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ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 53 NIG. N1000 USA $5.00 UK £5.00 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2019
INSIDE IGALA MERIT AWARD OGUGU DAY 2019 THE CHIEFTAINCY TITLE BY HRM ATTAH IGALA
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2 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 53
THE
SSG
KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT DR. MRS. FOLASHADE AYOADE ARIKE
RIDING FOR THE PEOPLE’S GYB
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IGALA MERIT AWARD 2019 14
CONTENTS ROYAL QUOTE
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FROM THE ACHIVE
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PUBLISHER’S DESK
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EDITORIAL
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THE ROLLS ROYCE
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DISCLAIMER
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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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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.
“For those critics without substance and patience to verify the truth, they should take note that on 14th August, 2019 Admiral Usman Jibrin (Rtd.) a gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress came to my palace on a campaign mission; I enumerated the good things he did for Kogi State while in service of the Nigeria Navy and based on these, I conferred on him at the heat of his campaign the title of Oga-Attah, which was followed by a resounding applause. OgaAttah, a General in Attah’s Army is no different from the title being conferred on His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello which has generated an uproar and misgiving by misinformed tribalists in our society.”
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 53
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FROM THE ARCHIVE
THROW BACK FULFILLING PROHECY
Chief Edward Onoja (r) receiving the ARISE IGALA Leadership Award presented to him on behalf of ARISE IGALA Magazine by Osemuaghu Abulu (l) of Africa Independent Television (AIT) 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
LET US ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR
PRAY
Oh Lord, see how your children are rushing Bello now.
less confusion in the world.
Huuuhhhmmm! My Lord, in this prayer session, I will leave my thoughts bare. I won’t conceal anything from you because I can’t. As an omniscient God, you know the secrets of our hearts, even while we are yet to speak. Lord, I want to commit your children to you in prayers. I know you know them by their names but because I’m human, I want to relate with you as one by mentioning their names.
Lord, teach us to always toe the path of dialogue and logic, instead of turning around each time it doesn’t go our ways. Please, Lord, this very prayer point is critical to our lives as ordinary people. So, do it for us, oh Lord.
Lord, we need you to guide us in this political journey. We need your wisdom, Lord. We are mere mortals; we are ordinary without You. Give us wisdom to know and identify those who are our friends and those who are our foes. We need to know, Lord. My Lord, see your son Faleke, now he is reasoning with Bello. Okay, please, give us wisdom to know when not to fight like he did only to turn around now and begin to appreciate your position in the life of Bello. Also, teach us to have a mind of our own so that we will not take other people’s fight; so that we won’t attract unnecessary enemies to ourselves. Oh my Lord, see your own son, Prof. Seidu, too. In fact, Lord, teach us the ordinary people to quickly know when people like him are actually fighting for themselves under the guise of fighting for our collective interest. Lord, open our eyes to see what they are actually afraid of – let us know the secrets they are keeping away from us. Lord, give us sense, a very good sense, so that we can have a mind of our own; so that we can stop fighting for people like this, now and in the future. My Lord, see your daughter Hajiya Halima, ha! Powerful woman ooo! She supported Bello, hated him and now supporting him again...Huuuhhhmmm. My Lord, teach us the ordinary people to be very firm and stand for what we believe in at all times – in thin and thick; cause us to be resilient and consistent because if we are, there will be
Omniscience Lord, there are so many things to pray about and many people to commit to You in prayers. Please, open our eyes, the ordinary people, to begin to see what these great men and women are beginning to see in your son Bello. If it is about the fulfilling prophesy, Lord, don’t leave us alone. Please, Lord, give us the heart to always place the interest of our dear state above personal gains. Lord, I’m afraid but I know you’ll assuage my fears. Lord, after this coming election, let the ordinary people have conscience and confidence to ask questions and be personally convinced on any political matter so that some people will not just use us for their own selfish interest in the name of fighting for us – amen! Above all, my Lord, teach us and open our eyes widely to know and see clearly that any AGENDA that has no leadership, no coordination, no chain of command, nobody to take responsibility is really no AGENDA. Father, give us the grace to be wary of any agenda that sprouts up accidentally during elections. Please, give us, the ordinary people, wisdom to know that true AGENDA exists at all times, not only during elections. As I round up this prayer, oh Lord, give me the strength and grace to stand by truth and also, the boldness to expose fake people who are never tired of confusing the ordinary people. Please, Lord, give us peace in this coming election. Let nobody confuse us the ordinary people after this election. Amen! Amen!! Amen!!!
