Major General James Alilu Ataguba (rtd) and Naval Commodore Godwin Obaje (rtd) have assumed national leadership of the Ukomu Igala organisation, calling for unity, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Ukomu Igala, which translates to Igala Voice, is an apex socio-cultural organisation of the Igala ethnic nationality in Kogi East senatorial district, Kogi State.

Gen Ataguba and Gen Obaje, who emerged as the national leader and national secretary of the organisation respectively, both said they have served the nation while in uniform and are now back home to serve their communities.

Both retired generals were among the 16-man executive council inaugurated at NBA House, Abuja, on Saturday.

Gen Ataguba, who emerged as the national leader, said, “The new Ukomu Igala leadership is clear-eyed about its mandate. We are here to provide a strong, unifying voice for the Igala/Bassa people, fostering continuous dialogue and engagement across communities.

“We are coming in with a mandate to regenerate our land socially, economically and culturally and reclaim our rightful place in the Nigerian project. We envision the Igala/Bassa people will fuse into one formidable socio-cultural organisation with understanding and shared opportunities.

“To achieve this, we are required to network with other socio-cultural organisations across the country, partner with local, state and federal government and collaborate with relevant NGOs to bring developments to our people.

“Above all, let us bury our hatchets, mend fences, heal our wounds with renewed commitment to unity and mutual love. We need to seek a common ground for love, peace and progress. And commit to the collective development of our land,” he said.

Also speaking, Gen Obaje, who emerged as the national secretary of the 6th executive council of the organisation, said, “I have served my country, I’m back home, my community needs my service now. There is a leadership vacuum in Kogi East that requires people like us to take charge and bring our people together for development purposes.”

In his welcome address remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Michael Idachaba, said, “You are carefully selected based on your antecedents, competence, visible passion and commitments to the Igala/ Bassa people.

“The current situation in the Igala nation is more dire than in 2009 when the organisation was formed. Then there was no banditry. Today, insecurity in Kogi East has gone through the roof, while hopelessness and despair pervade the entire land. But with these generals now on board, the peace and progress that have eluded us over the decade will soon be history.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Inauguration Planning Committee, Chief Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, SAN, noted that the emergence of these personalities as chairman and secretary means the Igalas are no longer willing to remain in the backseat on the national stage.

“It’s time for Igala to take its pride of place in Nigeria; there must be unity in the rank and file of the people. The current attitude of everyone for himself and no one for all is not healthy for our strength,” he said.