu Aduku as Minister of State for Health. Aduku was the president of the Nigerian Institute of Architects. He was chairman of the committee that proposed the 13% derivation formula existing today for oil producing states and participated in the design of the NPN party emblem. He is a hard working and well-known Nigerian across the land. Within a very short time in his tenure as Minister he was mysteriously removed on bogus corruption allegations. The then Attorney-General of the Federation, Hon. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) called on the Federal Government to tender unreserved apology
to this elder statesman but many years after Chief Adukwu is yet to be compensated. In his own case, even though the Federal Government has refused to harken to the voice of reason, we thank God that his is not the story of death as he is alive and doing well. He remains very committed to cause of the Igala nation. Igala land is, however, waiting patiently for when the Federal Government will right the wrong done this upright politician. In yet another disastrous outing, on 22nd November, 2015 Igala land was plunged into another sorrowful moment following the sudden demise of the former two-time governor of Kogi state, Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC candidate for the 2015 gubernatorial election. Prince Audu was in the forefront of the campaign for politics without bitterness. He was massively voted for in the elections and while people awaited his declaration as winner of that election the news of his death, like a bolt from the blues just filtered in. It was another tragic blow to the already battered psyche of the Igala people. In yet another tragic turn of events, one of our outstanding legal luminaries was cut down in his prime on 5th March, 2015 in an auto crash along Kaduna –Abuja road. Barrister Enejo Ocholi James (SAN) was a major participant in the election that ushered President Muhammed Buhari into office in 2015. He was a very loyal party man who had been with President Buhari through the CPC days to the formation of the alliance party, the APC during
“
...the present size of the Igala people in Kogi East is a much reduced size compared to what the overall population of the Igala people should be in Nigeria. This singular act by the colonial masters and its acceptance by our frontline nationalists has been the main cause of our loss of strength and voice in national matters.
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COVER STORY which period he made invaluable contributions to their merger. On assumption of office the APC government nominated him for a ministerial appointment. During the screening exercise he distinguished himself as an erudite scholar. In spite of his outstanding performance at the screening and against all expectations, he was only honoured with the ubiquitous Minister of state portfolio in the Ministry of Labour and productivity. Alas, at the end we lost him in an accident that almost wiped out his family. So tragic! WHAT HAVE WE AS A PEOPLE DONE TO DESERVE ALL THESE? Let it be known to all Nigerians that we as a people reject this second fiddle positions being foisted on us in the affairs of our national life. Come to think of it, we are in a state of three senatorial districts. Our state was blessed with seven substantive ministers appointed by the Federal government six out of which were either from the west or central senatorial districts leaving the East. The only one from the East senatorial district was appointed during the military era. Kogi East was “honoured” with a harvest of five ministers of state of which one was elevated by accident along the line to substantive minister. Kogi East in the history of Nigeria had only three ambassadors of which the last one was appointed during president Obasanjo’s administration about ten years ago to Botswana. It is on record that out of the over 50 federal ministries, parastatals, departments and agencies of the federal government, no Igala indigene is considered fit to head one despite our being ninth in terms of number going by the 1963 census. This is an appalling reality considering our major contributions to the growth of this country. When the allocation of resources, power and positions are subject of controversies, then one can easily imagine what befalls the equitable distribution of those resources and consequently even development. The colonialists came to Nigeria and woefully failed to ascertain our proper population and spread. They decided to toss us about all over Nigeria in their administration. This anomaly
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Hrm, Dr. Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni Ii, Agabaidu, Ata Igala And President, Kogi State Council Of Chiefs
was surreptitiously accepted without correction by our nationalists. All that mattered then was independence from Britain. It is very distasteful for demographers to continue to underestimate Igala population. We are put at just between two and three million which is a gross underestimation. In reality the Igala people who are found in five states are above seven million. This misconception and outright ignorance on national issues is responsible for our being mistreated as a people in terms of due recognition in the sharing of the national cake. The change mantra should start from here because we have been neglected for too long God bless Kogi state, long live Nigeria.
