ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 51 NIG. N1000 USA $5.00 UK £5.00 JULY-AUGUST, 2019
IHIOGIDI:
DUTY TO DEFEND IGALA CULTURE IN RECORD TIME: DR. ALEWO IDOKO-AKOR CONFERRED WITH PhD. AT 30 30 YEARS REMEMBRANCE: LATE HON. IDRISU HUSSAINI
OCHOLI YUSUF
OKPANACHI DON PABLO IS A RARE GEM
C E L E B R AT E
INSPIRE
CHALLENGE
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FACE OF INIKPI
OMA UFEDO ATA
Name Abraham Patience Alumaka Native Town Echeno, Ibaji Local Government Favourite Igala food Oje Oskapa kpai Obo Egwa Likes Humility Dislike Pride Igala Hero/Heroine Augustine Enechile Abraham (TYNA) Dreams for Igalaland To see unity in Igala land Phone Number 07055510099 Email makapat75@gmail.com
INTERESTED IN THIS PAGE, CONTACT: E: ariseigala@gmail.com | M: +234 (0)0706 455 2909 ONOJA RUTH OJONE (MRS.) The Senior Vice President, Onoja Dreams Network Limited
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REMEMBRANCE
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BOOK PRESENTATION
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OCHOLI YUSUF
OKPANACHI DON PABLO IS A RARE GEM
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CONTENTS FACE OF INIKPI
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ROYAL QUOTE
7
FROM THE ACHIVE
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PUBLISHER’S DESK
9
EDITORIAL
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OPINION
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DISCLAIMER
THANKSGIVING
BIRTHDAY
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We invite comments and request that they be civil and on-topic. We do not moderate or assume any responsibility for views. The views in this publication are not sacrosanct. Readers have right to reply. All photographs in ARISE IGALAare copyright of the magazine and may not be reproduced, copied or used in any form without written permission from the publisher
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ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 51 NIG. N1000 USA $5.00 UK £5.00 JULY-AUGUST, 2019
IHIOGIDI:
DUTY TO DEFEND IGALA CULTURE IN RECORD TIME: DR. ALEWO IDOKO-AKOR CONFERRED WITH PhD. AT 30 30 YEARS REMEMBRANCE: LATE HON. IDRISU HUSSAINI
OCHOLI YUSUF
OKPANACHI DON PABLO IS A RARE GEM
C E L E B R AT E
INSPIRE
CHALLENGE
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GRAND PATRON His Royal Majesty DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI Agabaidu, Ata Igala & Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs. FOUNDER/PUBLISHER ONOJA JAMES OKPANACHI President/CEO, Onoja Dreams Network Limited Ag. Managing Editor Ibrahim Garba Ogwu Editor-At-Large Emmanuel Nathan Oguche Columnists Dr. Saidat Lami Hussein Ojochide Yusuf-Nathan Emmanuel Nelson Arome Pst. Livinus Husseini Okpe Mallam Mohhammed Atojoko Contributors Idibia Ojabo Muhammed Nasirdeen Lawal (Eleojo Mama) Moses Abimaje David Usman Yakubu PHOTO PARTNERS De Famous Studio | JT Digital World | Ottagab Voice & Vision PRODUCTION ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE (ISSN: 2141-7423) is published by ONOJA DREAMS NETWORK LIMITED (RC 868974), ABUJA: C29, MIB Plaza, First Avenue, Gwarinpa, F.C.T. | LOKOJA: C/O NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja. +234 (0)803 698 0602, (0)805 663 0751, (0)803 968 1501 Website: www.ariseigala.com, Twitter: @ariseigala, Facebook: ARISE IGALA Magazine Email: ariseigala@gmail.com, ariseigala.sales@gmail.com, ariseigala.opinion@gmail.com Copyright (c) 2010-2019 Onoja Dreams Network Limited. All Rights Reserved. With SUPPORT from
ARISE IGALA GRASSROOT SENSITIZATION INITIATIVE (CAC/IT/NO 94508)
VISION
To inspire a generational change that will give birth to a new breed of Igala people in the face of globalization thereby changing perspectives on selves as we consciously bring out the beauty in our people
MISSION
To be (and remain) the most informative, educative, entertaining, challenging, inspiring and authentic source of information on the past and current issues of Igala Kingdom and her people as the authoritative voice and image maker of Igala race via publications and media activities.
MANDATE
Our mandate is to Celebrate, Inspire and Challenge Igala sons and daughters at home and abroad into positive ventures for the benefit of mankind.
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THE ROYAL QUOTE
HRM, DR. IDAKWO
AMEH OBONI II, JP ATA IGALA Agabaidu, Ata Igala and Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs.
“I am further elated beyond imagination with the idea of the establishment of ARISE IGALA Television. You have taken us to a point where we can now have our own voice uninterrupted. I have absolute confidence that the ARISE IGALA Television in addition to the magazine which is uniting all the Igalas will take the Kingdom to an enviable height that all our people will very proud of.”