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EDITORIAL
HOW CHIEF EDWARD ONOJA BOUGHT ME OVER Everyone has a price when the price is right... In this part of the world, when you align your interest with politicians or people in government, it automatically means you have been paid. When you see things from a different prism, it makes you a bigot and sell-out. The worst tragedy that will befall you is to succumb to the label of others. I have been around enough to understand that most times, popular opinions aren’t always the right palace of logic. And I will tell you why. I was sold to, a dangerous dummy of a man and without going a little to do my own check, I towed the narratives of others on this man. I made life hellish for him, bringing to acerbic scorn everything he does. I was on a journey of needless vendetta and without doubt, I did injure the person and character of this man. It was a regrettable venture carried out on the altar of borrowed resentment. This man rubbed my needless venom on my face when eventually our paths crossed. It was at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, sitting in the car and surrounded by security aides was the man in reference. Moved by curious instinct, I moved towards and say hello Mr. Edward. In swiftness, he was out of his car with hand-stretched greeting in return. That was my first shock and it stuck to me as I walked away in muffled confusion. First, here was a man described as offensively arrogant rushing out to greet a small me! That was my first shock and it stayed with me as perhaps a mere spontaneous reaction. Where he finally bought me over was when I had one of the most challenging trials of my life. My friend Hon Ayofa Omonu had come down with a life-threatening health concern. He was at the verge of dying, in fact, his life hung in the balance. Anything could happen at that time. Typical of us, we were waiting for his last breath, in fact, some had pronounced him dead. By the time he was brought to my house, he was more in the other world than here. His chronic diabetes had eaten dangerously into him. We managed to take him to the hospital and thus began the real issue; he won’t be admitted unless we make available a huge deposit! And where on earth will I get such amount became my worries? I became confused, disoriented and sick. Then it occurs to me that this guy in question is an icon of Igala project. With his music, he had taken Igala to the world. So, I put up an appeal call for people to help save this guy’s life. Saidat Lammie and Onoja J. Okpanachi joined me in this struggle. The response we got was abysmally poor- those we reached out to- prominent Igala sons and daughters, looked away like nothing was at stake. No help was forthcoming, then Saidat secured some money and Ayofa was admitted. With this respite, the real issue was to begin treatment, and again, we were back to where we were. This time, I had become exhausted and losing it. I was more dead than my friend who was actually facing death. The tears of his wife by his sickbed was killing me more. Like others, I had resigned to fate. My friend was dying in pains and there was nothing I could do again! The wife would see tears in my lid and then break down in helpless wail. It was really a traumatic moment for me.
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EDITORIAL
HOW CHIEF EDWARD ONOJA BOUGHT ME OVER While in this state, a call came through and the return of my friend from the land of the dead began! Chief Edward Onoja had gotten wind of Ayofa’s deprecating illness and helplessness. In seconds, treatment began and my Ayofa bounced back to life- no thanks to the benevolence of the man I so hated, that I had denigrated and lampooned. Ladies and gentlemen, my Ayofa is not only well today but going round doing what he knows how to do best- singing his didactic tunes to everyone including those who looked away when he was on his dying bed. Similar references of Edward’s benevolence reigns far and wide beyond me. How he ended the misery of a boy abandoned on the popular Abocho juncture with his legs hanging awkwardly in the air. The boy born with deformity endured the pains and burden of his defect for 21 years until Edward gave the lad a respite. He took charge of the boy’s case and ensured his defects corrected at the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Today, the lad walks around with the pride of a normal being thanks to the humanity of a man maligned so bad by those whose interests have been threatened. Chief Edward benevolence was also extended to the former majority leader of Kogi state house of assembly from Ofu LGA, Hon. Yunusa Yakubu during his struggle with ill health. The Honourable member was down and broken with a terminal disease until chief Edward Onoja facilitated the payment of the health bill of the former member. During the October 1st national holiday, one would have expected considering his round the clock schedule that Edward Onoja would have seized that opportunity to relax but far from it. His passion for humanitarianism would let him as he was a guest at the state specialist hospital where he spent time with the bedridden and generously paid the hospital bills of patients on that faithful day. Real humanity is defined by the way we respond to tragedies, that man that responds to the cries of the sick is a walking template of love and should be venerated. And our subject in reference fits perfectly the tag of our description. So that was how Chief Edward Onoja bought me over from the constricted grip of hate to an open embrace of free mind. In life, try as much as possible never to judge people from the stories of others. I did it and still licking the sore of my unfair judgement of a man I knew nothing about until now. Indeed, never ever construct the picture of a man based on the frames given to you by others.
ABDULLAHI HARUNA (Haruspice) Publisher, WorldEntourage Magazine 0803 588 7544
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THE ROLLS ROYCE
O
nly a team of people who mean business for good can gift a Rolls Royce to their father in a bid to boost his public image thereby placing him in the class which historically he belongs to as the Agabaidu, Attah Igala – the one who controls the major commercial and naval activities on the great River Niger pre-colonial era.
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This special gift to His Royal Majesty came as a sacrifice from sons and daughters of the Igala Kingdom who tasked themselves to ensure a befitting ride for the class of Attah Igala. Thanks to the determined leader, His Excellency, Chief Edward David Onoja, the Executive Governor of Kogi State for leading the change.
THE COVER ROLLS ROYCE STORY
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HE, chief Edwad David Onoja, deputy governor of Kogi State being honoured with Merit Award as ‘Commander Of Igala Kingdom’, CIK
IGALA MERIT AWARD 2019
By IGALA CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
History was made on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Igala Unity House, Anyigba, Kogi State where some distinguished illustrious sons of the great Igala Kingdom were identified and honoured for their selfless positive contributions to the development of the kingdom. His Excellency, Chief Edward Onoja, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State at the event was honoured with the Commander of Igala Kingdom (CIK) in view of his numerous contributions including his leadership in the unprecedented fundraising drive for the building of the magnificent Igala Unity House in Anyigba. Also recognized and honoured at the event were Dr. Alidu Moses Abu (CIK), Dr. Idris Omede (OIK) and Chief Paul Idachaba (OIK).
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THE SPEECH BY ALHAJI ABUBAKAR SADIQ AMODU, PRESIDENT, ICDA PROTOCOLS I have the singular privilege and honor to welcome you all to this unique and epoch making event. Today I stand before you on the historic sacred alter of the Igala kingdom to express my sense of fulfillment and appreciate to God Almighty for his love, favor, strength and wisdom to pilot the affairs of ICDA in particular and Igala people in general. I am delighted that despite our numerous challenges, there is an obvious rebirth and renewed template for
the progress and development of our father land (Igala Kingdom). This event is packaged as part of our tireless commitment in ICDA to unite our people and encourage them to participate in community development services for posterity sake. It is my belief that if we continue like this through synergy and cooperation, the Igala land will be great again. Your Excellency, Your Royal Highnesses,
The Citation of Chief Edward Onoja being read
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is important to NOTE that Igala Merit Award is not for sale, rather an individual must work towards earning it. We have carefully selected the recipients of this year award through wider consultations and their nomination’s approved by the National Executive Council of ICDA. I congratulate you on this great and a well-deserved honor.
