ICDA Now in Good Hands
KINDLY allow me a space in your weekly Newspaper, The Graphic to congratulate Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo on his election as the current President, Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA) on 28th January, 2010 in Anyigba after about ten years of redundancy and inactivity.
I know Dr. Onucheyo as a versatile, committed and patriotic Igala elite who I suppose might have armed himself with the antidote against the numerous problems and challenges facing the Igala nation before accepting that responsibility. I salute his courage
As the umbrella association of all the associations in Igalaland, the ICDA due to lack of focus and more for its poor leadership was marginalized by other smaller associations to become the pseudo spokesmen of the Igala nation whose views are mainly informed by selfish motives.
The present elected members of ICDA are no doubt, honest and true sons and daughters of Igalaland who are ready to make sacrifices for the development of Igalaland. They are to assume their responsibilities as the spoke-person on all matters affecting the Igala nation at both state and federal levels to avoid inconsistent and divergent views on matters of common interest.
Members should get down to business as quickly as possible because of the herculean task ahead in respect of re-organization, strategy and indeed modus-operandi in order to give Igala a true sense of belonging and pride. Sometimes, our interests, views and demands are not properly harnessed and presented to the appropriate authorities by some self-appointed leaders.
The new executive should without delay, create sub- committees such as political development in Igalaland and marginalization in Nigeria, soocial and economic development, Education, Igala politicians and their contribution to the development of Igalaland, planning, research and monitoring and so on, in order to keep members busy and productive.
The ICDA executive should ensure that all the old districts in Igalaland are represented in ICDA in order to carry everybody along people should be co-opted from areas that have no representation in the elected executive.
Among the crucial issues facing the Igala nation now is the state creation which deserves the immediate attention of the new executive. Any house divided against itself can never stand. The Igala nation is educated, civilized and intellectually capable to determine what is good for her devoid of emotional and petty sentiments. It is a great challenge for the new executive.
The divergent views must be harnessed in the overall interest of moving Igalaland forward. The Igala nation has been badly marginalized politically and seriously yearning for an opportunity to regain her lost glory. Our asset is unity of purpose. We should not be made a laughing stock before our colleagues and neighbours.
ICDA's voice should not be only heard during the annual Italo conference but in the overall coordination, consultation and effective representation as well as dissemination of information in all matters affecting the people accordingly.
The new exco members are dedicated, experienced and knowledgeable people whose ability is never doubted and this is why expectations are very high. I wish them every success in their endeavour to give the Igala nation a reliable sense of direction and I solicit for the cooperation of our people.
Ojih Sylvanus (Lokoja)