By Hassan Hussain | March 23, 2026
A former Governor of Kogi State, Idris Wada, has called on the Igala people to unite, support emerging leadership, and take advantage of ongoing voter registration to strengthen their political relevance in Nigeria.
Speaking at a fundraising dinner organised by the Ukomu Igala Organisation held in Abuja, the former governor expressed appreciation for the invitation, noting that he was encouraged by the direction of the new leadership of the group.
“I am honoured to be here and also honoured to be asked to say a few remarks in support of this event. I came because I see hope in the new leadership. They have been inclusive and have come up with a viable agenda for reviving the fortunes of the Igala people,” he said.
Wada praised the leadership for its vision and urged members of the community to rally behind them to reposition the Igala nation for greater relevance in the affairs of the country.
He, however, lamented what he described as longstanding challenges in leadership selection within the Igala community, attributing it partly to inherited systemic structures that have affected internal organisation and progress.
According to him, the situation has made the people vulnerable to external influence, thereby limiting their collective advancement.
The former governor urged stakeholders to reflect deeply on the issue, contribute ideas, and support the current leadership to ensure better outcomes in the coming years.
On voter registration, Wada described recent statistics as worrisome and called for urgent action to improve participation, especially in Igala land.
“We all have a role to play. Advocacy has been done, but there is still a window of opportunity over the next two weeks to mobilise our people to register,” he said.
He stressed that the number of registered voters plays a critical role in determining electoral outcomes, urging the people to increase their numbers to enhance their political influence.
Wada also expressed concern over disparities in registration figures across regions, describing the trend as an anomaly that must be addressed.
He called on community members to mobilise eligible voters, including those in urban areas, to return home and register within the stipulated period.
The former governor further appealed for generous contributions towards the fundraising target, noting that adequate resources are essential for the organisation to achieve its objectives.
He wished the Igala people well and reaffirmed his support for initiatives aimed at fostering unity, development, and stronger representation in national affairs.
Earlier, the President UKOMU igala organisation, Retired Major General James Ataguba called on the people of Kogi East to rise with unity of purpose and invest in their collective future, describing the moment as a defining point in the destiny of Igala and Bassa land.
He noted that history often presents moments that demand courage and responsibility, posing what he described as a critical question to the people of Kogi East: who will rise to shape the future.
The retired military officer expressed concern over what he termed a delay in collective awakening across the area, urging stakeholders to take deliberate steps toward development.
According to him, extensive consultations and mobilization efforts were carried out across the nine local government areas of Kogi East, with over thirty individuals working to engage partners and rally support for the initiative.
He highlighted the vast human and natural resources of Igala and Bassa land, including fertile agricultural belts, abundant water bodies, and solid mineral deposits such as coal, but lamented that these potentials have yet to be fully harnessed.
Major General Ataguba stressed that development begins with the right mindset, unity, and vision, rather than access to power, adding that investment in human capital remains key to unlocking opportunities.
He said the fundraising initiative goes beyond financial contributions, describing it as a platform to raise awareness, build a new generation, and
lay a sustainable foundation for future development.
The UKOMU President emphasized the need for a united voice across ethnic, religious, and political divides, noting that meaningful progress can only be achieved through collective action.
He explained that the Renaissance Project, which the event seeks to support, is designed to mobilize professionals across sectors such as health, engineering, agriculture, and technology to provide homegrown solutions to local challenges.
Major General Ataguba called on participants to see their contributions not as donations, but as investments in security, unity, civic participation, and economic stability of the region.
He expressed appreciation to organisers, stakeholders, and supporters for their commitment and sacrifices in making the initiative a reality, adding that history would remember their role in shaping the future.
The Igala leader urged attendees to seize the opportunity to be counted among those who answered the call to action, stressing that the future depends on decisions made today.
He concluded by encouraging generous contributions, noting that collective efforts, no matter how small, can lead to significant transformation when united toward a common goal.
in thier Separate remarks, Former lawmaker of the 8th National Assembly, Senator Attai Aidoko, alongside former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja, have jointly called on the sons and daughters of Igala land to unite in purpose and action for the progress of their homeland.
they emphasized that the development of Igala land cannot be left to government alone, but requires the collective commitment of its people, both at home and in the diaspora.
The leaders stressed the importance of setting aside differences and working together with a shared vision. They urged Igala indigenes to contribute meaningfully not only through financial support but also through moral guidance, mentorship, and active participation in community development initiatives.
According to them, true growth can only be achieved when individuals take responsibility for the future of their land, investing in education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.
They noted that unity remains the strongest tool for transformation, encouraging all stakeholders to collaborate and support initiatives that will uplift Igala land for generations to come.
The call serves as a reminder that sustainable development begins with collective effort, and that every son and daughter of Igala land has a vital role to play in shaping a brighter and more prosperous future.
In his Contributions, A Member of the House of Representatives representing Idah Federal Constituency, David Zachariah called on the people of Igala land to embrace unity and active civic participation as a pathway to addressing the challenges facing the area.
According to the lawmaker, the issues confronting Igala land are not rooted in deep divisions but are largely minor and solvable through collective effort, proper orientation, and financial support for community-driven initiatives.
He identified key areas of concern to include low voter participation and prevailing security challenges, stressing that both can be addressed if the people are adequately mobilised and sensitised.
David Zachariah noted that statistics from voter registration exercises indicate a gap between the population of eligible voters and actual participation, a development he said weakens the voice of the people in governance.
He emphasised that meaningful development can only be achieved when citizens actively support the democratic process, particularly through voter registration and participation in elections.
The lawmaker further explained that ongoing efforts are focused on reorienting the people to understand the importance of obtaining their voter cards, adding that civic responsibility is essential in determining leadership and attracting government presence.
He urged the people to collaborate with stakeholders and return to the grassroots to sensitise communities, ensuring that more citizens are encouraged to participate in the electoral process.
David Zachariah reaffirmed his commitment to working with relevant groups to strengthen awareness and promote unity in Igala land, noting that collective action remains the key to sustainable development in the area.
The gathering which attracted dignitaries from Kogi East, including Aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections including, Prince Gowon(G1) and Honourable Joshua Adejoh (Uptop) and host of others.