The quotation above is part of His Royal Majesty’s Letter of Commendation to the management of ARISE IGALA on Monday, January 7, 2019. ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 51
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FROM THE ARCHIVE
THROW BACK TIME CHANGED YESTERDAY
Photo: Courtesy Timothee In 1963, at the revered Attah Igala Palace, Idah, His Excellency, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe state’s visits as one among many of such high profile visits to the kingdom. This visit and the likes in the past would always be to discuss key issues about the Igala Nation and Nigeria at large with the Great Lion (Agabaidu) of Igala Kingdom being the Attah of a people held in very high esteem in view of our contributions and position in the formation of the country. So far, what has changed? And, what can we change to return the lost glory?
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THE PUBLISHER’S DESK
ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR
KEEP MOVING…
MOVEMENT IS KEY, VERY FUNDAMENTAL TO PROGRESS. You are right now reading ISSUE 51 of ARISE IGALA Magazine because we moved from the point of conception to delivery. There was a point when the vision of the ARISE IGALA Project was conceptualized and there was a point when we needed to move from that point to bring the dream to reality. What made the difference between these two periods is movement – we never stopped at the point of conception, we moved into bringing the dream to fruition and today, we are here. However, between these two periods were very hard times. Realities abound that ordinarily we wouldn’t have been able to start but we moved on and in moving we made progress. Progress here doesn’t mean overnight success or “miracle”. Progress in this case means we moved from thinking to acting and by acting on the plans, we achieved one thing at a time and looking back we have taken many steps ahead and we are still moving up because we don’t stop at any point. In life, remaining stagnant on an idea can result in accumulation of dirt – your head (life) being choked by many conflicting options because you have not dared to move to either fail or learn to move on with experience. The state of stagnancy can introduce fear; I mean very great fear of failure into one’s life. Just move from that point. Fail, learn and you wouldn’t fail the same way again. From the lessons while on the journey, you will gradually become a master of the path you’re on. In 2009, it was only an idea in my head – a very big one and the reality contradicted what I was contemplating. I moved ahead to drop those ideas on papers and from that point private meetings followed. The ideas turned strong
vision as it becomes clearer where to start from. At this point, the next step was to raise a team and that followed and again the next stage and on and on and we are here today not because it was a smooth ride all the way but because we moved and still moving ahead. Life would not present all that you just dream of. Life will only give you those dreams you get up to translate to realities. Life is about exploration. Many people dream but only those who act to realize their dreams achieve them. What’s your dream? What’s that big deal you want to seal? What’s that great height you want to attain in life? All you need to do is to start moving. Don’t wait daydreaming about that big capital to drop from heaven before you start – go get the capital from scratch and you will attract the big one. Ameh Oboni The Great didn’t just happen, there was a great preparation. Aliko Dangote didn’t just happen, there was a journey from the 1970s. Ahmed Tinubu didn’t just happen, there was the Abiola struggle. Edward Onoja didn’t just happen; there was the Kogi Youth Arise Movement. All that matters to ‘becoming’ is ‘movement’ – journey through a process. If you happen suddenly or it happened suddenly, then sudden disappearance is guaranteed too. Achievement or attaining a height in life is no respecter of who but process – who went through a process of becoming. So, to be the Next Big Thing in that field, class or place, follow through the process and become. It doesn’t matter who is there now or records already made. Note, record breaking is allowed and there is no limit to what you can do if you can start the movement now and keep moving even against all odds. Arise!
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EDITORIAL
Making A Difference Against All Odds... Nature rarely gives to us all we need to attain greatness, but out of what nature imbues in us, we can create greatness. This is the belief of every great achiever. With the above philosophy in mind, the question of where you come from, whose son or daughter you are and which state of the federation you come from or which ethnic group you belong, may not really matter. After all, not every son of a great father grows to become great and not every child of a professor will become a professor. On the flipside however, we have seen a son or daughter of nobody who rose to become somebody. Conscious living!! Conscious living! Yes, it counts more than your ethnic nationality and your religious background. After all, nature does not respect all these man-made stratifications; it honours everyone. Every man is therefore candidate of greatness. There is a hope for the son of a poor farmer in far away Ate-Uge, a village near Iyale in Dekina Local Government. Yes, that seventeenth son of a blacksmith in Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State or a daughter of a fish seller in Ega market in Idah, can rise from their relative obscurity to limelight through conscious living. Every great man and woman has a story, many of which are never told. The world knows and recognises great men only when they become great, leaving the story of their background to obscurity and delusion. So many examples abound. When the story of Professor Francis Suleiman Idachaba of blessed memories is told, people majorly remember him as a successful academic who became a Professor at the age of 38; a three-term Vice Chancellor of two Nigerian universities for about twelve years, and the first African Deputy Director-General, international service for National Agricultural Research, The Hague, The Netherlands. Yes, many will remember how he sowed into the lives of people through his Foundations; the Igala Education Foundation and Francis Idachaba Foundation for Research and Scholarship. Not many will remember that Professor F.S Idachaba was a son of a subsistence potato farmer father and smoked fish seller mother who was sent to the Qua Iboe Mission Primary School, Idah in 1949 by his mother with the sole purpose of acquiring the capacity to read the Holy Bible and possibly become a school teacher or an evangelist. This is a story that deserves deep reflection from every right-thinking man. Greatness is not a destination; it is a continuous voyage to a better tomorrow. Keep moving against all odds, for tomorrow shall be greater and better than today. ARISE!! Nathan Oguche Emmanuel Founding Managing Editor/Editor-At-Large 07034242495
