DR. FAROUK ENOJO IYAJI WEDS HIS LOVE HAJIYA AISHA ABUBAKAR ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 52 NIG. N1000 USA $5.00 UK £5.00 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2019
THE INVESTITURE OF ABDULLAHI HARUNA AS SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA
UNCLE EJIKELU
IGALA
C E L E B R AT E
INSPIRE
TO THE
WORLD
CHALLENGE
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OMA UFEDO ATA
FACE OF INIKPI
Name Gloria Ojoma Simon Native Town Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government Area Favourite Igala food Oje Uchu and Obo Api Like(s) Singing Dislike(s) Pretence Igala Hero/Heroine Praiz Occupation Student Dreams for Igalaland To promote the Igala culture Mobile 0701 457 9134 Email gloriasimon46@gmail.com
PICTURE COUTESY
2019
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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DR. FAROUK & HAJIYA AISHA 34
UNCLE EJIKELU
IGALA
CONTENTS FACE OF INIKPI
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ROYAL QUOTE
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FROM THE ACHIVE
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PUBLISHER’S DESK
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EDITORIAL
10
TO THE
WORLD
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THE INVESTITURE OF
BARR. HARUNA ABDULLAHI
AS SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA
48 DISCLAIMER 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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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.
Some lousy critics in our midst seeking recognition at all cost by publishing half-truth on Facebook, never raised an eyebrow when the palace recognized Admiral Usman Jibrin (Rtd.) neither did they say I should spread the titles to all political aspirants. However, in the midst of this uninformed left handed critics, there are some upright people who kept faith with our tradition and revered the monarchical institution. To this group, I say thank you.
The quotation above is part of His Royal Majesty’s speech at the conferment Chieftaincy title on HE, Governor Yahaya Bello and other illustrious and deserving personalities on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Attah Igala Palace, Idah, Kogi State. ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 52
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FROM THE ARCHIVE
THROW BACK THE JOURNEY
Chief Edward Onoja (r) receiving the ARISE IGALA Leadership Award for HE, Governor Yahaya Bello (then as Alhaji Yahaya Bello – AYB) presented to him on behalf of ARISE IGALA Magazine by Dr. Jacob S. Ekele (l) of National Examination Council (NECO) at Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the maiden edition of ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS & LECTURES.
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THE PUBLISHER’S DESK
THE AGENDA ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR
IMANIKA
Sustainable agenda is procedural and not accidental. Truth be told, all these accidental agenda that spring up every four years (particularly during elections) won’t take us anywhere as a nation. People who set genuine agenda understand that achieving results won’t be by happenstance. To achieve desired results therefore, all stakeholders must take ownership of such agenda and they must understand that people don’t hide under the guise of communal agenda to achieve personal and selfish interest. Real agenda starts, grows and becomes; it has a defined and well organised leadership that drive the vision; it’s not open to all to move without sense of direction. Real agenda inspire collective actions that help in the preservation of collective entity. Real agenda is not built on greed and avarice. Today, there are so many agenda flying in the air. They sing in discordant symphony. They usually have a short lifespan. They are initiated few months to elections and fizzle out as soon as elections are over. These were surely not the kind of agenda that our ancestors pursued. If our forbearers had no foresight, we would not have been here today. If they had no leadership, we would not have recorded such great exploits as recorded in our history. We were men of great valour with real agenda at every stage of our lives until recent times. We need to get ourselves together for greatness again. Truth is we are missing it. Seriously, we are missing the real point as a people. We are truly great as individuals but failing woefully as one united people because we allowed so many divisions to set in. We have been blessed occupying strategic positions in the geography of our dear nation but we don’t use it. We have failed to harness our individual powers into a common front for
the common good of all. We have allowed the lines of religion and some clannish differences to divide us. These have undermined our collective resolve to make the Land great. We are today weak and wounded. No doubt, we have failed the generation before ours because they handed over to us a better generation. We have also failed our own generation and the generations after because we are handing over to the latter a highly deficient and flawed template. Have you asked yourselves why we can squander over Seven Billion Naira (N7,000,000,000) for individual project but find it extremely difficult to spend Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) on a communal project? Over Seven Billion Naira in less than four months and it’s all over. No plan, no strategy and one wonders what will happen should any of these individuals be given a chance to lead. May God help us as soon as we realise our shortcomings and accept the need for help. Unfortunately, ARISE IGALA Magazine got the bad side of this last Igala Agenda when many went round to spread lies that our creative project, The Independence Imanika, was designed to set up a stage for some political interest and as such we got 19 Tickets for VIP Family Tables returned and the lost was just unimaginable – we are still paying the debt. Surely, we shall overcome this challenge and our enemies will soon realise that we created this project for the love of Igalaland and the promotion of our language and culture. The regrets will be theirs for life. Their “four months project” is over for now until another four years again. But, we shall be here and when another four years come again, we shall remind them that we are the true Igala Agenda. Arise!
