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ICDA National Executive Council Dissolved, Care Taker Committee Constituted , Gets Ata’s Royal Blessing.
The National Executive Council of Igala Cultural Development Association ( ICDA) has been dissolved by the Board of Trustees of the socio-cultural Association and interim National Caretaker committee has been inaugurated with immediate effect to avoid vacuum. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The Board of Trustees of ICDA dissolved the former National Executive Council led by Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Amodu on Thursday at Late Stephen Achema Sport complex in Idah and immediately set up an interim body under the chairmanship of Chief Samuel Oyibo, the Odoma Achadu Ata Igala to run the affairs of the Apex social-culrural Association of Igala nation.
Speaking on behalf of Board of Trustees, the chairman of the BOT, Dr Simeon Oyigun said the Sediq Amodu led National Executive Council of the ICDA was dissolved, among others, because of lost of confidence, deviation from cause of Igala, conflict of interest between the executive council and the interest of Igala people as well as involvement of the body in politics, using the association to feather his personal nest and exercising power beyond its constitutional role, which obviously ridiculed the much revered Ata Igala stool and Igala kingdom.
Shedding more light, the board of trustees Secretary, Hon. David Ogwu said all efforts for the Sadiq led national executive council of the association to see reason and retreat from its unconstitutional behaviour and identify with Igala cause or interest which was the basis of the existence of ICDA failed.
According to Hon. Ogwu, ICDA was set up to promote the socio-cultural interest of Igala nation, so it remains the eyes of Igala people, and as such, history will not forgive them if they refused to take action, as the Sadiq led national executive council of the Association continue to drag the people of Igala nation in the mud because of his own personal interest and his cohorts.
The BOT noted that it is an alien and embarrissement on Igala nation for the ICDA to involve itself on award giving venture which obviously better the interest of the executive members rather than promoting the people of Igala kingdom.
The ICDA Board Of Trustees therefore said to bring sanity to the body, a 20-member national caretaker committee has been constituted with terms of reference: to take charge of the affairs of ICDA in the best interest of Igala people; review and produce an acceptable constitutional bylaw that best serve the major policy thrust of Igala people and nation; coordinate and reconcile all interest and opinions in the structure and stakeholders of ICDA; plan, organise and conduct election into the executive committee of ICDA as appropriate within 90 days (3months);
Also, the committee has been empowered to ensure and build peace and harmony in the body ,for purpose of unity and progress in Igala nation; undertake any other suitable activities that will serve the interest and objectives of the Igala land; including liasing with relevant stakeholders, traditional institutions and other affiliate socio- cultural groups, stakeholders and ICDA branches.
While receiving the newly constituted interim national working committee of the ICDA at his palace in Idah on Thursday, shortly after the body was inaugurated by the BOT of the Association, Ata Igala , HRM Micheal Idakwo Oboni11 enjoined them to be focus, consistent and loyal to the Igala cause.
HRM urged the Igala nation to collaborate with each other to develop Igala land ,advising his subjects to evolve productive venture or idea that will promote the values of Igala nation, not hollow project that has no bearing with the upliftment of the land.
While he said all hands must be on deck to see that Igala land receive the development its deserved, HRM charged the newly constituted care taker committee members of Socio-cultural group to bring life to the association for the benefit of all in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, among others the following people were inaugurated as the interim national caretaker committe: Chief Samuel Oyibo, chairman, Dr Cletus Arome, Sir S.Y Jibrin, Barrister Williams Ameh, secretary, Col Sani Tahir (rtd), Col Obeche (rtd), Dr Yakubu Ugwolawo,Sir Tom Idakwo, Sir Jones Iduh, Barrister Williams Ameh, Hon.Agnes Momoh, Hon. Agnes Adejo, Ambrose Akpah, Barrister Williams Ameh , Labaran Tijani, Hon Abdullazeez Idoko, Sir Tom Idakwo, Abdullahi Sekiru, Mr Godwin Idakwo, Arch.Justice Akwu, Hon.M .M Ocheni, Isah Abuh.
Meanwhile, Sediq Amodu led National Executive Council has dismissed the committee saying that it lacks power.
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Insecurity: Ododo Briefs President Tinubu On Proactive Measures Put In Place
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state on Monday, paid a working visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the State House, Abuja, briefing him on proactive measures put in place to tackle insecurity and the overall development of the state.
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Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, indicates that Governor Ododo during the visit, highlighted the proactive measures being taken by the state government in collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
According to the commissioner, Governor Ododo expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his consistent and unwavering support, particularly in bolstering security operations across Kogi State.
He noted that the federal backing has significantly enhanced the capacity of security forces to respond swiftly and effectively to threats.
Governor Ododo also conveyed the profound gratitude of the Government and the good people of Kogi State to the President for the landmark approval of the Ajaokuta Economic City, also known as the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone.
He described the project as a historic and transformative initiative that will reposition Kogi as a major industrial and investment hub, create massive employment opportunities, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
In his response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, commended Governor Ododo for his effective leadership and strong collaboration with federal security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state. The President assured him of the Federal Government’s continued support in both security and development efforts.