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SPEECH
His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello
GOODWILL MESSAGE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI YAHAYA BELLO, GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE AT THE 3RD ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE CORONATION OF THE ATTAH IGALA, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI II ON 26TH MARCH, 2016 AT THE ATTAH IGALA PALACE, IDAH, KOGI STATE Protocols AGABA-IDU! AGABA-IDU! AGABA-IDU! Today is indeed a great day in Kogi State. Attah Igala, the biggest masquerade in the land is dancing and the whole world has turned out to marvel at the rare sight. Nigerians from all over the nation, friends and tourists from foreign lands and other categories of people too numerous to mention are in this multitude. I am therefore honoured to be here today and to join this joyous throng in celebrating our royal father, the Monarch of all Igalaland. His Royal Majesty comes from a most illustrious lineage in the ruling houses of Igalaland. His father, the first Ameh Oboni, exemplified sacrificial and foresighted leadership of the sort that our land desperately needs again. He fought the battles of his people and when the time came he looked into the future and took hard decisions designed to favour generations yet unborn. We are gathered here today mainly as a result of those decisions. It is the bane of our nation Nigeria, and our state Kogi, that we have had people at the helm of affairs whose only thought is for their own belly. The result has been disastrous as you all know. At the centre the nation is wobbling from the misgovernance of yesterday. In Kogi, the state is tottering from mistakes of the past. If only our past leaders conducted themselves like Ameh Oboni I and superintended our commonwealth for the benefit of posterity!
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SPEECH His Royal Majesty, Ameh Oboni II has the foresight and forthrightness of his father. When we visited the Palace to seek his royal blessings during our gubernatorial campaigns, we probably did not look like much. We were contending with giants but His Royal Majesty saw something in us that others did not. He received us with royal courtesy and utmost civility. He listened to us. Somehow he saw the fire in our eyes and discerned the passion in our souls for a New Direction for Kogi State. We promised him accelerated development for his Kingdom and the rest of Kogi State. In his royal response, His Royal Majesty addressed us as his children. He charged us to be bold and courageous and to go forth as befits the children of a lion. He told us to expect divine help. We promised to be detribalized. The rest, as they say, is history. We went forth courageously; we entered every part of Kogi and we sold our candidature. In the end, by the uniqueness of what only the Almighty can orchestrate, we are governing today. We promised Your Royal Majesty that we shall be detribalized and we are making every attempt to live up to that promise. I took the Oath of Office 59 days ago. Immediately after the event I appointed my right-hand man, Edward Onoja as my Chief of Staff. Your Royal Majesty, he is one of your subjects from Odidoko – Emonyokwu, Ogugu District, Olamaboro L.G.A of Kogi State. This is the first time a Governor in Kogi State has filled that sensitive position with someone from outside his tribe. Chief Simeon Achuba, our hardworking Deputy Governor, is also from your Kingdom. In our other appointments and actions in Office we have made sure that there is something for every part of the State. Many more are yet to come. The principles of merit and proportionate equity shall continue to guide us, both in appointments and in execution of projects. I am ready to work with anyone who believes with me that Kogi can be greater and follows my lead in actualizing it. A legend of Igalaland has it that when another direct descendant of Ameh Oboni the First sits again on the Throne as Attah of Igala, Igalaland will see unprecedented development. Your Royal 16
Majesty, you are that direct descendant. By the grace of God, I am the Governor who will fulfil that prophecy. I promised Your Royal Majesty that we will develop Igalaland as rapidly and as extensively as resources and equity to all parts of Kogi will allow. We have started, and insha Allah, we shall finish as well. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are in office at a time when the needs of our people require urgent actions. I can tell you that we are deploying action as fast as we can. The Igala people have a saying that, ‘daybreak begins in the morning, not in the evening’. They also say that ‘when the cook does the right things from the very beginning, the food cannot be tasteless’. I agree with both adages. We are resolved to begin early and to take the right actions from the very beginning in order to ensure that as the day progresses on our Administration, the food that we cook for our consumption in Kogi State is both tasty and spicy. On 24th March, 2016, exactly 57 days of our assuming Office, we paid the second batch of salaries to all civil servants in Kogi State whose nominal roll was forwarded and guaranteed by the heads of their parastatals or offices. That is two months’ salaries in less than two months! The sad thing is that not all MDAs of the Kogi State Civil Service could forward