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EDITORIAL
In the face of palpable setbacks... Life is a journey, but as we move from one point to another, it throws at us many challenges, some deserving, while others are not. For one reason or the other, it is not what we seek in life that we always find. Sometimes, we may seek joy and happiness and get sorrow and bitterness. Even when we deserve bountiful harvest, we may experience barrenness and emptiness. Sometimes, our strict adherence to law and order can bring us reproach in place of honour and applause. Life is not a paradise but a paradox. Life is full of multiples curves, dotted with few linear strokes. The curves associated with life can sometimes starve us of fulfilment and ecstasy that should naturally trudge every accomplishment. But should we quit because of this? Life is good because we can win and overcome every obstacle. Yes, we can make a difference. We can transform the paradox of life to a paradise. Life is the most experienced teacher; we stop learning from it at our own peril. Every lesson life graciously bequeaths to us equally offers us two opportunities. First, to show the world that we are wiser and more fortified to make a difference when given a second chance and secondly, to prove to the world that our foolishness is incurable since only a foolish man will repeat an action and expect a different result. Our experiences should prepare us for a better tomorrow. We learn from pains and unfavourable conditions. Harsh experiences always leave scars behind, and like scars, they always remind us that we were once battered and shattered. They remind us the losses of the past; those losses that will equally remind us to be meticulous when the going becomes smooth and pleasurable again. In life, when confronted with threatening situations, there are at least two options. The first option is to flee. It is said that he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day. The second option is to fight. In a fight, it is either you conquer or you’re conquered. In the face of palpable setbacks, ARISE IGALA PROJECT will fight; we will keep moving forward against all odds. The Igala spirit in us will continue to resonate strongly in all our activities. Igala people are not like cowards that fight only when they are sure of victory. WE WILL RISE!!
Nathan Oguche Emmanuel Founding Managing Editor/Editor-at-Large Mobile Contact: 07034242495
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COVER STORY
2019
T
he Independence Imanika is a special entertainment project created by the ARISE IGALA Team to contribute to the promotion of Igala language and culture. It relies largely on comedy laced with music and drama. It is a creative venture that is designed to place Igala on the global map of entertainment and in the process help in the sustainability of the language which has become a major concern for the people as they fear it may go into extinction if conscious efforts are not made to keep it alive. The maiden edition of The Independence Imanika was headlined by one of Igala rising comedy stars loaded with comic talents, UNCLE EJIKELU. It was designed as a twin event which held in Lokoja and Abuja on October 1, 2019 and October 6, 2019 respectively. Both event took place at very prestigious event centres thereby placing it on the A-List of Entertainment Events. The Lokoja edition
UNCLE EJIKELU
IGALA
TO THE
WORLD
The show begings with Uncle Ejikelu reeling out those powerful laughter pills
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COVER STORY
took place at the Reverton Hotel while the Abuja edition was staged at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers. This 2019 edition of the comedy project was made possible with funding from Forte Lugard Limited who took the risk in investing in a new project of this nature. The risk shows the strong believe of the management of Forte Lugard Limited in young talents and creative ventures. The ARISE IGALA Team remain ever grateful to Forte Lugard Limited for the trust. Other creative minds on this project aside the headliner, Uncle Ejikelu includes Agih Moral, Best Man, Aleq Chizar, MC Grand Papa, S. Square, MC Warri Last Born, Nancy, AY Dancers, Ajogu, Funny Aquila, Sedi Cool, V. Cross, MC 33 10, Soja Boy, Sarah, Skofyfer, Shino Boy, MC Wise, Bejay Danjuma, Knevil, Glorious Dancers, DDS, and Gerald Milan among others. The headliner’s official clothier for the event is DD Clothing. The event was anchored by the famous Oma Igala, Sunny Attabo of Sunday Attabo Sensitization Initiative (SASI). The Independence Imanika has come to stay and will only grow in all fronts as it will be going round from city to city every year.