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COVER STORY
O OCHOLI YUSUF
OKPANACHI DON PABLO IS A RARE GEM
choli Yusuf O k p a n a c h i , popularly known as Don Pablo, is just a simple ordinary person whose existence has provided ten percent of what it takes to make it in life and with the other ninety percent, he has been able to face challenges and opportunities as he walks through the journey of life. He explores opportunities that come his way, overcome challenges to achieve the essential of his life in relationship to his Creator and his fellow
By IDIBIA OJABO
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COVER STORY
OCHOLI YUSUF
OKPANACHI DON PABLO IS A RARE GEM
man. He places positive idea in motion to change the life of diligent youths. Through his business acumen and initiatives, he creates opportunities for the youth to be gainfully employed and unlock their hidden potentials. With extraordinary speed, agility, sophisticated brainwork and uncanny ability, he turns almost any situation into a scoring opportunity for the advancement of society, particularly his people. Unlike many of his contemporaries who found their ways to the top through opportunities created by others, Ocholi created his own paths through sheer hard work, diligence and sincerity. His formative years imbued in him the ability to source and manage both human and material resources for the betterment of mankind. From childhood, he showed signs of an achiever, evident only to those with foresight. He had great dream to be educated and become qualified to play important roles in the development of Igalaland, Kogi state and Nigeria in general. He garnered his experiences by providing solutions to every challenge that confronts him and those with whom he daily interacts. With these rich experiences from diverse sources, Ocholi became inspired; inspired to do the unthinkable; inspired to create paths for others; inspired to make a difference in his time. As a child, he desired to help develop humanity; someway, somehow and someday. With determination and perseverance, he acquired skills and intellect that made him so unique when he eventually achieved his ambition. The first born of a family of four children, a
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set of twin (boys) and a girl, Ocholi was born on August 14, 1988. His father, who was a local government staff, combined farming with his public service job to augment his meager salaries. His mother, who was a full time house wife, complemented her husband with her petty trading in agricultural produce. Ocholi had his nursery/primary school education at Success Academy Nursery/Primary School in Idah town. He was still in primary school when his father died in 2001 and two years after he completed his primary school education, his mother died in 2006. He left Idah for Lagos in 2007. In Lagos, he stayed with his uncle, Mr. Peter who was living in one room apartment with his family in Ajegunle. Times were really hard for his uncle but he was able to accommodate him. His formative years in Ajegunle were really tough but it was the road map to his success in life. Thirsty for more education, Ocholi enrolled himself into Alakolo Senior High School, Tolu Complex in Ajegunle area. In a bid to pay his school fees, he did some menial jobs. He was a public toilet receptionist before he moved to car washing business and finally to Coca-Cola bottling company as supervisor overseeing off-loading and loading bottles of soft drinks at the depot. He later left Coca-Cola bottling company for Leventis where he was employed as a cleaner. He worked with Leventis for a very long time before he resigned his appointment and he enrolled himself in a computer training program. The computer lesson was for six months. After his training, he took up appointment as a cyber cafĂŠ manager before he left for ISFOP
COVER STORY
Benin University, Contonou for further studies. While studying, Ocholi worked. He worked as a commission agent. He is fluent in French and Portuguese Languages. However, before he completed his studies, having made contacts, he was able to get some executive contracts based on his integrity and relationship with some prominent people he met within the country and outside the shore of the country. He got a breakthrough in his business and was established. On his return to the country, he established his own company and gave it the name ‘Waves of Minds Resources Limited.’ As his fortune soars in leaps and bounds, Ocholi sought a way to contribute to human and community developments as he established ‘Wave of Success Foundation’. With the foundation, he reaches out to the less privileged, gives out scholarship to deserving candidates, registers those who want to acquire knowledge in trading, carries out medical outreach and caters for the aged, widows as well as orphans. Every Sallah cerebration the Foundation distributes food items amongst the Muslim community in selected areas in Igalaland. The same applies during Christmas celebration. He has been carrying out these charity works quietly and still desires to let it go on same way. Ocholi never shies away from responsibilities, particularly if it is for the betterment and advancement of society. When ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 51
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COVER STORY
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COVER STORY
funds were being raised for the publication of the biography of His Royal Majesty, Ata Igala, (Dr.) Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II, he was approached through a third party and he willingly paid for 400 copies of the book. When other privileged ones act only to promote and protect selfinterest, Ocholi, being a symbol of the new generation of Igala patriots, assists the poor and lifts them out of poverty. He does not want the status of poverty to remain the same or soars higher. He thus works for the benefit of his community, striving to provide for the weak, the poor, the underprivileged, the vulnerable and the orphans through his Foundation. Ocholi Yusuf Okpanachi, a youngman of good heart, with generous intention of genteel education and amiable character, is a symbol of freedom and hope,
not only to his immediate family but to all within his orbit. A very modest and reserved person, he shies away from publicity; he rarely talks about himself. A solid player in both human and community development – the last man to be called upon when the roof over your head is razed down by fire and no one cares. He has been playing such roles with unparalleled skills and uncommon temerity. With a very orderly life, Don Pablo’s work revolves around community-based development. His humanitarian work nourishes those vital aspects of the community. He is married to Mrs. Blessing Ocholi Okpanachi from Akwa Ibom State. They courted for three years before they got married in 2018. They had their traditional wedding in October and church wedding in December.
