The Ukomu Igala Organisation (UIO) Worldwide has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle poverty, insecurity and deteriorating social amenities, warning that the challenges could undermine ongoing economic reforms if left unresolved.

The organisation made the call on Thursday in a statement marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, while reaffirming the Igala people’s commitment to the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement was signed by the President of UIO, Major General James Ataguba (rtd.).

Ataguba said Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary should provide an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey and renew their commitment to nation-building.

He said the Igala people had remained active participants in the Nigerian project through contributions to national security, public service, commerce, education and culture.

“Today, we reaffirm our undiluted loyalty to our dear country and reiterate our inimitable commitment to preserving the peace, unity and progress of our nation,” the organisation said.

UIO also acknowledged the economic and structural reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The group described the reform process as difficult and potentially painful, while expressing the view that measures aimed at strengthening the economy, improving public institutions, expanding infrastructure and attracting investment could contribute to longer-term development.

President Tinubu, in his Independence Day address on Thursday, defended his administration’s reforms and said the government was moving into another phase focused on reducing living costs, creating jobs and broadening the benefits of economic growth.

UIO, however, said significant challenges remained for Nigerians despite the reform programme.

“While appreciating these efforts, however, our organisation will like to humbly observe that the country is still grappling with multidimensional poverty, pervasive insecurity and a progressive deterioration of social amenities in the country, especially at the grassroots,” the statement said.

The organisation warned that failure to address those problems urgently could diminish the impact of the government’s reform efforts.

It called for practical measures aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians, particularly those experiencing the effects of economic and social pressures at the grassroots.

The group’s position comes as the government’s economic record and the effect of its reforms on living standards remain subjects of political and public debate.

While the Federal Government maintains that its economic reforms are producing results, including improvements in some macroeconomic indicators, critics continue to raise concerns about living costs, poverty, insecurity and the impact of government policies on households.

Ataguba also called on Nigerians to recognise their individual responsibilities in the country’s development.

He said achieving the Nigeria citizens want for future generations would require more than government action.

“The future that we desire for ourselves, our children and generations to come cannot be built by the government alone,” the statement said.

“Rather, it can only materialise through shared commitment and sacrifices, hard work and patriotism of all citizens of Nigeria.”

UIO said the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.

The organisation also highlighted what it described as the longstanding contributions of the Igala people to Nigeria’s security, public administration, education, commerce and cultural development.

It reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s peace and unity while urging citizens not to lose confidence in the country’s prospects despite its current difficulties.

Ataguba said Nigeria’s ability to withstand political, economic and social challenges over the decades demonstrated the country’s resilience.

The organisation called for greater cooperation among citizens, communities and government institutions in confronting the country’s problems.

UIO also acknowledged the contributions of past and present Nigerian leaders as the country marked 66 years since independence from Britain on October 1, 1960.

It expressed hope that Nigeria and Kogi State would experience greater peace, stability and economic progress.

The Independence Day statement follows previous interventions by UIO on national and regional issues. Ataguba assumed the leadership of the Igala socio-cultural organisation in 2025, with the organisation identifying unity, security and greater engagement among Igala communities as priorities.

As Nigeria enters its 67th year as an independent country, UIO said addressing the immediate pressures facing citizens must remain an important part of the country’s pursuit of economic reform and longer-term development.