Kogiflame
Major General James Alilu Ataguba (rtd) and Naval Commodore Godwin Obaje (rtd) have taken over national leadership of Ukomu Igala organization with a call for unity, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Ukomu Igala which translate to Igala Voice, is an apex socio-cultural organization of the Igala ethnic nationality in Kogi East senatorial district, Kogi state.
Gen Ataguba and Gen Obaje who emerged as national leader and national secretary of the organization respectively both said they have served the nation while in uniform and now back home to serve their communities.
Both retired generals were among the 16-man executive council inaugurated at NBA House Abuja on Saturday.
According to Gen Ataguba who emerged as the national leader,
“The new Ukomu Igala leadership is clear-eyed about it’s mandate, we are here to provide a strong unifying voice for the Igala/Bassa people, foster continuous dialogue, engagements across communities.
“We are coming in with a mandate to regenerate out land socially, economically and culturally and reclaim our rightful place in the Nigerian project. We envision an Igala/Bassa people will fused into one formidable socio-cultural organization with understanding and shared opportunities.
“To achieve this, we are required to network with other socio-cultural organizations across the country, partner with local, state and federal government and collaborate with relevant NGOs to bring developments to our people.
“Above all, let us burry our hatchets, mend fences, heal our wounds with renewed commitment to unity and mutual love. We need to seek a common ground for love, peace and progress. And commit to the collective development our land” he said
Also speaking, Gen Obaje who emerged as the national secretary of the 6th executive council of the organization said, “I have served my country, I’m back home, my community need my service now. There are leadership vacuum in Kogi East that required people like us to take charge and bring our people together for development purposes”
In his welcome address remarks, the chairman board of trustees Dr Michael Idachaba said, “You are carefully selected based on your antecedents, competence, visible passion and commitments to Igala/ Bassa people.
“The current situations in Igala nation is more dare than in 2009 when the organization was formed. Then there was no banditory. Today, insecurity in Kogi East has gone through the roof while hopelessness and despair pervade the entire land. But with these generals now on board, the peace and progress that has eluded us over the decade will soon be history”
Earlier in his opening remarks chairman of the inauguration planning committee, Chief Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, SAN, noted that the emergence these personalities as chairman and secretary means the Igalas are no longer ready to remain in the backseat on national stage. It’s time for Igala to take it’s pride of place in Nigeria, there must be unity in the rank and file of the people.
“The current attitude of everyone for himself and no one for all is not healthy for our strength” he said.