My dear people of Igala nation, you will agree with me that in the last decade, we have witnessed very regrettable structural decay’s which we were reluctant to find out the source of our problems. It is now obvious that today is better than yesterday because there is rebirth of a better Igala kingdom as a result of our collective engagement to turnover a new leaf
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IGALA MERIT AWARD
While appreciating all concerned Igala people especially Chief Edward David Onoja for his focus and purposeful leadership, I appeal to all of us to shun our political difference and remain one united people to enable us consolidate on these wonderful achievements. No doubt, Igala Unity House is the beginning of the best and sustainable development in our father land because it’s a symbol of our UNITY with all ancestral blessings ICDA has reclaimed her lost status of providing leadership for the Igala people. Our recent achievement and the grassroots structure have boosted people’s confidence on this apex body. Today we shall be inaugurating ICDA Ward Executive Members to facilitate efficient and effective leadership for our people. I enjoy the newly elected leaders to take charge of their localities and come up with suggestions that will better the lives of the people in their communities. We have noticed with Joy that the desire for the Unity of Igala people is high. To achieve this, the popular demand for the revival of ITALO Festival must be given adequate attention by ICDA. This has necessitated the need to set up a Central Planning Committee to suggest possibilities, consult with His Royal Majesty and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the 16 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 53
Chief Edward Onoja arriving venue of the event, Igala Unity House, Anyigba
IGALA MERIT AWARD
Chief Edward Onoja being presented with the award of honour by HRH, Ejeh Dekina on behalf of ICDA
realization of our World Class Festival. A seventeen (17) member committee under the chairmanship of Hon. Adejoh Akowe will be commissioned today to commence this big task. I congratulate the Chairman and all members of ITALO committee and wishing them best of luck in their assignment.
HRH, Ejeh Olamaboro (m) on behalf of ICDA presenting the award of honour to Chief Paul Idachaba
I thank our Royal Fathers and all of you that took your time to witness this occasion. May the Almighty God and the spirit of our ancestors bless all of us. Thank you.
The Ejeh Dekina breaking the traditional kolanut
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Chief Edward Onoja being greeted by some chiefs
Dr. Alidu Moses Abu (m) receiving his award of honour being presented to him on behlaf of ICDA
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HRH, Ohiogba Mozum (l) presenting the award of honour to Dr. Iidris Omede (r) on behalf of ICDA
Hon. Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya with her women group in a special chat with Chief Edward Onoja
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L-R; Dr. Moses Abu, Dr. Idris Omede, Alh. Abubakar Sadiq, HE, Chief Edward Onoja and Chief Paul Idachaba
HE, Chief Edward Onoja thanking ICDA and Igala Nation on behalf the recipients
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HE. Chief Edward Onoja humbly having handshake with the other recipients
IGALA MERIT AWARD
HE, Chief Edward Onoja having a congratulary handshake with the Deputy Speaker, KGHA, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Ahmed
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The crowd at the event with the gallery filled to the brim and the outside too.
Grand Daddy thrilling the audince to some of his lovely tunes
Uncle Ejikelu throwing some laughter pills at the audience who couldn’t resist but laugh out loud 34. Uncle Ejikelu throwing some laughter pills at the audience who couldn’t resist but laugh out loud
Baba JFO, the OMA IGALA crooner doing his thing on state with the ICDA President (r)
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IGALA MERIT AWARD
PROFILE OF HIS EXCELLENCY,
CHIEF EDWARD DAVID ONOJA DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE
B
orn into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Amodu Onoja on 9th August, 1974; Edward Onoja hails from Odidoko-Emonyoku in Ogugu District of Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State. He started his early academic sojourn (Primary School) in Lagos state and maintained as one of the top graduating pupil until completion. Consequent upon his intellectual proficiency, the young Edward Onoja interviewed and passed his examinations into Federal Government College, Kwali, Abuja, FCT in 1985. Edward Onoja sustained his academic prowess through secondary school finishing from FGC Kwali with an excellent result in 1991. He then proceeded to the University of Jos to study Geology and Mining, graduated in 1999 with a Second Class (Upper Division) Degree in 1999 and invariably was one of the top graduating students in his class. Edward Onoja’s excellence in academics must not be mistaken to mean that he was a bookworm who did nothing else but read in school. On the contrary, he was an all-rounder of a student who also excelled in sports, clubs, student unionism and sundry other extracurricular activities. He was an active member of the National Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the student representative for the Society of Exploration Geophysics (SEG). It is easy to spot the chick which will
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IGALA MERIT AWARD grow into a cock right from infancy by its carriage and command among its peers. Edward Onoja was one of the founders and the pioneer President of Natural Science Students Association (NASSA), University of Jos Chapter. Edward broke a jinx in the University of Jos which has persisted from the very beginning of student Unionism in the institution when he singlehandedly installed the first Student Union (SUG) President from the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He did not contest himself, but finding a suitable candidate he believed in, coincidentally a fellow Igala, he presented him to the student community, then leveraged his own resources, personality and popularity to campaign for him. His candidate defeated all comers to emerge the SUG President of UniJos that year. That record stands till date. WORK PLACE EXPERIENCE With a 20-year work experience out of his 45 years on earth, he has worked at Guarantee Trust Bank Nigeria (GTBank), Access Bank Nigeria, Taleveras Group of Companies (Oil and Gas) and his own personal merchandise. Summarily, crisscrossing Banking, Oil and Gas, Entrepreneurship and Politics. In details, upon graduation, Edward Onoja proceeded for the one-year compulsory National Youth Service Corps programme at Port Harcourt. He scaled through the highly competitive rigors of interviewing for a place with Total Fina-ELF Petroleum Nigeria Limited and succeeded as usual. Our man served with his customary excellence in the Exploration Department of the multinational organisation as a Trainee Geologist and Subsurface Engineering Personnel. The experience kindled Edward’s interest in the oil and gas sector, particularly the role of Nigerians in the Nigerian energy market. As we shall see later, he would return to that original interest to carve out a distinguished career for himself. However, after completing the one-year mandatory youth service, he cross-carpeted to the banking industry, starting with Guaranty Trust Bank in 2001. Edward was sent to the premier bank’s Training School in Lagos where he again graduated top of the class and won a prize for his efforts. He was then posted to Guaranty Trust Bank, Jos Branch as a Customer Service Officer where he played ample roles at both administrative and management levels.
