The quest for the creation of Okura State out of the present Kogi State on Thursday gained more steam as the National Chairman of the Movement, Chief Robert Audu inaugurated the Okura State Movement Special Conveners’ Committee in Abuja.
The Committee, which is headed by Professor Emeritus Godwin Ogbadu was constituted at the Movement’s meeting held to organize a crucial meeting of expanded Igala/Bassa stakeholders, scheduled to take place in Ata Igala Palace, Idah on 26th October, 2024.
In his inaugural address, Chief Robert Audu, the Agenyi Attah Igala and retired federal Permanent Secretary, charged the members to ensure the success of the meeting, which is expected to put a final touch on all aspects of the proposed state, preparatory to the expected Public Hearing on the Bill, seeking the creation of the proposed Okura State, as presented by Hon. Halims Abdullahi Ali, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, along with the Memorandum for the creation of Okura State already presented to the National Assembly.
He commended members of the National Assembly from Kogi East Senatorial District, for the effort they are making so far, to place the request for the creation of the proposed state at the front burner amongst requests, being presented to the National Assembly. He further charged the Committee members to show utmost dedication on the assignment, which is the hope of the Igala/Bassa communities in the country and beyond, to place themselves over and above their peers, as they excelled in the past. He noted that the calibre of the members was an indication on the premium, being placed on the assignment by the Igala/Bassa people.
The Chairman called on all leaders of Igala/Bassa extraction to work for the realization of the proposed state, which has been our demand since 1980. There were nagging issues, which have been amicably resolved, he said, to pave the way for the creation of the proposed state, among which were: the name, capital of the proposed state and its composition.
He explained that the quest for the creation of the new state was not because of any perceived marginalisation, as the area remains the majority part of the present Kogi State. Rather, he emphasized that desire to fast-track development in the area was the motivation. He further reiterated the age-long relationship with the present Central and Western Senatorial Districts, having all been part of the old Kabba province, a relationship, he maintained, would remain even after the creation of Okura State.
On new suggestions for the name and capital of proposed state, Chief Audu said several meetings were held at various times and places, including the Ata Igala Place, Idah.
“Many suggestions as to the name of the proposed state were made. Some people suggested Inikpi State, Ayegba State, Igala State, etc. Finally, the name – Okura State was adopted, based on its long history. On the capital of the proposed state, Anyigba, which was proposed in 1980, while, Igala/Bassa were involved in demanding for two separate states – Kogi and Okura was mentioned. In order to vigorously pursue the creation of Okura State, Idah, the cultural and traditional headquarters of the Igala Kingdom and Igala Native Authority was adopted as the capital of the proposed state, based on its long history of being a home to the Igala nation, worldwide. Further issue of composition of the proposed state, to include Igala in Ajaokuta, Enugu, Anambra, Delta, Benue and Edo States were discarded, because of the difficulties in attaining the constitutional provisions.”
He added that the proposed Okura State would serve as home for all Igala, Bassa Kwomo, Bassa Nge and Mozum, wherever they may be, either within or outside the country.
Finally, he charged the Committee to consult far and wide to ensure inclusiveness and success of the proposed meeting.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Godwin Ogbadu, an erudite scholar, thanked the Chairman of the Movement for finding the members worthy, to serve on the Committee.
He promised on behalf of the members to do a thorough job that would unite the Igala/Bassa more than ever before and congratulated the members and urged them to cooperate with him.
Other members of the committee, include, AIG Abdulsalam Iyaji (rtd), who serves as Vice Chairman, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (rtd), AIG Haruna Garba (rtd), former Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba, former Minister Prof. Stephen Ocheni, Alhaji Alfa Ibn Mustafa, Dr. Jeremiah Ekele and Engr. Cyprian Adejoh.
Others are, Chief Dr. Rekiya Momoh – Abaji, Dr. Mrs. Lami Amodu, Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa Umar – Eluma, Arc. Alhaji Ukele Ali, Mr. Kingsley Idoko Ilona, Barr. Dr. D. D. Makolo, Dr. James Odaudu, Hon. Barr. Frank Itaka Ineke, Engr. Usman Adaji, Hon. Salifu Ameh, Ms. Precious Ojochegbe Enoch and Dr. Yakubu Ugwolawo who will serve as Secretary to the Committee.
