By Alh. Iliyasu Onechojon, Unity Star TV Africa (USTV Africa)
Vice Admiral U. O. Jibrin (Rtd.), the political leader of Kogi East, has emphasised the importance of political unity, consensus-building and collective responsibility as essential pathways to sustainable development in the Igala Kingdom.
According to facts obtained from Vice Admiral Jibrin by Alh. Iliyasu Onechojon of Unity Star TV Africa (USTV Africa), the Igala people must overcome political divisions, elite rivalry and individual ambitions to build a common front capable of advancing their collective interests within Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
The position highlights the need for Igala political leaders, traditional rulers, professionals, youths, women and diaspora communities to work together towards addressing persistent challenges, including poverty, insecurity, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and declining educational standards.
It argues that although the Igala nation possesses significant human, agricultural and natural resources, political fragmentation has continued to undermine its ability to translate these advantages into meaningful development.
The proposed pathway places consensus-building at the centre of Igala political engagement, urging stakeholders to prioritise a shared development agenda over partisan interests. It also advocates stronger coordination among Igala socio-cultural organisations, with the Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA) playing a central role in facilitating dialogue and resolving political disagreements before they escalate into divisions.
Among the key recommendations are the establishment of a permanent Igala Consensus Council, adoption of a minimum development agenda for political aspirants, and the operationalisation of a transparent Kogi East Trust Fund to support strategic projects in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
The agenda further calls for greater investment in agriculture, youth empowerment, vocational skills, education and diaspora participation. It identifies improved rural connectivity, transparent management of public resources and sustained infrastructure advocacy as critical to unlocking the economic potential of communities across Kogi East, particularly areas with considerable agricultural and natural-resource endowments.
The need to strengthen the traditional institution as a unifying force also features prominently, alongside calls for political leaders to demonstrate transformational leadership rather than pursue narrow, transactional interests.
The position further stresses that development cannot be left to government alone, but requires sustained collaboration among political officeholders, traditional institutions, community organisations, the private sector and citizens at home and abroad.
In conclusion, the central message is that Igala political unity should not be treated merely as a cultural aspiration, but as a practical foundation for political relevance, economic advancement and sustainable development.
The call is for stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and translate the unity agenda into measurable actions that improve livelihoods, strengthen representation and secure a more prosperous future for the Igala people.
Reported by Alh. Iliyasu Onechojon for Unity Star TV Africa (USTV Africa).