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A year and 11 months after joining GTB, Edward Onoja was promoted to Operations Manager and posted to a new Branch opening in Makurdi, Benue State. Edward Onoja’s background in the sciences helped him to bring innovation and new skills to bear on every posting job, helping him and his teammates to break new grounds. With the new Makurdi Branch up and flourishing in no time at all, Edward’s employers identified him as a useful man for setting up new branches. In rapid succession, they moved him around to set up GT Bank branches in Lokoja, Obajana, Okene and Lafia. Soon, he was not just an Operations Manager but was saddled with the responsibilities of Training Officer for the whole of Northern Nigeria (on-the-job weekly training). In 2009, Edward was head-hunted for his competencies by GTB’s arch-rival, Access Bank Plc, and upon coming to agreeable terms, he resumed as the Branch cum Relationship Manager at Lokoja Branch of Access Bank where he handled both the commercial and corporate banking groups of the bank. His duties included analysis of the investment profiles of the bank’s numerous portfolio. In Access Bank, he raised the balance sheet from less than 30 million when he came on board to over half a billion naira in 9 months, a feat which prompted his promotion from the Lokoja Branch to the much bigger Asokoro Branch in Abuja, again, as a Relationship Manager. In June of 2011 Edward, drawn by the allure of Politics, Entrepreneurship and Private Enterprise departed the banking industry and founded On and On Global Resources Limited. The fresh start-up, buoyed by Edward’s industry and restless acumen, plunged into the shark-infested waters of Financial Consulting. He soon carved a niche for himself consulting on risked financial investments in general and the power and energy sectors in particular. In July 2013, Edward, whose profile and exploits as a private Consultant had been steadily climbing, attracted the attention of the Taleveras Group, an Oil and Gas industry stalwart in Nigeria. He was subsequently engaged as the General Manager, (GM), Exploration and Production in the Taleveras Exploration and Production Company Limited. At Taleveras, Edward excelled again. He helped to build a strong Exploration and Production arm for the Taleveras Group and managed the Group’s International and Domestic Partnerships. He also helped to develop and set up the optimum cash-call threshold which is still in use by the company. Edward Onoja’s schedules at Taleveras thrust
IGALA MERIT AWARD him into international waters and deepened his experience as a multidisciplinary deal maker and international transactions broker. As the Taleveras Group’s representative charged with reviewing Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) in all her assets around the world, Edward travelled the globe and participated in high level negotiations in nearly all the continents of the globe. At home, Edward also had intensive exposure to the inner workings of the Oil and Gas Sector in the Federal Republic of Nigeria - often at Senior Executive levels. He was therefore deployed to manage Taleveras’ relationships with the National Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) on shared assets. Again, Edward brought his potent mix of cutting-edge technical expertise and enhanced people skills to the table and achieved great success. This led to his appointment as the Commercial Representative on an NPDC/Taleveras/Others Management Committee for a Joint Asset. Edward was part of the team of experts tasked with overseeing the exploration of 3 Oil Blocks in Ivory Coast as well as a Gas Terminal contract in Equatorial Guinea. Edward’s employers at Taleveras were no doubt impressed with his sterling accomplishments because they elevated him to the position of Director, Exploration & Production in January 2015. His duties on the domestic scene often ran concurrently with his international responsibilities. Through it all, Edward was able to acquire indepth knowledge of the sector, and has developed customized solutions on how Nigeria can move her Oil and Gas industry to the next level. POLITICAL FORAY As a private citizen Edward Onoja developed an almost insatiable passion to see and live in a better and greater Nigeria. He desperately looked for a Leader who had the qualities to build and bequeath such a Nigeria to the next generation. In June and July, 2010, Edward driven by said passion galvanized some of his friends in the financial sector and they sought audience in Kaduna with President Muhammadu Buhari, then of the Congress for Progressive Change, at which Edward proposed a Project 50-50-50 to actualize his ambition. Although President Muhammadu Buhari was unsuccessful in the 2011 Presidential Elections, he gained lifelong disciples in Edward and his friends who saw in him the leader who will achieve Nigeria’s
rebirth. In the build-up to the 2015 Presidential Elections, Edward became Project Director of the Kogi Youths Arise Group (KYAG) under the Chairmanship and Sponsorship of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, now the 4th Executive Governor of Kogi State. The group mobilized thousands of Youths to campaign for the Change Agenda of the APC in Kogi State and beyond. They were instrumental in delivering the State for the APC, which contributed in no small measure to the ultimate victory of their mentor and role model, President Muhammadu Buhari. Later that same year, Edward became Head of Campaigns and Chief Strategist for the Alhaji Yahaya Bello Campaign Organization. He led a team of hitherto unknown, but equally passionate, youngsters into all the nooks and crannies of Kogi State canvassing for his candidate. The rest is history. The APC defeated an incumbent PDP Governor to make Yahaya Bello the 4th Executive Governor of Kogi State. Edward Onoja currently serves as Chief of Staff to His Excellency. Edward Onoja was appointed the DirectorGeneral, APC Campaigns for the 2019 General Elections in Kogi State. He discharged that assignment with unprecedented results. The APC won 25 out of the 25 State Constituency Assembly Seats in Kogi State. The party also won seven (7) out of the nine (9) federal constituency seats in the state and 2 out of the 3 senate seats. Based on the recent ruling of the elections tribunals nullifying the only Senate seat lost by the APC, it does appear that Edward Onoja made a clean sweep of all 3 Senatorial seats in Kogi State. Edward again returns as the Director-General of APC campaigns for the 2019 Kogi State Gubernatorial Elections on November 16. No doubt, this incredible young man will shock his opponents again. For those of you who might not know, be informed that prior to playing such pivotal roles in the Victories of General Muhammadu Buhari and Alhaji Yahaya Bello in their respective polls, Edward, soon after he left Access Bank in 2011, ran for the Olamaboro LGA seat in the Kogi State House of Assembly as candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) for State House of Assembly. He was also the State Coordinator, Project 3R (Rescue, Restore and Rebuild) for Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the Kogi State Governorship Election also in that year.