a nominal roll which the heads thereof could guarantee to be free of ghosts. How does a leader not know people who are physically working in his unit? I leave the reasons for such strange occurrences to your imagination. I can only say that the revelations thrown up so far by our screening exercise to flush out ghost-workers from the Kogi State payroll has more than justified the rationale for it. We will not relent until every ghost-worker has been exorcised from our payroll and their wicked alter egos found and punished. We will succeed better in these and other civil service reforms with the support of Your Royal Majesty and your subjects. Our aim is to bring target-specific projects to each community and by working hard and relying on the grace of God, we will do so. Our Blueprint Team has sent questionnaires to every nook and cranny of the State. They have toured nearly all the local government areas and engaged political officeholders, traditional rulers, community Arise Igala-Issue 30
SPEECH
Governor Yahaya Bello Delivering His Goodwill Message At The 3rd Anniversary
leaders, women groups, farmers’ cooperatives, youths, students, etc. They are receiving firsthand information on the exact projects needed by almost every community. Anywhere they have not yet reached in the last 3 weeks since they started work, they will reach in the next one or two weeks. Your Royal Majesty, and Kogi People from every part of the state, we must require that you trust us, that you work with us. We will not try your patience unduly so you will be seeing some quick-wins as we go. However, some things will require a little bit of time to get done, we ask you to give us some time in those circumstances. All in all, we are working to make Government work for each and every one of our people. I cannot end this speech without condoling again with Your Royal Majesty and the Igala People on the sudden and tragic fall of some of the mightiest Iroko trees in your forests. The deaths of Prince Abubakar Audu and James Ocholi, SAN are two of the worst tragedies to befall Kogi State. One can only imagine the impact on their native Igalaland and people. Again we condole with you. Be assured that we stand with Arise Igala-Issue 30
you in faith, both in the day of prayers recently consecrated by Your Royal Majesty and in the trust that we will not see the like again. AGABA-IDU! Today is your day. We celebrate you. The last three years have been eventful, but you have proven yourself as the father of all across Kogi State and beyond. I felicitate with you on behalf of the people of Kogi State. Your days, by the grace of the Almighty will be many, they will be fruitful and they will be prosperous. Long may you reign on the Throne of your fathers. May your people find peace, unity and unprecedented greatness under you. May God bless His Royal Majesty, Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II! May God bless the Ancient and Great Igala Kingdom! May God bless Kogi State! May God bless Nigeria! AGABA-IDU! AGABA-IDU! AGABA-IDU! Thank you one and all. 17
INTERVIEW
TIME TO REASON TOGETHER ADMR. Jibrin Usman in a brief chat with arise igala magazine speaks on the importance of coming together as a people to reason for the purpose of moving the kingdom and the state forward for the good of all. The immediate past chief of naval staff in a chat with arise igala at the palace of ata igala, idah a day before the 3rd anniversary celebration of hrm, dr. Idakwo michael ameh oboni ii speaks on some fundamental issues that concern the land and the people. Excerpts:
C
hief, what is your take on the recent painful deaths and other negative development in the land. Thanks for the chance to send this important message to our people; God knows better than we all do and can even imagine. So, the most important thing in life is for us to do our parts as required of us. Igala Kingdom is currently experiencing some painful incidents ranging from the deaths of our two illustrious sons at a time they were needed most. However, I strongly believe that there is a message the Almighty God is sending to us as a people - we must come together, put our differences aside and stand for what is for 18
the common good of all. It is very critical we know that it is not by our might that we attain the level we are today neither is it by our wisdom that we have acquired our wealth so why not think of the essence of existence, love. So, I call on all Igala sons and daughters to come together now as this is the most appropriate time. Chief, who should take the initiative of bringing the elites and the people together now that it seems everybody is a leader even when the leadership is not really being felt? Well, where are we? (Ata Igala Palace - response). Good, we are
in the palace of the Ata Igala and so there is leadership. We must see beyond political leadership et al. Our tradition is key and it has the capacity to help resolve all the leadership crises that may be in existence irrespective of political differences and affiliations. Also, I want to believe that you are very much aware of the initiative of AGABAIDU on the Ata Igala Inner Caucus. It is a great idea and vision that need to be sustained now for the progress of the land. With the inner caucus, our politicians, businessmen, philanthropists and the rest can have a direction as to what to do at every given time based on actual needs of the people.