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COVER STORY
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IGALA ME. WOL’OJILE .
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IN RECORD TIME: DR. ALEWO IDOKO-AKOR AWARDED PhD AT 30
Dr. Alewo Idoko-akor with his lovey parent at graduation.
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n the words of Malcom X, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”. So, the young man, Dr. Alewo IdokoAkor was awarded with a degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) for he has long been preparing for it. June 29, 2019 was very historical for this young man as he was joined by his parents during his graduation ceremony at the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine
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of the University of Edinburg, United Kingdom. His father, Chief Barr. Siaka Isaiah Akor and his lovey mother were extremely grateful to God Almighty for the successful completion of their son’s quest in this regard and even obtaining the doctorate degree at a very young age which indicates that the future holds lots in stock for him. At the graduation ceremony in UK, Dr. Alewo Idoko-Akor proudly rocked on his Igala attire.
EDUCATION
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CORONATION CHIEF MRS. AJUMA OGAH HONOURED FOR SERVICE TO COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE It’s a tradition to acknowledge and honour distinguished persons in Igalaland so to spur others into doing good and leading right for the benefit of all. Therefore, the case of Mrs. Ajuma Ogah came to light the day she was honoured with a chieftaincy title at the revered Ata Igala Palace, Idah for her years of service to the community and dedication to people oriented projects. On Tuesday, June 11, 2019, Mrs. Ajuma Ogah was beaded as the IYE EBULE UKWAJA hence the title of Chief to her name as a mark of honour. Aside being a blessing to the people, her offspring are blessings to mankind home and abroad. The day brought joy to family, friends and associates of this great woman of distinction, Chief Mrs. Ajuma Ogah.
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CORONATION
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CORONATION
Chief Mrs. Ajuma Ogah, Iye Ebule Ukwaja 1 leaving the Ata Igala Palace, Idah after the beeding ceremony
Chief Mrs. Ajuma Ogah, Iye Ebule Ukwaja 1 greeting HRM, Iye Oja (Onyete) shortly after she was beeded
L-R; Chief Mrs. Ajuma Ogah, Iye Ebule Ukwaja 1 with HRM, Iye Oja (Onyete)
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THANKSGIVING
Hon. Chief Hilary Edime Amodu and family during the Thanksgiving Service
THANKSGIVING CEREMONY IN HONOUR OF CHIEF HILARY EDIME AMODU, CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR IDAH LOCAL GOVERNMENT THANKSGIVING SERVICE AT THE ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, IGALA-OGBA PARISH, IDAH Sunday, May 12, 2019 in the history-filled town of Idah was a gathering of great men who turned out en mass to celebrate one of the vibrant Igala chaps who was appointed to serve fatherland in the capacity of the Chief Administrator of Idah Local Government of Kogi State. The Thanksgiving Ceremony which started with a church service at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Igala-Ogba Parish, Idah progressively moved to the Civic Centre at the Ata Igala Palace, Idah where the reception took place. The presence of high profile personalities at the event is a show of Chief Hilary Edime Amodu’s extensive network. Family, friends and associates celebrated with him while they thanked God for the chance given to him to serve the people.
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THANKSGIVING
Hon. Chief Hilary Edime Amodu testifying to God’s goodness at the Thanksgiving Service
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THANKSGIVING
Hon. Chief Hilary Edime Amodu and lovely wife during the Thanksgiving Service
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THANKSGIVING
Hon. Chief Hilary Edime Amodu with Chief Pharm. Peter Y. Iduh
Hon. Chief Hilary Edime Amodu with Chief Pharm. Peter Y. Iduh
Hon. Chief Hilary Edime Amodu with Hon. Haruna Idoko Musa - HIM (R)
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THANKSGIVING
Hon. Chief Hilary Edime Amodu with Mr. Silas Egbita
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THANKSGIVING
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THANKSGIVING
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THANKSGIVING
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OPINION IHIỌGIDI: DUTY TO DEFEND IGALA CULTURE AND TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
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ttah Ameh Oboni of the Ocholi ruling house was the 24th Attah Igala of the Jukun dynasty and the 19th Attah Igala since the reign of Ayegba Idoko, unarguably the greatest Attah Igala of the 20th century. He was betrayed by a group of Igala royal cabals who mounted vitriolic propaganda and falsely accused Attah Ameh Oboni of pagan practices and ‘human sacrifice’. And by the combined authorities of the Northern Oligarch and colonial administration, he was to be deposed from the throne of his fathers. To safeguard the throne and guarantee the right of succession for his lineage, on the night of 26th June 1956 he took his own life at the royal guest house in Dekina. This was how he died, leaving his death as an example of nobility, enviable martyrdom and a record of virtue as a visionary leader not just for the young but for all Igala sons and daughters and all other nations under Igala leadership. Ugbakolo ọtọtọlọ, oli ki ma bu n, k’i aro ulaka ulaka: Attah Ameh Oboni was just 45 years old at the time of death. The Igala people and tradition have always been in danger as far back as recorded history. Igala land has been in danger from traffic on the Ohimini river, in danger from sea bandits and as target zone of slave raiders, in danger from fellow Igala and the inter-royal family war of ascendency to the throne of Ayegba Idoko. The Igala territories have been in danger from her neighbours; from the Igala-Bini war of mutual independence of 1515-1516 to the Igala-Jukun war of emancipation in the late 1690s. The Igala people and culture have been in danger from foreign invasion as much as in danger from internal decay and the ever-bickering brothers at war (Eje Ankpa versus