The people of Igala ethnic nationality in Kogi State have been urged to remain united wherever they find themselves to be able to exert their position in the affairs of the state.
Giving a charge to the newly elected executive of Ukomu Igala Organisation (UIO), the apex socio-cultural organisation of Igala people in Lagos, its National Leader, David Abutu, maintained that without unity, there is nothing the people can achieve.
Abutu, who was speaking at the inauguration of the new executive in Lagos on Saturday, maintained that Igala people are noted for their unity and oneness, stressing that this spirit should continue to be with the executive and the people of the ethnic nationality who live in Lagos.
He said: “I want you all, the executives, to know that this is a voluntary assignment. You will not be paid. You will be using your resources in terms of time, finance and assets for the benefit of the Igala people.
“Some of us have been involved in this for a long while, you will find joy at the end of the day if you make achievements. Please work unanimously to promote unity and peace,” he said.
The new executive included Sir James Opaluwa, Lagos Chapter Chairman; Chief Abubakar Agene, Secretary; Chief Godwin Erele, Treasurer and Jerry Ojonugua, Financial Secretary.
Others are Joshua Moses, Public Relations Officer; Isah Abubakar, Assistant General Secretary and Robson Atabo, Director Mobilisation.
In his acceptance speech, James Opaluwa, the new chairman, appreciated the confidence reposed on him and other executive members by Igala indigenes in Lagos.
Opaluwa urged everyone to cooperate with the new leadership of the organisation as he said his main focus would be on ensuring unity among all Igala indigenes living in Lagos.
He said there was great need for all Igala people to work unanimously to stay relevant in the society, adding that the people of the ethnic group had been known as people to be reckoned in the past.
He stressed this should be consciously upheld and further improved on in such a way that the people would further aspire to be relevant individuals in the society and occupy political positions.
“Be proud of your language and every idiosyncrasies that make you an Igala person.
“We must continue to register our presence in this nation in a way that we will gain international recognition,” he said.
Earlier, Chief Abubakar Agene, Secretary of the group, noted that the Lagos chapter of Ukomu Igala Organisation had not been active due to the sudden death of the chairman, Alhaji Yakubu Abdullai.