The high-level meeting also featured fruitful discussions focused on advancing infrastructural development, expanding economic opportunities, and improving the overall well-being of the people of Kogi State.
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Kogi State Intercept Child Trafficking
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has successful intercepted a group of underaged children trafficked into the State, in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.
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The State’s Commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in a statement, disclosed that at about 1500hrs on December 5, 2025, eagle-eyed security operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba Area Command in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, acting on credible intelligence from community hunters, intercepted a truck conveying 21 children aged between 6 and 17 years into Kogi State.
According to the statement “Initial investigations revealed that the children had been moved from different northern states under suspicious circumstances by adults who could not provide legitimate justification for their movement.
“Several suspects linked to the trafficking operation have been arrested, including individuals who claimed they were transporting the children to establish an informal “Islamic school” within Yagba East.
” Further arrests were made as security operatives intensified surveillance within the area, uncovering additional persons allegedly connected to the movement of the minors. Some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns.
“The rescued children have since been transferred to the State Command of the NSCDC in Lokoja for detailed investigation and proper profiling of all persons involved.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the underaged victims, ensure their wellbeing, and provide the necessary psychosocial support pending the conclusion of investigations.
“Upon completion of profiling and verification, the children will be handed over to their respective State Governments for further investigation and eventual reintegration with their families. Meanwhile, all individuals found culpable in this trafficking operation will be prosecuted in line with Kogi State’s Child Trafficking and Child Rights Protection Laws.
“The Kogi State Government reiterates its uncompromising stance against child trafficking, criminal infiltration, and any form of security threat. The administration of Governor Ododo will continue to work closely with security agencies and local communities to safeguard every part of the State.
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President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s Legacies
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described late Prince Abubakar Audu as a “friend, ally, and trailblazer of democracy declaring that his foot-print in Kogi state as former Governor remains the best since the creation of the state.
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The President gave the commendation while speaking at the 10th Memorial Anniversary and Book Presentation organised by the state government in collaboration with the immediate family in honour of the late political ICON
Tinubu who was represented by the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, lauded late Prince Audu’s commitment to democratic ideals and the development of Kogi State.
President Tinubu noted that Prince Audu’s leadership was marked by courage, vision, and dedication to the prosperity and security of his people, calling his legacy “a living template for good governance” that continues to inspire leaders across the nation.
The event drew political leaders, statesmen, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the representation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to commemorate a decade since the passing of the iconic leader whose vision and leadership continue to influence the political and developmental trajectory of Kogi State.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, son of the late statesman, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing his father’s legacy.
He described the memorial as a solemn reminder of the enduring influence Prince Audu holds in the hearts of the people and the continued relevance of his contributions to the growth of Kogi State.
The Minister recalled his father’s visionary leadership, foundational reforms, and passion for public service, noting that successive administrations still draw from the structures and institutions he established.
Prince Shuaibu Audu highlighted his ongoing efforts to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company and strengthen Nigeria’s steel sector as a continuation of his father’s dream for industrial and economic development in Kogi State.
He thanked all partners and stakeholders supporting these initiatives, reiterating that the collective aspiration for a stronger Kogi State and a more prosperous Nigeria is rooted in his father’s enduring vision.
The Minister also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support to the Audu family.
He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, who attended the event. He described Senator Akume as a friend and colleague of his late father from the class of 1999 governors, acknowledging his role in supporting and honouring Prince Audu’s memory.
He further commended the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and members of the State Executive Council for hosting the memorial as a state event, noting that it reflects the enduring respect Kogi State holds for Prince Audu.
He also acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, Capt. Idris Wada, and Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for their continued dedication to preserving his father’s legacy, describing their presence as a testament to the late leader’s far-reaching impact.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Chief Host of the event, described Prince Audu as a visionary leader whose transformative governance continues to shape Kogi State.
In a symbolic tribute, he announced the renaming of a major township road as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard, directing relevant agencies to install signage, repair roads, install streetlights, and beautify the area. The Governor emphasised that these measures are part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to uphold Prince Audu’s ideals of unity, progress, and service to the people.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume CON said that the late Prince Abubakar Audu was marked as an icon of development and great vision, noting his contribution to the development of Benue State in the time he served in Benue State.
He described him as a man who was genuinely loved by his people as one of the first Nigerians that won in a free, fair and credible elections.
The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello urged everyone to reflect on the life and times of the late former governor who was a revolutionary and served with all sincerity, who while in office took bold steps that have continued to impact positively of the people of Kogi State and Nigeria even long after his demise.
The memorial also featured the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, alongside a lecture and book review of “Prince Abubakar Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership”, reviewed by former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN.
Other dignitaries present included former Governors Capt. Idris Wada and Yahaya Adoza Bello, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, and numerous political and community leaders who paid tribute to the late statesman.
The 10th memorial celebration served as both a solemn remembrance and a reaffirmation of the enduring impact of Prince Abubakar Audu’s leadership, inspiring current and future generations to continue the work of unity, progress, and transformative governance in Kogi State.
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