Pharm. Asuku bags "Ogochi-Ata" traditional title in Igala kingdom »

… Calls for unity among various ethnicities and tribes.

The Ata Igala and President, Kogi State Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty,
Dr. Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, has conferred on Pharm Abdulkarim Asuku, The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State, the title of Ogochi- Ata of the Igala kingdom.

The Ata monarch also conferred chieftaincy tittles on twenty others.

The ceremony, held at the Ata’s palace in Idah to also mark the first anniversary of the Ata of Igala land had in attendance awardees, top government officials and dignitaries from all parts of the country including, the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr Mrs Folashade Arike, the deputy speaker of the house of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfa Momoh Rabiu.

Agaabaidu (Dr) Matthew Alaji, the Ata of Igala In his written address, noted that the event became more significant as it marked one year of his ascension to the throne and therefore thanked God for the grace, compassion and love, in making the day possible.

“This one year has come very quickly and we are greatly indebted to those that have shown love, massive support and solidarity during this period. We thank all that have prayed for us consistently, without ceasing we are grateful to the Federal, the State New Direction Government of His Excellency, Chief Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and the Local Governments.” He noted.

The Ata pointed out that the conferment of traditional titles to worthy individuals intends to honour well-deserving Igala sons, daughters and friends of Igala kingdom who have used their position to add value to the lives of the people.

Pharm Abdulkareem Asuku in his remarks on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked the royal father and the entire Igala Kingdom for the privilege and gesture bestowed on him and many others describing the Ata’s gesture as a proof of a true father of the state.

Pharm Asuku while speaking to the press reeled out the history of the Igala kingdom and its relations and ties with other tribes in the state while pointing out that the people of the state, particularly the Igala, Ebira and Okun were all descendants from Kwararafa. And therefore noted that those who discriminated against people of different ethnicity and peddled ethnic bigotry were the real enemies mitigating the progress of the state.

Pharm Asuku stressed the need for unity in diversity noting that the title conferred on him calls for more responsibility and pledged to continue to contribute immensely to the growth of Kogi state, particularly with the exemplary leadership of governor Yahaya Bello.

Traditional titles were also conferred on
Hajiya Rasheeda Bello, Capt. Idris, Ichalla Wada, Sen. Dr. Alex Usman Kadiri, Prince Ocholi Opaluwa, Dr. Kashim Akor, Alh. Taofiq Isah, Mr. Daniel Akoh, Mr.Ocheia, Hajia Salamatu Balwa Umar-eluma, Dr. Iummai Ahmadu, Prof. Sule Ochai, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman, Dr. Paul Akpa Hassan, Alh. Abdullahi Friday Idachaba, Alh.Jibrin Momoh, Hon. Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, Pharm. Peter Yakubu Iduh, Kingsley Idoko Ilonah, Engr. Sule Abutu Haruna And Pastor Dr. Onaii Sunday respectively.