By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
IGALA Cultural Development Association (ICDA), the apex socio-cultural organisation of Igala Kingdom in Kogi, has charged its State Executives to work in harmony with the Onu-Igala in their respective states for overall peace and development of the kingdom.
The ICDA National Executive Council (NEC) gave the charge at its maiden Consultative and Consensus Building meeting with states Executive Councils and the Onu-Igalas from various states, at the AKK hotels, Lokoja.
The meeting was aimed at creating a forum for engagement between the National Executive Council (NEC), Executives of State Chapters and the beaded traditional rulers (Onu-Igala) to develop programmes and activities for the Organisation.
The communiqué which was issued at the end of the meeting and made available to newsmen urged members of the various chapters of the association to focus on the development of well articulated strategies and programmes that would enhance development of Igalaland and people.
The meeting which had the ICDA President, Navy Commodore Ahmed Abdullahi rtd and the national officers in attendance clearly spelt out the role of an Onu-Igala in a state as advisory.
It said they are also expected to assume the Father Figure as the ceremonial Heads of the Igala people in their respective states of residence.
The communiqué directed that all chieftaincy disputes in the states be referred to the Palace of Ata Igala in Idah for peaceful and amicable resolution.
It also directed that educated persons with proven integrity should be considered for appointment as Onu-Igala in the States where there are none, in line with modern practice.
The National Executive Council said that the directive was to enable the Onu-Igalas blend well with other traditional rulers from other tribes in their states of residence.
“Where there are crisis within the Executive Councils of State Chapters, such should be reported to the NEC of ICDA through the Secretariat for quick intervention and resolution.
“At the expiration of the tenure of the Executive Council in the State Chapter, the NEC must be communicated in writing to provide guidance in the conduct of election”, the Communique added.
“State chapters should create revenue generating avenues to enable them fund their programmes and activities.
The ICDA NEC charged its state chapters to, as a matter of priority, enlighten their members and all Igala sons and daughters to always come back home and exercise their civic rights.
It called on all sons and daughters at home and in diaspora, to participate in population Census exercises to avoid depleting their population figures and should also participate in the periodic General Elections to elect their representatives.
“All Igala sons and daughters both at home and in diaspora are enjoined to live in peace and harmony among themselves wherever they are” The communiqué reiterated. (Ends)