The Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives and Member Representing Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro Federal Constituency of Kogi State, Rt. Hon Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims has called on the apex Igala Sociocultural body, Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA) to speed up efforts at revamping its responsibility of sharpening leadership in Igala Land.
He made the call recently when the Kogi East Caucus of the National Assembly hosted the leadership of the ICDA to a roundtable discussion at the National Assembly, Abuja. According to him, the ICDA owes Igala Nation a duty fastrack development at all levels adding what binds Igala people together is greater than politics and stronger than words.
The Federal Lawmaker stressed that he has had a long time coming relationship with the ICDA and as a holder of the revered title; Commander of Igala Kingdom (CIK), he knows too well that the ICDA is a revered sociocultural organisation that must revive its long standing glory of being the source and symbol of Igala unity.
Also speaking, the Member Representing Idah Federal Constituency who doubles as Chairman of the House Committee on Safety Standards, Hon Idris David Zach noted that everyday is a note for history and history does not judge people by their personal achievements but collective efforts at making their society better in their own lifetime.
He added that the National Assembly gathering was not a political session but an opportunity to advance partnership in the task of Igala nation-building and therefore called on the ICDA to revive significant ceremonies such as the annual “Italo” festival.
Earlier in his opening address, the ICDA National President, Commodore Dr. Ahmed Abdullahi (Rtd) revealed that the ICDA is a voice of the people, and as partners in the shared vision of a prosperous Igala land, the apex body has taken a step from its docility to rebuild a greater and better Igala Nation through periodic stakeholder engagement and innovation.
The joint resolve of the ICDA and Kogi East National Assembly caucus underscored the importance of strategic partnership. They further acknowledged the fact that there cannot be any meaningful development without peace and vice versa as they collectively resolved to establish periodic engagements to move Kogi East forward.
The high powerful delegation of ICDA featured in attendance its National Secretary, Alhaji Rufai Yahaya; Director of Media and Publicity, Hon. Jonathan Jibrin and Dr. Umar Farook Goodman Akwu; the Director of Contacts and Mobilization. Also present were Hon Ogwu Haruna and Dr. Isah Salifu both of whom are the National Director of Culture and National Treasurer, respectively.