Attah Idah/Igala tussles); Igala people held firmly their God-given fertile patch of earth against the British invasion and bombardment in the 1830s and survived the palace coup of influential Igala clique that led to the gruesome assassination of Attah Ekele Aga in 1834. The Igala kingdom outmaneuvered and survived the Jihad of Uthman dan Fodio in the 1840s. The consequence of the Jihad was a massive influx of Bassa Komo refugees to the Dekina/Abejukolo-Ife axis of Igala kingdom which led to the Bassa Komo (Ogwu-Abacha) uprising of 1870s. In the dawn of full colonial takeover in 1911 and to weaken Attah ’s powerful control of internal administration of the Igala Kingdom, the colonial administration partitioned Igala Kingdom into two blocks. Idah district was ceded to the control of Onitsha province in the south and the rest of Igala land was under the control of the Northern province. This led to a sustained Igala resistance and subsequent Mahionu wars of 1916-1917. In 1918, Sir. Richmond H. Palmer, the then governor of the Northern province restored the Igala territory completely back to Attah Ogwuchẹ Akpa and led to the formation of Igala Native Authority. Generations of Attah Igala have been known to be sagacious, clever administrators, state men of admirable qualities, warriors, people of impeccable integrity, diplomats and great nationalists. Associated with the great Attah were Igala warriors and women of enviable dexterity. Worthy of note are Adukwu Okekwu, Odoma Okolobadi, Queen Adebu of Egume, Ochonia Ape of Itobe and others. One could easily conclude, that it is absolutely impossible to imagine the present day Kogi State without the heroism
of Igala warriors and chivalry of generations of Attah of the Igala Kingdom. This historical background is necessary to enable us to situate the call to the duty of defending the Igala culture, its people and traditional institutions. Reiterating the deeds of the Igala kingdom is to help us reclaim again our place of pride in spite of the uncertainties of the time we are in. This is also, to effectively provide a foundation for appraising the recent visit of the respected father of the Igala nation HRH Dr Michael Oboni, the Attah Igala on the sponsorship of the governor and to appraise the speech given on that occasion. I review Attah ’s presentation (An Address By HRM Attah Igala, Dr Michael Amehh Oboni II, Chairman Kogi State Traditional Council On Their Courtesy And Congratulatory Visit to President Muhammed Buhari GCFR On Wednesday 19th June 2019) on three broad headings: the positives and the opportunities; the contested issues and the right to dissent of every Igala sons and daughters on political issues. The Opportunities For a very long time, the Attah Igala has not had an opportune moment to have the ears of the president, the presidency and invariably the ear of the entire nation. This, in my opinion, brought the Igala nation to a renewed limelight. Although the dubious underlying intent was the desperate plea for a political endorsement of Governor Yahaya Bello. The speech was the voice of the Attah, but the contents were the gimmick of Bello, Onoja and his speechwriters. It remains a big question pregnant with much interpretations why the Deputy Governor Achuba was absent from this allimportant visit. I now highlight, the genuine demands that were laudable in the speech: 1. Request for Project Power Kogi East (PPKE) 2. Renewed call for the revival of the moribund Ajaokuta Steel company 3. Omi dam project 4. Priority for Special funding of social and Agricultural programs 5. Request for Kogi-Abuja rail interchange 6. Plea for a ministerial position for a Kogi indigenes (Specifically Ministry of Finance) 7. Kudos to Bello for lifting the banned festivals 8. Kudos to Bello for grading and upgrading traditional stools. The Contested Issues The state of insecurity in the state has only marginally improved. In the week of the visit, there were killings in Idah and Anyigba. Kidnappers were still having a field day on the fringes and hinterland of Okengwe, Lokoja-Kabba road, Oshokoshoko, Obajana, Okene and Ankpa-Imane axis. Between January-March 2019, over 145 persons were kidnapped in the North-Central geopolitical zone, of these, 65 cases of the kidnappings occurred in Kogi State (Punch Newspaper, May 1, 2019). Not counting the many unreported and undocumented cases The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to Kogi State. FCO states “There is also a
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OPINION high threat of criminal kidnap in the Niger Delta region and Kogi state.” (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ nigeria, 25 June, 2019). The Lokoja-Okene-Auchi, AjaokutaItobe, Idah-Ajegwu and Ankpa-Enugu roads remain some of the most dreaded highways in the state. The speech also highlights “Kogi state in the last elections [that] won overall 93% electoral victory; winning the state for the Presidential, winning 2/3 of the Senatorial districts, 7/9 of the Federal House of Representatives and winning 25/25 at the State Assembly levels.” But this was the most violent, bloodiest and most crudely rigged election since the creation of Kogi State. More than 10 persons were killed in Kogi State, including the 19-year-old Daniel Usman, a student of Kogi State University, who was reportedly shot dead while voting for the first time at Ajetachi, Anyingba. Daniel Usman too is Attah ’s son. When will the traditional rulers be visiting his family to console them? Property worth millions of naira were destroyed in several places and many are still recovering from injuries sustained during the election. The drums of war are already sounding as we look towards the November 2019 gubernatorial elections. Partisan Political Endorsement The 21 first class chiefs of Kogi State spoke through the Attah thus: “As custodians of culture and traditions with many subjects under us, appointed by God Almighty as his representatives on earth, if we do not speak without fear or favour, that is tantamount to a miscarriage of responsibilities on our people. As fathers domiciled at home, knowing the past and current realities, we are coming under one roof to demand an Endorsement for His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello to consolidate for re-election.” This endorsement has led to a flurry of denigrating and unprintable comments directed at the traditional rulers, especially HRH