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IGALA MERIT AWARD These diverse political overtures and experiences imparted him with the hands-on experience which currently serves him well in handling difficult political situations. THE SPIRITUALITY OF EDWARD ONOJA Edward Onoja is an unrepentant believer in The Trinity, ie, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. He believes in Jesus Christ as the Saviour who died to save mankind and though an imperfect man still, he strives to become more Christ-like daily. Edward Onoja professes membership of the mysterious priestly and kingly ORDER OF THE MELCHIZEDEK BROTHERHOOD as detailed in the Bible at Hebrews Chapter 7, Psalms 110:4 and Genesis 14:18-20. It is a brotherhood whose creed is LOVE; whose weapon is the WORD; whose defence is the NAME THAT IS HIGHER THAN ANY OTHER NAME - JESUS; whose emblem is the CROSS of Calvary. It is a brotherhood which believes that there is a better and greater world than the one in which we live today. Edward Onoja considers himself a joint heir with Jesus the King of kings to the manifold riches of God. Edward’s membership of the mysterious brotherhood accounts for why he fears no human being, no matter how highly placed. He believes that humans, no matter how highly placed, can only hurt the body but not the soul, and must not be feared. To Edward, in the final analysis, we shall all return to the dust from where we came so he walks in grace and mercy. He is not perfect, but believes so much in the power of that Blood which speaks better and greater things than even the loquacious blood of Abel - the Blood of Jesus. EDWARD ONOJA’S PHILOSOPHY Honourable Edward Onoja believes in the equality of all men under God. He believes that Nigeria can, and will get better including Kogi State. He has a firm belief in the youths as the catalysts for a new Nigeria and has always affirmed that the time has come for the youths of Nigeria to take their place in the governance of our nation. Honourable Edward Onoja does not easily align himself to causes but once he does, he is ready to DIE for his beliefs. This is an attribute which is
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on practical demonstration in Kogi State daily as Edward stands by his boss and friend, Governor Yahaya Bello through thick and thin. HIS FAMILY Edward Onoja belongs to a family of 7 siblings with both parents alive, hale and hearty. He is happily married and blessed with 3 children. ENTREPRENEURSHIP While operating in the financial sphere, Edward Onoja set up a Barber’s shop (Hally’s Place) which redefines luxury in the men’s grooming business in Kogi State. He quickly grew it from the one outlet with just 2 staffers to 5 outlets with 14 staffers. PHILANTHROPY To say the least, Edward Onoja is a mentor to many young Nigerians. Through his personal enterprise Edward Onoja has helped 8 young persons through tertiary institution - 7 males and 1 female who is a now a graduate of Law. Since he became Chief of Staff to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, many of our children in Kogi East have enjoyed Edward Onoja’s personal scholarships and that of the government he serves. He has empowered countless artisans among us with money or machinery, including vehicles and motorcycles, including start up capital to start l businesses ,thus enhancing their standard of living. INTERNATIONAL TRAVELS By God’s grace, Edward Onoja has travelled round the 5 of the 6 continents of the world. A TRUE SON AND LOVER OF IGALA LAND From his earliest youth Edward Onoja has amply demonstrated his love for his Igala land and people. As a student he used his time, energy, network and resources to assist Hosea Onuche from Ankpa a Chemistry Student of Natural Science Faculty, where Edward was Faculty President to become President of the Student Union Government of University of Jos Nigeria, (UniJos). In the banking sector he helped countless Kogi citizens including his Principal and others access funds for personal and business purposes. He was instrumental in giving several Kogi citizens the opportunity to serve and work in the financial world in different capacities over the years till date.