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The narrator telling the Nigeria story today and what the future promises
COVER STORY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019. REVERTON HOTEL, LOKOJA, KOGI STATE.
The crowd was wow...
Very captivating. True family outing and it was fun all through
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Holding the audience down with the pure comedy
Getting the gist from the comic lines
Captivated
Captivated
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True family outing and it was fun all through
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Some members of Igala Leadership Forum, Lokoja
Some mebers of Igala Leadership Forum, Lokoja
True family outing and it was fun all through
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The great caring and selfless one, Mr. Negedu
True family outing and it was fun all through
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Some members of Igala Leadership Forum, Lokoja
COVER STORY
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COVER STORY
Hon. Alfa Momoh Rabiu speaking on the Red Carpet
Rt. Hon. Ahmed Ahmed, Deputy Speaker, KGHA speaking on the Red Carpet
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Dr. Usman Zakari speaking on the Red Carpet
COVER STORY
Hon. Moses Ododo flying the Nigeria flag presented to him at the event
Baba JFO speaking on the Red Carpet
Onoja J. Okpanachi speaking on the Red Carpet
Uncle Ejikelu speaking on the Red Carpet
Job Amana speaking on the Red Carpet
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COVER STORY
Hon. Bobby Ujah speaking on the Red Carpet
True family outing and it was fun all through
Hon.Bobby bUjah flying his Nigeria Flag presented to him at the event
True family outing and it was fun all through
Hon. Moses Ododo speaking on the Red Carpet
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COVER STORY
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019 SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS, ABUJA F.C.T
Comr. Simeon Opaluwa displaying the Nigeria Flag given to him by Uncle Ejikelu at the event
Uncle Ejikelu on stage proudly displaying one his late father’s most cherished gifts to him
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COVER STORY
Mummy Rose Akpa and Mummy Fatimah i. Ogohi enjoying the very best of the show
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Going down memory lane and the joy it brings
It was nice as Uncle Ejikelu reel out the jokes
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Brother can’t help both show love to Uncle Ejikelu for the pure comedy he reels out
Pure laughter from the heart when you hear those comedies coming in Igala English
Mama can’t hold back the dance, lovely
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Thrilled, reallly thrilled
COVER STORY
Even the young ones are thrilled to the old tunes through the comedy
Thrilled, pure laughter coming...
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True love coming through...
Surprise, Surprise...
Special surprise for Malama Fatimah I. Ogohi for the foundation she laid for young talents
Captivated
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Captivated
COVER STORY
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Spray the money when the music is pure and good for the soul, Agih Moral holding it down
Sunny Attabo on stage for the gren-white-green
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Thrilled by the pure comedy from Uncle Ejikelu
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One love from mama, she sings along the old tunes
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Dr. Farouk Enojo Iyaji and lovely wife at their wedding reception, African Hall, ICC, Abuja
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DR. FAROUK & HAJIYA AISHA I
t was a glorious day in the lives of the young couple, Dr. Farouk Enojo Iyaji and his love Hajiya Aisha Abubakar as they officially tied the knot making their love journey legal before God and men.
Saturday, October 19, 2019 was the special day that brought these young lovers together as husband and wife. The marriage rites according to Islam was performed in the morning hours (10:00am) at the National Mosque, Abuja and the glamourous reception took place at the world class International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja. It was a great moment of celebration for both families of the bride and groom and their friends and associates. The father of the groom, AIG Abdul Salami Iyaji (Rtd.) was seen all through the event glowing with joy and great fulfilment and so were the energies that pumps from him as he ensured everything went well. His closest friends, Hon. Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf and Engr. Kashim Ali amongst others were practically everywhere too, humbly taking care of things. Families, friends and well-wishers were all treated to lovely tunes from the Nigerian Army Band courtesy of the bride’s father General Abubakar. The foods and drinks at the glorious reception were all A-Class.
