ICDA Honors Ocholi Okpachi With 'UGbono Of Igala Kingdom' Merit Award »

The Founder, Waves of Success Foundation, a non-Governmental Organization, Yusuf Okpanachi, was among the 24 prominent Igala sons and daughters who were conferred with Distinguished Merit Awards by the Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA) for their outstanding contributions towards the upliftment of the Igala Kingdom.

The ceremony which took place at the “Igala Unity House, Anyigba” over the weekend, was organized by the association to give honour to whom it is due.

The president of the association, Alhaji Amodu Abubakar Sadiq in his welcome address, said that Yusuf Okpanachi CIK, a notable Philanthropist in Igala Zone was fished out for the Award as a result of his support in providing rural communities across the Igala Kingdom with roads, potable water, electricity, health facilities and empowerment of women and youth.

Sadiq described Ocholi Yusuf Okpanachi CIK. as a worthy son of the Igala Kingdom who had made his impact in touching positively on the lives of the downtrodden.

The ICDA president also disclosed that the “Igala Merit Award 2020” was spread into those who contributed immensely to the development of their immediate communities, those who facilitated employment for Igala indigenes in the labour market as well as those who have excelled in both Media, Legal, and other professions.

He said that ICDA also gave Post Humours Awards to three deceased prominent Igalas who made their mark towards the advancement of their father land during their life time.

The award presented to Ocholi Yusuf Okpanachi is one of the highest categories of award and with that he can now add ‘CIK’ after his name meaning Commander of Igala Kingdom.

The Kogi state Deputy Governor while speaking at the event, described ICDA as the only platform that could be effectively used to achieve the needed peace, unity and harmonious relationship in Igala Land.

“The greater of Igala Kingdom should be our major priority. We should be concerned in assisting in the provision of infrastructural development for our people as governments worldwide cannot do it alone

” God should prosper those wishing Igala people well and grant those after the destruction of the land the grace to change and if don’t change should put them to shame” the Deputy Governor prayed.

He described the leadership of ICDA as people of high integrity who had championed the drive to bring development to Igala land rather than fighting for their personal interest.

“Let us come down home and join hands with ICDA in developing our immediate communities. ICDA as an umbrella body belongs to the entire people of Igala land” Edward Onoja advised.

The Founder Waves of Success Foundation, Ocholi Yusuf Okpanachi CIK in his remark thanked ICDA for its recognition with assurance that the gesture will spur him to do more for his people.

Responding on behalf of other recipients, the member representing Ankpa1 Constituency at the Federal House of Representative, Hon Abdullahi Halims also commended ICDA for its initiative to honour deserving Igala sons and daughters urging the association to sustain the its spirit of encouragement that will spur meaningful citizens to come to the aid of the less privileged in the society.

The event attracted personalities within and outside the Igala zone.
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