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INTERVIEW
Admr. Jibrin Usman
Do you think other elites and the well to do would take this very serious? Honestly, I see no reason why a son of the soil will not want to willingly contribute his or her quota to the development of the place of his origin. Many have various reasons for slacking when it comes to such issues but I think when those of us willing to do our parts are seen to be up and doing then others will naturally come on board so there will be no need to wait for everybody to start at once. My point is, do what you can where ever you are today. So, do you see hope at the end? Of course, I see hope and it is the reason we are celebrating the 3rd anniversary so that the
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Our tradition is key and it has the capacity to help resolve all the leadership crises that may be in existence irrespective of political differences and affiliations.
world would know that in all we have hope after all. The people are still expectant, they are not giving up on the glorious future ahead. The situation we are in today is just a phase and it will pass, soon. Finally, chief, the 3RD edition of ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES is coming up in May and the theme has a lot to do with economy
and community based participation, investment and development, so, what will be your input? By the grace of God I have some special trainings in these areas and i will gladly share with the people at the occasion. So, until then. Okay, thank you chief It’s my pleasure. Welcome. 19
ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP SATURDAY,
LADI KWALI HALL, SHERATO
ADMR. JIBRIN USMAN
ALH. LAI MOHAMMED
(Former Chief of Naval Staff)
(Minister of Information & Culture)
Chairman of the occasion
P
(V
Special Guest of Honour
THEME: GROWING
NATIONA COMMUNITY BASED PARTICIPATIO
CHIEF ARC. GABRIEL Y. ADUKU
Discussant
DR. VICTOR ALEWO ADOJI
Discussant
PROF. MOHAMMED S. ABDULKADIR
Discussant
DR. MAHM
Discu
MISSION Sailing through Culture to
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Strictly By I ...Info & Tickets Arise Igala-Issue 30
P AWARDS/LECTURES 2016 MAY 21, 2016
ON HOTEL & TOWERS, ABUJA
PROF. YAKUBU A. OCHEFU
VC, Kwararafa University, Wukari)
Guest Speaker
HRM, DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI
(Agabaidu, Ata Igala & Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs)
Royal father/Host
AL ECONOMY THROUGH ON, INVESTMENT & DEVELOPMENT
MOUD ALFA
ussant
REV. FR. ATTAH ANTHONY AGBALI
Discussant
REAR ADMR. ANDREW OKOJA
Discussant
DR. MRS. REKIYA ABAJI
Moderator
o National Unity, Peace & Development
INVITATION ts: 08036980602 Arise Igala-Issue 30
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SPEECH
SPEECH DELIVERED BY PROF. SEIDU Onalo MOHAMMED, OGA ATA IGALA, CHAIRMAN OF THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE ENTHRONEMENT OF MICHAEL AMEH OBONI II AS ATTA IGALA AT THE PALACE SQUARE, IDAH, ON THE 26TH OF MARCH, 2016.
Protocol.
I
t is a great privilege and delight to stand at this historic occasion of the celebration of third anniversary of His Royal Majesty, the Atta Igala Micheal Ameh Oboni II, the President Kogi council of Chiefs I wish to thank God Almighty and our ancestors for helping us to see the light of today, and for bringing all of us safely to the Palace Square for this event. I welcome you to the third anniversary celebration of our revered royal father on the enthronement to the throne of his forefathers.
