The Ujéjú-Ógu, popularly known as Italo, is an important cultural institution and traditional festival of the Igala people. Beyond its ceremonial and festive character, Italo provides an opportunity for the Igala people to reconnect with their history, ancestral roots, traditional institutions and one another. It promotes unity, preserves indigenous values and creates a platform for transmitting our cultural heritage from one generation to another.
Recognising this importance, His Royal Majesty, the Attah Igala, through the Igala Area Traditional Council, has mandated the Ejeh Dekina to work in conjunction with the Igala Cultural & Development Association (ICDA) in planning and celebrating the 2026 Italo Festival.
Consequently, an inaugural planning meeting has already been held in Dekina, with a follow-up meeting scheduled to take place next week. These engagements are part of the ongoing consultations with traditional institutions, community leaders, relevant stakeholders and other interest groups to ensure that the 2026 festival is properly organised and worthy of the Igala nation.
As part of this process, a star-studded planning committee, reflecting the global influence, diversity and accomplishments of the Igala people, will be constituted very soon. The committee is expected to bring together distinguished sons and daughters of Igala from different walks of life and from within Nigeria and the diaspora, whose experience, expertise and networks can contribute meaningfully to the success of the festival.
The 2026 Italo Festival is envisaged as a two-day programme, with a rich array of cultural, traditional and community activities lined up.
However, the exact dates, detailed programme, structure and other arrangements are still subject to consultation and confirmation by the relevant stakeholders. Full and authoritative details will therefore be made available to the Igala public as soon as the necessary consultations are concluded.
The ICDA appreciates the growing interest in the return and celebration of Italo and encourages all sons and daughters of Igala to support the process with patience, unity, and a shared sense of responsibility.
This is our culture.
This is our heritage.
This is our collective homecoming.
The ICDA remains committed to working with the traditional institution and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the 2026 Ujéjú-Ógu Igala Cultural Festival becomes a memorable celebration of Igala identity, unity, tradition and heritage.
Official information on the festival will be communicated through the appropriate channels in due course.
Signed:
Jonathan Jibrin
Director, Media & Publicity
Igala Cultural & Development Association (ICDA)
