The Igala Cultural and Development Association ICDA held its maiden consultative meeting with the theme….”Setting the tone for a greater ICDA” at AKK Hotel Lokoja on Saturday, the 12th of April 2025.
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A ONE-DAY CONSULTATIVE AND CONSENSUS BUILDING MEETING WITH THE EXECUTIVES OF THE IGÁLÁ CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION ( ICDA) IN STATE CHAPTERS AND THEIR ONUS::
A one – day Consultative and Consensus Building meeting with the State Chapters and their Traditional Rulers held at Lokoja on the 12th April,,2025.
OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of the meeting,among others,are:
1. To create a forum where the NEC and the Executives of State Chapters and their Traditional Rulers can have open discussions on the programs/activities of ICDA.
2. To come up,in collaboration with the Executives of State Chapters, with a focused and well articulated strategy for improving the activities/programs of the Association at both levels.
3. Work out a clear delineation of the functions and the workings of the State Chapters and the Onu Igálá in the states, to avoid working at cross purposes.
4. To unanimously agree on the relationship between the NEC and the State Chapters in terms of funding and other responsibilities.
5. To create a forum where members from State Chapters can share their experiences and brief the NEC on the status updates of their Chapters.
At the end of the meeting,the following communique was issued:
1. The Executives of State Chapters MUST unite and work harmoniously with their Traditional Rulers (the Onus).
2. The Onus MUST not interfere with the leadership of State Chapters.
3. The role of the Onu Igálá in the states is fatherly and advisory. They are the ceremonial Head of the Igálás.
4. Where there are Chieftancy disputes, such should be referred to the Palace of Ata Igálá for immediate resolution.
5. Educated persons with proven integrity should be considered for appointment as ONU Igálá in the State in line with modern practice and to enable the Onu blend with other Traditional Rulers from other tribes in the State.
6. Where there are crisis within the Executives of State Chapters, such should be reported to the NEC of ICDA through the Secretariat for quick intervention and resolution.
7. At the expiration of the tenure of the Executive Council in the State Chapter,the NEC MUST be communicated in writing to provide guidance in the conduct of election.
8. In the conduct of election,the Executive Council in the state shall invite the NEC for observation as provided in the constitution.
9. Payment of statutory Dues to the NEC by the State Chapters MUST be done promptly in line with the provision of the Constitution.
10. State Chapters should create revenue generating avenues to enable them fund their programs and activities.
11. State Chapters where there are unresolved Chieftancy disputes, such be referred to the Igálá Area Traditional Council for such Titles to be revalidated by His Majesty,the Ata Igálá , Gabaaidu.
12. The Executives of State Chapters are as a matter of priority encouraged to enlighten their members and all Igálá sons and daughters to come back to participate in population Census and equally participate in elections at home to avoid depleting our population figures.
13. All Igálá sons and daughters both at home and in diaspora are enjoined to live in peace and harmony among themselves wherever they are.
In conclusion,the participants commended the efforts of the NEC for the initiative and for organizing the meeting at an auspicious time. They equally expressed their happiness for the opportunity given to them to participate.
Signed
Cdr.(Dr) Ahmed Abdullahi (Rtd)
National President
Chief Rufai Yahaya (Ogah Atah Igala )
Sec. Gen.
