Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims of Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro Federal Constituency of Kogi State has paid an emotional tribute to a revered Igala sociopolitical icon and ex presidential aide, Dr. Steven Makoji Achema as family, friends and associates of the late political leader mark his twenty fifth death anniversary.
In his remarks at the ceremony which was held at Shehu Yar’Adua Memorial Centre Abuja, Rep. Halims who doubles as Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives recalled with nostalgia how he ran into the elder statesman at Anyigba in 1978. He described him as a very wonderful person with a great aura and charisma.
Addressing the distinguished invited guests which includes a former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Captain Idris Wada, serving and past political leaders, traditional rulers as well as family and friends of the late icon; Rep. Halims said the deceased’s widow played a vital role in his early life when she taught mathematics at his Alma Mata, the Ochaja Boys Secondary School.
Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims encouraged the Igala race to uphold the legacies of Achema by representing the race’s interest at all time, be good citizens in their various sphere of the society and unite themselves to reclaim a place of pride among the committee of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
“Let’s celebrate our diversity, cherish our differences, be committed to the service of Igala land be united for common goals. We must be good citizens, disciplined to a fault and be ready to do everything required of us within the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to reflect a good image of our tribe” the lawmaker said.
In his public lecture, Prof. Jerry Gana, a personal friend of the Late Achema who is a former minister of Information commended the Local Organising Committee for the excellent initiatives, hailed the resilience of Igala people over time. He urged Igala leaders to emulate his late friend and drive home more dividends of democracy to the electorates.
The ex minister appealed to the serving minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Abubakar Audu to request the President’s assistance in completing the Ajaokuta Steel company in order to provide job and industrial revolution opportunity for Nigerians.