This ceremony we are witnessing had to be postponed till today in honour one of our departed illustrious sons, late James Ocholi SAN, the immediate past Minister of State for Labour and Employment. I want to thank the Atta for the honour done to the late Honourable Minister. The celebration this year coincides with the season when Kogi people have lost a former governor and a candidate in the Kogi State 22
gubernatorial election, Prince Abubakar Audu, and only recently, the Honourable Minister for Labour and Employment, James Eneojo Ocholi, SAN, both Igala. Please permit me to throw more light on these, as it is customary with our people to give account of men lost in battles. In 1982 the Igala nation lost Dr. Abubakar Usman, who was the Honourable Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign affairs during Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s government. In the year 1999, Dr. Steven Makoji Achema, Senior Special Assistant Labour Matters, died in a motor accident along Abuja – Lokoja high way. Similarly, Abubakar Audu died 22nd November 2015, the day gubernatorial election result was to be announced, and Mr. Ocholi Eneojo James (SAN), Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment died on the 6th of March 2016. The Igala nation lost four prominent citizens within a span of 34 years. We may not as a community have the need to carry out statistical regression analysis to determine the level of significance, but certainly it calls for much worry and our prayers. I am very Arise Igala-Issue 30
SPEECH much aware that the Atta, our father, is deeply touched and concerned about this magnitude of loss and its implication to the very big and ancient Igala kingdom. The kingdom is surely going through a lot of pain and a period of mourning and God alone can console and wipe away our tears. I am confident that His Royal Majesty will highlight the travails of the people of Kogi State, particularly the Igala people, and to draw attention to their plight in the present day Nigeria, and the prayers he is making for an improved fortune for the land and her people. Let us remain steadfast in prayer and continue to ask God to give us the grace to bear our great loss(es). We continue to pray that our ancestors will be troubled by these strange turn of events and tragic developments, and rise to the occasion in order to give the Igala people a more positive and prosperous direction for peace, development and progress. May I at this juncture call on the entire people of Kogi State, particularly the Igala people to continue to support the government that we have contributed in its enthronement at the Centre. The government of President Muhammadu Buhari is moving Nigeria in a new path of national recovery at a time of great national economic stress. Mr. President needs all our support, prayers and understanding. I urge you all to support his anticorruption drive and contribute our quota to his success. On a pleasant note, Igala people are known generally not only for their valor and good leadership, but also for honesty and disposition to anticorruption. May I use this opportunity to express the appreciation of the Igala people to the Federal and Kogi State Governments for the honour done to our son, Mr. James Eneojo Ocholi SAN the late Minister for Labour and Employment in all the processes that led to the successful burial ceremony. We pray continually for long life and wisdom for our President and his Executive Council. To our celebrant, our most revered father, His Imperial Majesty, I wish you great successes on the throne of your forefathers. I wish you Arise Igala-Issue 30
good health and long life to administer with wisdom on the throne of your fathers. We encourage you not to be overwhelmed by the present turbulence in our history. The expectations of the Igala people for you are very great. We should also remind ourselves that the celebration comes up about 500years after the Igala/Benin conflicts of 1515 AD which shows our people as a people of great history the world over and we must never forget the great sacrifice of our ancestors and that success can only come out of hard work, good focus, resilience and determination. May God continue to guide you and give you wisdom for these times and challenges. To my compatriots, the Igala people, I call on you wherever you may be found to remain strong and resilient in the face of current challenges. Let us remember how the mother bed bug admonishes her baby bed bug - �be patient and strong, whatever is hot today will soon become cold�. By the grace of God we will be better off for it. Let us continue to remain united. Let us continue to believe in ourselves. Let us continue to work hard. Let put our trust in God and maintain peace. To our invited guests, I want to appreciate you all for the solidarity. May God bless and cause celebration to remain with you. I wish to end this address by calling on all Igala sons and daughters to continue to rally round our Royal Majesty. He is only a few years on the throne. We must continue to show understanding as he settles down to the serious responsibility of sustaining our cultural values and providing traditional leadership to our people. He will continue to covet our prayers, support, advice and encouragement. May the spirit of our ancestors guide us successfully through this celebration. May God who brought all of us here safely take us back to our various destinations. Omi shaalukoche iya gbagwu ibegwu wa kifere fane Happy anniversary, your Majesty. Thank you very much 23