Dr. Michael Ameh Oboni. This should not be so! This was fallacy ad hominem; shouting matches riddled with personal attacks run contrary to rational arguments and the tenets of democratic discourse. Here is my argument. I am not a party to cultural hypocrisy. When the Attah speaks from the stool of Ayegba (Akpete Ayegba) his declaration on Igala socio-cultural and traditional matters are absolute and no one who knows his onions in the things of tradition will dissent or contradict those positions. This is similar in a loose sense of comparison with when the Pope speaks ‘ex-cathedra’ on certain issues of faith and morals, he speaks with the full authority of his office and this is binding on every practicing Catholic. So, when the Attah speaks from Akpete Ayegba he speaks with the full backing of spiritual and temporal potency of his office. But this relates to the culture, tradition and customary practices of the Igala people. When the Attah speaks partisan politics, he enters an arena of public engagement/space. The German scholar Juergen Habermas avers that in the Public space, everyone is equal. Attah has every legal and constitutional right to a political opinion and to publicly declare it as such. There is great disparity that exists between the content of the speech and the realities on ground in the state. What has become of the virtue of truth, a core aspect of the tradition and culture of every people and race… truth should be a value that should be upheld either in the traditional or public square. But traditionally, Attah is never partisan in political issues within the Kingdom but could use subtle means to influence and attract development and advancement for the Igala territory and people. Attah is the father of all and to choose one son over the others publicly subtracts from the fatherhood in every sense. Gov. Yahaya Bello has been a very oppressive, arrogant and violent leader. Bello
is an opportunist. He was not elected. He is an accidental governor who has squandered a dead man’s legacy. He has plunged the entire state into abject poverty and untold hardship. In 2018, Kogi State was declared one of the three dirtiest states in Nigeria (Punch, 15 November 2018). This is public knowledge and the Attah should not be seen to align with a non-performer and the oppressor of his own people. It is always better for traditional leaders to be in all circumstances on the side of the poor and oppressed of his kingdom. If the Attah must err, he should err on the side of the poor and suffering people of the state. Th Attah is a Priest-King and a god-King, to begin to condescend and wade into partisan politics is very highly irritating, problematic and devalues the currency of the sacredness of the office. In the 1830s it took the British envoys sent by the Queen of England three whole years to have direct access and audience with the then Attah, but in our time every tom, dick and Onoja nearly have access to Attah ’s ear. There is an urgent need for cultural renaissance. We hear of subtle bullying of the traditional rulers and rumour of financial inducement, whatever be the case, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and the Maigeri of Lokoja refused to cave in and the heavens have not collapsed. It is pertinent to note that, the moment the Attah takes a partisan position and makes a political statement, every Igala sons and daughters have equal right to respectfully appraise and dissent if need be. The manner of such dissent, I believe, should be respectful, well-mannered, and a constructive engagement without denigrating the person and office of the Attah. If the Attah in his wisdom has endorsed Bello, he has just only one vote. The choice of candidates is in abundance. Make your choice. The Igala council of elders made similar political arithmetic for all the Igala candidates irrespective of party and no one is cursing them. A Duty and Warning Igala politicians and their handlers have always tried to bully the Attah into submission or doing their biddings by one means or the other. I recall in the days of Prince Abubakar Audu, how the Attah and all traditional rulers are summoned each time Prince Audu is returning from a foreign trip to line up around Murtala Muhammed (Jamata) Bridge along the Lokoja-Abuja highway to welcome him back. In 2019, Gov. Yahaya Bello aided by Igala sons and daughters in his government, especially Onoja his political rottweiler, are dragging the Attah up and down just to score some political points. This historical abuse and disrespect for traditional institutions need to stop. Politicians of Igala extraction, leave our traditional rulers out of oppressive and partisan politics. You do the Igala nation an unforgettable evil by dragging the reputation of the Attah, the integrity of his office into the mud. Take your politics away from the fragile and age-long internal cohesion that has been sustained by the guardians of our culture and traditions. The royal palaces are not your showgrounds for political gains. Stop putting the traditional rulers under needless partisan political pressure. Governors come and go, but the Attah and his office will always remain. Whatever political machinations deployed to water down the reputation, authority and integrity of the Attah Igala and all other traditional rulers will fail. There should be a clear separation of spheres of political power and traditional authority. Look back to history for the lessons. The Igala kingdom will survive still. Achile Enemaku Umameh University of Leeds, UK
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THANKSGIVING SPECIAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE BY MRS. ROSEMARY ONOJA FOR SURVIVING ASSASINATION ATTEMPT ON HER LIFE
Sunday, May 26, 2019 was very historical as it was a day Mrs. Rosemary Onoja and her family set aside to celebrate the victory and safety granted her by God’s divine grace on the assassination attempt on her life while on transit in Kogi state. Surviving that incident can only be God’s divine intervention given the number of bullets that penetrated her jeep. God’s wisdom guided her, the driver who drove the car and the policeman through the broad day light challenge. The attack showed a very calculated effort to just waist her life but God said no to that evil plan. After the church service, family and friends joined her and the family at home in a reception organized for the thanksgiving ceremony.