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FAROUK & AISHA
At the National Mosque, Abuja for the wedding solemnization according to Islamic Rite
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FAROUK & AISHA
At the National Mosque, Abuja for the wedding solemnization according to Islamic Rite
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FAROUK & AISHA
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FAROUK & AISHA
Admr. Jibril Usman and Onoja J. Okpanachi at the National Mosque, Abuja during the wedding of Dr. Farouk Enojo Iyaji
Sheikh Abubakar Sadiq and Onoja J. Okpanachi at the National Mosque, Abuja during the wedding of Dr. Farouk Enojo Iyaji
L-R; Dr. Farouk Enojo Iyaji (the groom) and Onoja J. Okpanachi
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FAROUK & AISHA
Friends of the groom at the reception, African Hall, ICC, Abuja
The bride’s parent dancing into the reception hall, hapilly
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FAROUK & AISHA
Collegues of the bride’s father from the Nigeria Army
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FAROUK & AISHA
Wives of collegues of the bride’s father from the Nigeria Army
L-R; Father of the Day, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN and father of the groom, AIG Abdul Salami Iyaji (rtd.)
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FAROUK & AISHA
Chairmain of the Ocassion, Alhaji Sule Iyaji, fmr. Deputy Governor of Old Benue State
Sheikh Abubakar Sadiq conducting the opening prayers atbthe reception
On the Red Carpet at the reception, ICC, Abuja
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FAROUK & AISHA
Frinds dancing with happy mother of the groom (middle)
Happy mothers of the couple dancing
L-R; Chief Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN and Hon. Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf at the reception
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FAROUK & AISHA
Making a toast to the couple’s good
Malama Fatimah Ibrahim Ogohi at the reception
Friends fo the bride making a toast for the good of the couple
Mrs. Iyaji, the groom’s mother
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FAROUK & AISHA
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FAROUK & AISHA
Hon. Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf and AIG Abdul Salami Iyaji (rtd.) happy for the succesful wedding ceremony
The Nigeria Army band thrilling the audience at the event
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REMEMBRANCE
THE INVESTITURE OF
BARR. HARUNA ABDULLAHI
AS SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA
Barr. Abdullahi Haruna, SAN and lovely wife at the reception in his honour at Chida Int’l Event Centre, Abuja
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INVESTITURE
To everyman starting a journey, his primary desire is to arrive safely at his destination. And, for a career journey, arriving at the peak is sure the number one priority of whosoever is on the road. So, for Barr. Haruna Abdullahi, SAN the day came for him on Monday, September 23, 2019 when he was made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Barr. Abdullahi Haruna, SAN responding to question from the press after the investiture as Senoir Advocate of Nigeria
It was indeed a glorious day for the distinguished lawyer and he was grateful to his maker who gave him the ability all through the journey to the very top of his profession as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. After the investiture at the Supreme Court, Abuja, the train of family, friends, associates and wellwishers moved to grand Chida International Hotel, Utako, Abuja where they were hosted and treated to very good entertainment. It was a very memorable day for Barr. Haruna Abdullahi, SAN as lots of high profile personalities turned out to honour him. Also, very interesting was the number of grassroots people who turned out to celebrate with their son for the prestigious height attained. Wife of Barr. Abdullahi Haruna, SAN celebrating husband’s achievement with friends as she dances round, thanking all for coming
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INVESTITURE
Sen. Dr. Alex Kadiri speaking at the reeption
Onoja J. Okpanachi (behind) with Chief Edward Onoja and wife at the reception
L-R; Abdullahi Haruna, SAN, Barr. Isaac Ekpa and Mr. Tony Okpanachi, MD, Development Bank of Nigeria, DBN
Hon. Humphrey Abah
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INVESTITURE
Mr. Emmanuel Ekele in charge of proceedings
Chief Edward Onoja speaking
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INVESTITURE
Sen. Jibrin Isah (Middle) and Onoja J. Okpanachi (r)
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INVESTITURE
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INVESTITURE
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INVESTITURE
Abdullahi Haruna, SAN and Distingushed Hon. Alfa Momoh Rabiu
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Abdullahi Haruna, SAN and Alhaji Mohammed Audu
INVESTITURE
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INVESTITURE
L-R; Alhaji Mohammed Audu and Sen. Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane
L-R; HE, Capt. Idris Ichalla Wada and Abdullahi Haruna, SAN
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THEY’RE COMING ...
WATCHOUT
D E L B U O D ND A ID V A D
E I N DA
L
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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.
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CONTACT: +234 (0) 803 689 0602, (0)805 663 0751 60 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 52