The Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA), the apex socio-cultural body of the Igala people, has set out a broad roadmap for unity, peace, and socio-economic development across Igala land.
This followed its stakeholders’ summit held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Federal Polytechnic Council Hall, Idah.
The summit, themed “Consensus Building: The Right Path to Achieving Unity for a Greater Igala Kingdom,” drew prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom, including traditional rulers, retired military officers, religious leaders, socio-cultural groups, professionals, youth and women’s associations, as well as diaspora representatives.
In a communiqué jointly signed by ICDA President, Dr. A.A. Abdulai, and Secretary-General, Chief Rufai Yahaya, the body said consensus building through dialogue and compromise was the surest way to overcome disunity and reposition the Igala nation for rapid development.
The summit identified insecurity, infrastructural decay, low agricultural output, declining educational standards, and environmental degradation from unregulated mining as the most urgent challenges facing the kingdom.
Major resolutions adopted included, upholding the dignity of the Igala people through shared values and collective identity, renewed commitment to agriculture as both an economic lifeline and a cultural heritage, advocacy for government-backed infrastructural development and industrialization through communal partnerships and synergy between ICDA and other socio-cultural organizations to restore Igala’s pride of place among Nigerian nationalities.
Others included, establishment of a Kogi East Trust Fund to tackle pressing development needs, collaboration between traditional institutions, security agencies, and stakeholders to confront rising insecurity and continuous youth reorientation and moral regeneration to curb social vices, including irresponsible social media use.
The communiqué also raised strong concerns about the impact of mineral exploration in communities such as Odagbo-Okaba in Ankpa and Adumu/Ig’ebije in Ofu Local Government Areas. Delegates warned that unchecked mining was creating severe environmental degradation and health hazards, urging both state and federal governments to take immediate remedial action.
Beyond politics, the summit emphasized the importance of building consensus around education, agriculture, morality, and cultural preservation, stressing that leadership positions must always be entrusted to credible Igala sons and daughters on merit.
The ICDA leadership further underscored that dialogue devoid of parochial sentiments, selfish interests, or acrimony was vital to fostering trust and sustainable peace.
With more than 300 participants in attendance, the summit was hailed as a major step toward repositioning the kingdom.
The ICDA said it would continue to engage Igalas at home and abroad, while forging collaborations with other Nigerian nationalities to catalyze socio-economic growth.
“We believe that with sustained dialogue, collaboration, and unflinching support for the resolutions reached, the Igala nation will reclaim its rightful place in Nigeria,” the communiqué stated.