Mrs. Rosemary Onoja
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THANKSGIVING
The car with bullet holes circles front the front attack by the assasins
The car with shattered back screen by the assasins’ bullets from behind
L-R; Barr. J.S. Okutepa, SAN, Mrs. Rosemary Onoja and Chief Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN
Chief Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN granting interview to the press at the reception of his beloved wife’s thanksgiving ceremony
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THANKSGIVING
Mr. Enema Anyebe, National President, Ogugu Development Union (ODU)
Mr. Sam Peters Idoko, DLG Olamaboro Local Government, Kogi State
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Mr. Lawrence Ekpa
Mr. Emmanuel Edibo, President, Igala Leadership Forum, Lokoja, Kogi State.
THANKSGIVING
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30 YEARS
REMEMBRANCE OF LATE
HON. IDRISU HUSSAINI
Hon. Alh Idrisu was born on 18th July 1940 to the family of Alhaji Hussaini (Akpa) Ameh and Mama Hassana Ali (late). His father, Alh. Hussaini Ameh was a trader of great repute, a transporter and textile merchant that is well known and recognised all over Igala land while his mother (Hassana) was a petty trader.
never brag about his political status, he was always ready to listen to all with open hands, even as a son to a wealthy business man, he never allowed that to get into his head; he never discriminated between his children and others, his philanthropic nature made his friends nicknamed him “Pocket Never Dry” (PND).
The late Hon. Alhaji Idrisu Hussaini excelled in all aspects of his life’s ventures – the textile business which he took over from his father was taken to higher height and his journey into politics also was a very successful one winning a Councillor Seat in the old Idah Local Government in 1976 and then followed by a convincing victory which got him a Seat in the Old Benue State House of Assembly in 1979. Upon the inauguration of the House, his official residence in Makurdi became the rallying point for all his Political Associates from Idah, Igalamela and environs. He was in the old Benue State House of Assembly with the likes of HRH Ajofe Hon. John Egwemi (Onu Ibaji), Hon. S. O. Opaluwa (late) Ofu, Hon. Audu Ogbe (former Minister of Agriculture), Hon. Yakubu Ibrahim (Dekina/Biraidu), Alh. Jibrin Haruna (Okura).
He loved and would do anything to protect every member of his immediate and extended family, though he is no more, he is fondly remembered today, he laid a very solid foundation for his children to build upon, today his children need little or no introduction anywhere they may find themselves.
Alh. Idrisu Hussaini was a man of the people; who
May his soul continue to rest in peace (Ameen)
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Alh. Idrisu lived as a businessman, politician, transporter and farmer until his sudden death on 23rd May 1989 in a ghastly motor accident along Itobe-Ajegwu expressway. The 30 years remembrance ceremony which took place on June 30th 2019 had lots of personalities present to pray for his soul and to also encourage the family he left behind to continue on the paths he walked.