IGALA MERIT AWARD He used his positions throughout his professional life to facilitate assistance he could muster for many of his Igala brethren and other Citizens of Kogi. As Chief of Staff to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Edward Onoja has facilitated highranking appointments for hundreds of Igala sons and daughters in government, both federal and state. He has used the office and the goodwill of his boss to facilitate thousands of civil service jobs for persons of Igala origin at federal, state and local government levels. Through Edward Onoja’s good offices hundreds of other Igala sons and daughters have been fixed into dignified employments in the private sector. Hundreds of indigent Igalas with life-threatening ailments and no money have been treated with millions and millions of Naira by the good offices of Edward Onoja and his boss. Vehicles have been donated to many elders and community leaders in Igala land who have been long forgotten. Scores of them are serving as salaried members of the Elders Advisory Councils in their constituencies, thus enjoying a new lease of life. Our paramount ruler and father, the Attah of All Igala, continues to receive the full complement of his royal respect and entitlements as the Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers from Edward Onoja and our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello. Many of our Chiefs have been upgraded in status and empowered with vehicles and other befitting paraphernalia of their offices. Edward has helped to attract many infrastructural developments to Igala land which we can all attest to. Across Igala land, from Dekina to Ankpa to Idah to Olamaboro to Omala to Igalamela/Odolu to Ofu to Ibaji there are scores of ongoing or completed roads, schools, health centres, bridges, erosion management sites, electricity and water projects which have the fingerprint of Edward Onoja on them. Even as we speak, the big one is coming. Edward Onoja is Chairman of the Project Light Up Kogi East (PLUKE) which the Governor inaugurated the day he came to commission our Igala Unity House. Edward has re-echoed the Governor’s promise that by December 2019, at least 200 communities in Igala land will be connected or on the way to being connected to the national grid. Under the same canopy of responsibility to the Igala race, he has galvanized efforts to build two Guest Houses in Anyigba and Ankpa respectively for
the apex father of the Igala race, His Royal Majesty, the Attah Igala, which is to help him to palatial rest and access to his children as he travels round his kingdom. Talking of the Igala Unity House, its transformation is the brainchild of this enigma whom we have gathered here today to confer with our highest honour. Edward Onoja came to office determined that the gathering place of his tribe which lay in ruins like the Walls of Jerusalem in the Bible must be rebuilt. In just one year, he and his friends, in conjunction with ICDA, gave us an Igala Unity House which is today the cynosure of all eyes. The shame which all Governors of Igala extraction refused to wipe from our face has been wiped away by a lowly Chief of Staff. Before the Igala Unity House, Edward as an advocate of interfaith harmony has helped to build the Central Mosque and the United Evangelical Church, both in Okpo. Edward has also donated over 10 evangelism buses to Christian denominations and clergymen in Igala land. No part of Igala land and society has remained untouched by Edward Onoja’s positive impact as a functionary in the government of the day in Kogi State. Generally, as an arrowhead of the New Direction Administration of Governor Yahaya Bello, Edward Onoja through humble and faithful service to his boss has earned plenty of goodwill with the Governor which he deploys to ensure that Igala land is not short-changed in the only democratic government so far which does not have an Igala man as governor. Truly, we cannot exhaust the great deeds which this young man, Edward Onoja, has jammed into his life. Let us stop here and just thank God that in our time and age, such a brilliant star rose over the skies in Igala. Let us celebrate Edward Onoja as a true son of the Igala soil on this auspicious day and pray that others who may come after him from our land will have the same heart to do for us even half of the things that he has done and will yet do. Ladies and gentlemen, assembled friends from far and near, I give you our honouree, the indefatigable, ebullient, brilliant and celebrated Edward Onoja, Commander of the Igala Kingdom! Long may his light shine!
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O
gugu Day 2019 is the maiden edition of the annual event which was part of the dreams of the founding fathers of Ogugu Development Union (ODU) which started out in 1944 as Ogugu District Union. The essence of the Ogugu Day as set forth by the constitution is to bring all sons and daughters of the land together every year to enable them refresh, network and work together for the common good of the land and to also inspire the young generation to keep the fire of unity alive at all cost. At this maiden edition, some selfless sons and daughters were selected and honoured for their foundational contributions (with posthumous leadership awards) and some for their leadership awards in view of their contributions to the development of the land. These are names of the recipients of this year’s award; Elder Abraham A. Ati (late), Pa Samuel Odoh (late), Capt. Emmanuel A. Ujah (late), Engr. Akoh S. Onoja (late), Chief Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN, HE, Chief Edward David Onoja, CIK, Mr. Lawrence O. Ekpah, Prof. Adejo Odoh, Dr. Mrs. Jumai Ahmadu, Hon. Mrs. Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya and Surv. Mrs. Charity Michael Olla. At the event, HE, Chief Edward Onoja, Deputy Governor of Kogi State and his friends helped ODU in the fundraising drive towards the building of the Community Town Hall.
