By Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja
The Fifth edition of the annual Igala cultural day celebration organized by Igala Youth Forum of Nigeria (IYF), has held in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The IYF which is a socio-cultural organisation in Igala Kingdom in Eastern Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria held the annual Igala Youths cultural day with the aim to revive the culture and tradition of the Igala people especially among the youth.
The fifth edition of the cultural fiesta attracted scores of Igala personalities comprising eminent sons and daughters of Igala race from within and outside the state.
Young igala music sensation, Umajah and music maestros including famous Umajah from Ankpa and his cultural Troup and Mc Ajebere as well as Artists, Politicians and businessmen attended the cultural event.
The national president of IYF Yahaya Hashim, led a delegation of the national body to the occasion, with a message of solidarity to the Igala Youth gathering of valour as the guests speakers challenged the young generation of Igala Youths to rediscover their cultural identity threatened by westernization, which has eroded the Igala cultural values.
Notable Transporter in Anyigba Alhaji Abu Yasalam, was given recognition for providing free transport services to Igala Youths resident outside the state and other Community development services to Igala Youths.
Dignitaries that grace the event included, Musa Ameh, ICDA Ganaja branch, Hon. Musa Abu Musa, representative of ICDA national secretariat, APC Ajaokuta House of Reps Candidate Abdulraheem Sani Egidi, and PDP’s Reps Candidate, Hon. Aloysius Okino.
Others are Iye Igala of Jingbe, Onu Igala Ganaja, Ahmadu Momoh, Hajia Halima ogugu, the leadership of igala concern movement Lokoja
Famous Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Suleiman Ganaja, was the spiritual father of the day while the coalition of Igala artisans, Iye Bread, ICDA local branches, from Igala land, and other dignitaries graced the event.
In a remark, President of Igala Youths forum of Nigeria, Comrade Mustapha Abbah, appealed to the Igala Youths across the nation to join hands towards achieving social revolution in the Igala nation.
Comrade Abbah, said his leadership would continue to build on the achievements of the group, in past years.
He also promised to strive for more successes in years to come as the organisation has since inception achieved cultural integration among Igala Youths as well as social cohesion in line with the ideals of the organisation.