REMEMBRANCE
DR. AMB. SAIDAT LAMI HUSSEINI LEADING THE COORDINATION OF THE EVENT WITH ALL CHILDREN OF LATE HON. IDRISU HUSSEINI ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 51
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REMEMBRANCE
The Islamic prayers in remembrance of Late Hon. Idrisu Husseini
The Islamic prayers in remembrance of Late Hon. Idrisu Husseini
The Islamic prayers in remembrance of Late Hon. Idrisu Husseini
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The Islamic prayers in remembrance of Late Hon. Idrisu Husseini
REMEMBRANCE
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Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji with Dr. Amb. Saidat Lami Husseini
Hon. Haruna Idoko Musa (HIM) with Dr. Amb. Saidat Lami Husseini
Chef Pharm. Peter Y. Iduh (middle) with Dr. Amb. Saidat Lami Husseini
Hon. Chief Hilary Edime Amod (r) with Dr. Amb. Saidat Lami Husseini
Amb. Tony Ogah with Dr. Amb. Saidat Lami Husseini
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REMEMBRANCE
Dr. Abu Moses Alidu with Dr. Amb. Saidat Lami Husseini
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L-R; Hon. Salisu Sani, Gold with Dr. Amb. Saidat Lami Husseini and Dr. Gabrel Ottah (r)
REMEMBRANCE
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REMEMBRANCE
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GET YOUR COPY NOW CALL: +234 (0)703 018 8771, (0)807 360 8787
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PUBLIC BOOK
PRESENTATION
IGALA NATION AND NIGERIA’S SOCIOPOLITICAL REALITIES:
A SAGA OF MISSED OPPORTUNITIES MUSA ABDULKARIM ITODO
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BOOK PRESENTATION
Musa Abdulkarim Itodo’s latest effort delves into the past of Igala People, the dominant ethnic group in Kogi state and a major one in Nigeria aside the Big Three – Hausa and Yoruba. His effort through the book The Igala Nation and Nigeria’s Social Political Realities: A Saga of Missed Opportunities is to lay bare those critical issues militating against the development of the Igala nation and then go on to mad out the paths to be followed in the quest for development and realization of the nation’s great potentials. The book was presented to the public on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja. At the occasion, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, SAN was the Father of the Day; Malama Fatima Ogohi, Mother of the Day; Sen. Dr. Alex Usman Kadiri, Chairman; HRH, Ogohi Ejule, Alhaji Akwu Obaje, Royal Father of the Day and Prof. Noah Echa Attah as the Book Reviewer. The event witnessed the presence of great and illustrious sons and daughters of the land.
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The Author, Musa Abdulkarim Itodo
The Chairman of the Occasion, Sen. Dr. Alex Usman Kadiri
The Book Reviewer, Prof. Noah Echa Attah
CP Sikiru Kayode Akande
BOOK PRESENTATION
Frm mid - Alh. Abdullahi Ibrahim,SAN, AIG Abdul Salam Iyaji and HRH, Mohamed Isah Ekele Ochai Achadu Igalaogba, Alloma
L-R; Malama Fatima Ibrahim Ogohi and Mrs. Roseline Akpa
L-R; Barr. Dr. (Haj.) Halima Alfa and Mrs. Roseline Akpa ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 51
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BOOK PRESENTATION
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BOOK PRESENTATION
Francis Edime Ohiemi
John Udale
Austin Usman Okai
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ENGR. (AMB.) FRIDAY MICHAEL
40
@
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BIRTHDAY
ENGR. AMB. FRIDAY MICHAEL CELEBRATES 40 YEARS BIRTHDAY WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES Engr. Amb. Friday Ojima Michael turned forty (40) years on Saturday, August 3, 2019. The young man was celebrated by family, friends and associates at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja. The crème de la crème from the entertainment and tech industries shows his connection and penetration into the world of business so far. For the young inventor, entrepreneur and philanthropist, one of the best ways he has chosen to appreciate God for the goodness bestowed on him is the establishment of the Michael Friday Foundation through which he carries out charity works across various communities in Nigeria. The Ambassador of Peace, Engr. Friday Michael established Good Shepherd Medical Centre in 2013 through his Michael Friday Foundation as a direct response to lack of required medical needs in Kogi state and the Eastern flank in particular coupled with the fact that those available were not committed to quality healthcare delivery as it should be. His desire to quickly establish the medical centre (in 2013) was even fuelled by an experience he would never forget when a woman gave birth in his car while they were busy looking for a hospital with a doctor on duty. While in search, the woman in a terrible medical condition delivered one of the twins in his car and unfortunately they couldn’t safe the baby – very sad experience given the bad condition the woman was in at the time. Since the establishment of the Good Shepherd Medical Centre, successful brain surgery had been carried out there, over 4,200 children born in the hospital with free antenatal from conception to delivery. Over 5,000 elderly people are being catered for in The Elderly Care Program designed for 65years and above. The medical outfit is one of the major charity blended project of the young man, Engr. Friday Michael. For the journey so far and particularly coming from a background where most are written off in the league of people that could make it in life, Engr. Friday Michael remain ever grateful to God Almighty and hope for better days ahead.
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BIRTHDAY
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BIRTHDAY
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BIRTHDAY
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CONNECT
“Heading for year 2045 and beyond, there will be a very coordinated and well knitted Igala minds consciously developing entrepreneurs and sustainable businesses home and abroad”.
We are the NETWORK.
Building Our FUTURE. ARISE IGALA TRADING & INVESTMENT LIMITED RC 1557584
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I N I T I AT I V E
“As we march towards 2045 and beyond, the fear of Igala language going into extinction will be reduced to the barest minimum and the unity of our people across various states of Nigeria shall increase for the good of all”.
We are the INITIATIVE.
Building Our FUTURE. ARISE IGALA GRASSROOT SENSITIZATION INITIATIVE CAC/IT/NO 94508
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“By the year 2045 and beyond, we see a very strong Igala nation that will be playing major roles in Nigeria economically and politically.
We are the VISION.
Building Our FUTURE. ARISE IGALA BROADCASTING LIMITED
RC 1520165
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