Mr. Enemona Anyebe, President General, Ogugu Development Union (ODU)
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OGUGU DAY
THE SPEECH DELIVERED BY
MR. ENEMONA ANYEBE PRESIDENT GENERAL, OGUGU DEVELOPMENT UNION (ODU) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019
PROTOCOLS give God Almighty the honour for allowing us to be alive to see this day and be present as part of this maiden Ogugu Day Celebration. I also consider it a great honour to address this gathering of Ogugu people and friends of Ogugu as the President General of O.D.U.… Ogugu Development Union (O.D.U) is the umbrella union, established by our Forefathers for the purpose of fostering unity and development in Ogugu land. It is on record that the first meeting of O.D.U took place on the 30th of December, 1944, at the Qua Iboe Church (Now United Evangelical Church UEC), Ogugu Centre with late Pa Abraham Ati as the first elected president.…… Ogugu day celebration is a day set aside as prescribed by the O.D.U constitution to majorly gather all Sons and Daughters of Ogugu at home and in diaspora to foster unity and project our development by showcasing our culture. Hence, our theme for this maiden celebration “Culture for Sustainable Peace and Development”. The efforts of the founders pioneered educational and economic institutions which saw Ogugu as a leading community among its peers. For instance, the first Community Secondary School in the then Northern Nigeria was established in Ogugu in 1971, that is Ogugu Community Secondary School (OCSS). Scholarship Scheme was also established to cater for indigent, but otherwise brilliant students. Some of whom by today have attained the highest academic qualification of Professorship and so many doing Ogugu and indeed Kogi State and Nigeria proud in their various professional endeavours. It is these and many other achievements by
I
our forefathers through O.D.U. that we want to sustain and possibly do more, that we have gathered our people today to celebrate. We are also giving Awards of recognition for excellence and leadership to some of our members for their various community services. The list is inexhaustible, but we have chosen just a few to start with this year as the Award is in intended to be an annual exercise. I therefore wish to commend individuals who have used their position to bring one form of development or the other to Ogugu Land. I want to use this gathering of Ogugu people to show our appreciation once again to his Excellency Gov. Yahaya Bello for considering one of own Chief Edward Onoja worthy to be appointed as his Chief of Staff and the confidence reposed on him therein. This has positively impacted on the growth and development of Ogugu Land. We also wish to appreciate you sir for other key appointments made into your Government from among us (Commissioner, Director Generals and Others). We as a people are happy with what these have brought to Ogugu, greatly complementing our community efforts. The conversion of Ogugu Community Secondary School (O.C.S.S) to Federal College of Science and Technology will in no small way enhance the development of Technical education in our land and it will also draw the attention of Nigerians to Ogugu. The reconstruction of Ogugu road has greatly improved transportation of people and materials consequently contributing immensely to the growth of economic activities in and outside Ogugu. We also greatly appreciate the Kogi State Government for the award of contract for the control of Adum Road gully erosion, and other ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 53
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OGUGU DAY
HE, Chief Edward Onoja being welcomed to the Ogugu Day 2019
erosion sites in Ogugu which had overtime defiled our community efforts through the Nigeria Erosion and Water Shed Management Programme (NEWMAP) and supply of water to so many communities.… We are a community that appreciate and repay good for good. Please, count on our cooperation and support at all times. We also use this opportunity to draw the attention of His Excellency to the deplorable state of other roads linking our communities to the Centre especially Ogugu – Ofante – Unyi – Ogugu Road, Ogugu – Adum – Ikem Road and Ogugu – Adupi – Otukpa Road. We request your kind immediate attention, sir.……… Our electricity infrastructure for Ogugu has completely collapsed because we have not had light for more than six years. The effort of our sister body Ogugu Development Initiative (ODI) to repair the infrastructure could not be sustained for same reason. Our other towns and villages do not even have the infrastructure. We therefore call on the State Government to come to our aid by lighting up our towns and villages as this will lead to accelerated 30 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 53
economic activities for. Development. As a border town, Ogugu is faced with a lot of security challenges. We as a community have over time tried to compliment Government effort through establishment of Local Vigilantes. We call on Government therefore to come to our assistance by upgrading the Police Post in Ogugu to a full fledge Divisional Police Station. This will greatly enhance the Security of our people and properties.……… At this maiden Ogugu Day Celebration, we have decided to embark on Fund Raising to build a befitting Community Town Hall for our people. I therefore call on all to support this project by donating to the fund. We will assure you all of the judicious use of whatever is collected. Finally, I call on all Ogugu Sons and Daughters to emphasize only on those things that unite us and not things that divide us. Ogugu first before any other thing.…… I thank you all for coming and pray God to grant you safe journey to your various destinations.
OGUGU DAY
HE, Chief Edward Onoja being welcomed to the Ogugu Day 2019
Hon. Mrs. Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya havin a tete-a-tete with HE, Chief Edward Onoja at the Ogugu Day 2019
Hon. Egbiti in a tete-a-tete with HE, Chief Edward Onoja at the Ogugu Day 2019
Rt. Hon. Ahmed Ahmed. Deputy Speaker, KGHA in a warm handshake with with HE, Chief Edward Onoja at the Ogugu Day 2019
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HRH, Chief Salifu, acting Ochogwu conducting the traditional breaking of kolanut at the event
Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Paul (Eegoja Gas) in a warm Double in a very thrilling performance at the event handshake with HE, Chief Edward Onoja at the Ogugu Day 2019
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Double in a very thrilling performance at the event
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HRH, Chief James Akoh arriving venue of the event
Mr. Lawrence Onuh Ekpah (m) arriving venue of the event
Presentation of the post-humous award to the ATI family
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OGUGU DAY
Presentation of the post-humous award to the UJAH family
Presentation of the award to the Mr. Lawrence O. Ekaph
Presentation of the award to Surv. Mrs. Charity Michael Olla
Presentation of the award to Dr. Mrs. Jumai Ahmadu through her representative
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Presentation of the award to Hon. Mrs. Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya
Presentation of the award to Chief Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN through his representative
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Presentation of the award to HE, Chief Edward David Onoja, Deputy Governor of Kogi State
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The Fulani Community in Ogugu
The Fulani Community in Ogugu in solidarity with HE, Chief Edward David Onoja
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Engr. Sunday Ojonimin Okoh (m) with the Double D
Engr. Sunday Ojonimin Okoh (m) with Grand Daddy
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L-R; MR. Samuel P. Idoko (Sec. Gen. ODU), Engr. Sunday O. Okoh (Chairman, Organ. Committee,Ogugu Day) and Mr. Enemona Anyebe (Pres. Gen. ODU)
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THE SPECIAL
CHIEFTAINCY TITLES
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CONFERMENT
n Saturday, October 26, 2019 history was made at Idah, Kogi State at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu, Attah Igala were he honoured three illustrious Kogites and one from Edo State for their developmental strides. Also, the flag-off of the Idah-Agenebode bridge took place at Egah Water Front, Idah. The 5km+ bridge being a multi interest project between governments and private businesses will boost economic activities within the region and also help in reducing some long distance journeys being a shorter route when completed. At the Attah Igala Palace, HE, Governor Yahaya Bello was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Oga Onu Ogwu Attah (Ede); HE, Chief Edward Onoja was honoured with the chieftaincy title
of Olimene Attah Igala (Doga); Major General Charles Airhiavbere, mni (Rtd.) was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Eju Attah Igala (Ebije) and Dr. Mrs. Folashade Arike was honoured with the Chieftaincy title of Omi-Akele Attah Igala (Adebu). In thanking the Agabaidu, Attah Igala, HE, Governor Yahaya Bello noted that there are more that unite us as Kogites more than those things that tend to divide us and in particular he reiterated on the common origin of the Igala and Ebira as history had it that we are one from the great Kwararafa Empire and the Ebira are originally of the Igala People and so, we are one and should come together to build a better Kogi State for all.