EVENT & PEOPLE
Agabaidu (Dr) Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II, Ata Igala And President, Kogi State Council Of Chiefs
L-R: Chief Dr. Amodu Ali And Prof. Seidu Onalo Mohammed
L-R: Hrh, Ejeh Ankpa And Hrh, Achadu Oko Ata Igala
Gov. Yahaya Bello Salutes Agabaidu While Hrh, Ohiogba Mozum Stands by To Welcome The Governor
Admr. Ibrahim Ogohi (Up) Exchange Pleasantries With Chief Dr. Amodu Ali
SOME CHIEFS AND GUESTS
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EVENT & PEOPLE
The Royal Drummers Ushering In Agabaidu
Admr. Jibrin Usman (In Front) With Other Dignatories Arround
HRH, Achema Ata -Dekina
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Some Royal Fathers, Chiefs And Elders
HON. Bala Zakari
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EVENT & PEOPLE
Group Of Royal Faters From Enugu, Anambra, Delta Come To Salute Agabaidu
Chiefs From Across Igaland En Masse To Salute Agabaidu
HRH, Achadu Oko Ata Igala Watching Some Cultural Displays
Cultural Display
Inelepe - Ata Royal Masquerade
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Ochochono - Ata Royal Masquerade
Odumado - Ata Royal Masquerade
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EVENT & PEOPLE
Ekwe - The Head Of Ata Royal Masquerade And Number 1 In Igala Kingdom Surrounded By Crowd
Ikelekwu Afuma - Ata Royal Masquerade
Akeke - Ata Royal Masquerade
Agbanabo - Ata Royal Masquerade
Ichawula - Ata Royal Masquerade
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WOMEN IN STYLE
HRM, IYE OJA (ONYETE), WIFE OF ATA IGALA
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Iye Oja Arriving The Venue Very Early In Her Usual Character Of Being On Time
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WOMEN IN STYLE
Iye Oja (Mid) With Some Of The Distinguished Women At The Event
Iye Oja (Mid) With Her Palace Women
Iye Oja With The Area Commander Of The Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corp
Iye Oja With Her Younger Sister, Aunty Ede The Ushers From Tytis
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THE UNITY SHOTS
Agabaidu (Dr.) Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II, Ata Igala Breaking Kolanuts, Praying For The Unity Of All Igala People On The Surface Of The Earth
L-R: HRH, Igwe Emmanuel Oluchukwu - Jp And Agabaidu, Dr. Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II, Ata Igala At The Ata Igala Palace, Idah
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Agabaidu, Ameh Oboni II And Igwe
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THE UNITY SHOTS
Agabaidu, The Igwes qnd the Chiefs from Enugu and Anambra
Agabaidu, The Igwes And Chiefs With Our Brothers From Nasarawa Et Al
The Delegates From Our Beloved People In Enugu And Anambra States
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THE UNITY SHOTS
A Special Unity Shot Of Cultural Blend
This Is Kwararafa In Action
Shamsudeen Abubakar Maikasuwa (L) And Agabaidu In The Middle With A Great Friend On The Right
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THE UNITY SHOTS
HRH, Igwe Emmanuel Oluchukwu, HRM, Dr. Michael Ameh Oboni II and Chief Christian Mba (Onowu - Ibagwa Nike)
Agabaidu (m) With His Sons From Enugu State
Agabaidu (m) With His Sons From Kogi, Enugu, Anambra and Nasarawa
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PHOTO SPEAK
ADMR. IBRAHIM OGOHI (RTD) The Former CHief of Defence Staff Arrives the Attah Igala Inner Palce before the Commencement of the event.
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PHOTO SPEAK
ADMR. JIBRIN USMAN The Former Chief of Naval Staff, a core insider arrives the Inner Palce of Attah Igala ahead of the event.
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PHOTO SPEAK
RITA ENE EDOCHIE Veteran Nollywood Actress arrives the event ground in style
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PHOTO SPEAK
HRH, Igwe Emmanuel Oluchukwu - JP (m) leading the Eastern Delegates as they storm Ata Igala Palace in style
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PHOTO SPEAK
CHIEF DR. AMODU ALI The Ochada Attah Igala (Tokula) and former National Chairman of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the Inner chamber of Attah Igala ahead of the event proper 38
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PHOTO SPEAK
CHIEF SIMEON ACHUBA Kogi State Deputy Governor in the Inner Chamber of Attah Igala ahead of the 3rd Anniversary Celebration
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...Sailing through culture to national unity, peace and development
LOADING FAST...
ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP
AWARDS/LECTURES 2016
1GUEST SPEAKER 5RESPECTED DISCUSSANTS 12 DISTINGUISHED RECIPIENTS VENUE: LADI KWALI HALL, SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS, ABUJA. DATE: SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2016 TIME: 5:00 PM
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