He, Governor Yahaya Bello After The Conferment Of The ‘Oga Onu Ogwu Attah’ On Him - Edee!!!
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CHIEFTAINCY TITLES CONFERMENT
THE ROYAL SPEECH BY HIS ROYAL MAJESTY,
AGABAIDU, DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI II, JP
ATTAH IGALA and PRESIDENT, KOGI STATE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019. PROTOCOLS. Another landmark event is taking place in our lives. For a man who has achieved so much in the lives of the people of Kogi East in particular and Kogi State in general, you deserve to be honoured. For those critics without substance and patience to verify the truth, they should take note that on 14th August, 2019 Admiral Usman Jibrin (Rtd.), a gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress came to my palace on a campaign mission; I enumerated the good things he did for Kogi State while in service of the Nigeria Navy which are: 1. Naming of a Nigeria Warship, NNS Okpabana after the god of thunder in Igala 2. The building of one of the best Naval Secondary Schools in Nigeria at Okura Olafia and 3. The location of Naval Base at Idah, all in Kogi State Based on these, I conferred on him at the heat of his campaign the title of Oga-Attah, which was followed by a resounding applause. Oga-Attah, a General in Attah’s Army is no different from the title being conferred on His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello which has generated an uproar and misgiving by misinformed tribalists in our society. 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. This group of mostly politicians who have won elections to the National Assembly were responsible for putting heads together to build a palace and Igala House at Anyigba. And finally, they are responsible for tasking themselves to purchase for me the ultimate ROLLS ROYCE am privileged to have today. God bless you all. My address will be incomplete if I do not reckon with the highly laudable undertaking which we the Igala people have benefited in the tenure of Your Excellency – This is the Ocho National Festival for the race which has been in limbo for 64 years before your administration unbanned it two years ago. Regarding the return of this remarkable festival of my people, you have again done what others including our own sons and your predecessors in office at the Lugard House, Lokoja failed to do. We will not also fail to mention your magnanimity in keeping your promise to rehabilitate the UmomiIdah road, a project that is very dear to us on which work is ongoing. The Flag-off of the construction of the Niger Bridge today is the crowning glory of your journey in Lugard House and makes you worthy of all the honours in Igalaland. Finally, I salute you all for coming to Idah, the seat of Ayegba Oma-Idoko for this historic occasion.
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HRM, Agabaidu (m) delivering his speech before the conferment of the chieftaincy titles of the recipients
4. HRM, Agabaidu pour his blessings on the beads and ragalias before the commencement of the chietancy decoation
HE, Governor Yahaya Bello being beaded
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HE, Governor Yahaya Bello being decrated
HE, Governor Yahaya Bello being decrated
HE, Governor Yahaya Bello being decrated
HE, Governor Yahaya Bello being decrated
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HE, Governor Yahaya Bello and Hajia Salamatu Baiwa (r) at the ceremony
HE, Chief Edward Onoja being beaded
HE, Chief Edward Onoja after being beaded, in his full ragalia greets Agabaidu
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HE, Chief Edward Onoja being beaded
CHIEFTAINCY TITLES CONFERMENT
HE, Chief Edward Onoja after being beaded, in his full ragalia greets HE, Governor Yahaya Bello
Major General Charles Airhiavbere, mni (Rtd.), being beaded as Eju Attah Igala
Major General Charles Airhiavbere, mni (Rtd.), being beaded as Eju Attah Igala
Major General Charles Airhiavbere, mni (Rtd. , in his full ragalia after being beaded greets HRM, Agabaidu
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Dr. Mrs. Folasade Ayoade Arike being beaded
Dr. Mrs. Folasade Ayoade Arike after being beaded greets HRM, Agabaidu
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Alhaji Abubakar Rajb at the ceremony
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Rt. Hon. Kolawole, the Speaker, KGHA greets HRM, Agabaidu at venue of the flag-off of Idah-Agenebo Bridge
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Rt. Hon. Kolawole, the Speaker ,KGHA greets royal fathers at venue of the flag-off of Idah-Agenebo Bridge
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Barr. Dr. Hajiya Halima Alfa greets HRM, Agabaidu, Attah Igala
Barr. Dr. Hajiya Halima Alfa dancing to the tune by Oma as she arrives venue of the flag-off of Idah-Agenebo Bridge
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HRM, Agabaidu recieves HE, Governor Yahaya Bello at the venue of the flag-off of the Idah-Agenebode Bridge
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Dr. Mrs. Folasade A. Arike greets HRM, Agabaidu at venue of the flag-off of Idah-Agenebo Bridge
CHIEFTAINCY TITLES CONFERMENT
HRM, Agabaidu presenting his speech at the flag-off ceremony of the Idah-Agenebode Bridge
HE, Governor Yahaya Bello performing the flag-off ceremony of the Idah-Agenebode Bridge laying the foundation block
HE, Governor Yahaya Bello performing the flag-off ceremony of the Idah-Agenebode Bridge
HE, Governor Yahaya Bello performing the flag-off ceremony of the Idah-Agenebode Bridge laying the foundation block
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