• Community condoles Kogi indigenes on death of former Governor
By Josephine Ali
The Igala diaspora community in the United States, has received a historic proclamation from the Mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, John W. Ewing Jr., ahead of the 25th Annual Conference and Gala of the Igala US Diaspora Association, held in Omaha from September 4 to 6, 2026.
The well-attended conference attracted delegates from Igala chapters across the United States and was held under the theme, “Beyond Borders and Crossroads: Reimagining Partnerships to Lead Our Collective Igala Future.”
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The keynote address was delivered by Major General James Ataguba, National Leader of the Ukomu Igala Organisation, alongside contributions from other prominent experts.
The proclamation issued by the Mayor of Omaha recognised the historical significance of the Igala Kingdom and its influence on trade and civic life for more than 500 years in the sub-Saharan region, as well as the contributions of Igala people to American society in the 21st century.
The mayor also acknowledged the contributions of the Atta Igala, HRM Mathew Alaji Oguche Akpa II, who was represented at the event by HRH Ajofe Okai Jonah Idris, the Onu Abocho, Biraidu District, Kogi State.
HRH Idris delivered the royal remarks and blessings at the conference in the presence of the outgoing President of the association, Ms. Teresa Edoja, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Michael Idachaba, and other dignitaries.
The conference also featured tours and a gala showcasing Nigerian and Igala culture through cuisine, traditional attire and dance.
A new executive team was elected to lead the association, with Bishop Moses Adejoh, PhD, emerging as President.
Other members of the new executive are Mr. Godwin Ilabija, Vice President; Mr. Arome Oyibo, Secretary-General; Mrs. Cordelia Ewah, Financial Secretary; Mrs. Martina Agba, Treasurer; Mr. Omakoji Idakwoji, Public Relations Officer; Ms. Gold Mathew, Youth Leader; and Mr. Sunny Onoja, Social Secretary.
In a joint press release signed by the outgoing PRO, Dr. Raphael Agbali, and the new PRO, Mr. Omakoji Idakwoji, the new President, Bishop Moses Adejoh PhD, called on Igala people at home and abroad to lead with purpose and pursue ambitious goals for the advancement of their people.
He also urged them to embrace uncommon sacrifices in addressing the common challenges confronting the Igala people and preserving their shared heritage.
In a related development, the new leadership of the Igala US Diaspora Association has expressed condolences to the family, government and people of Kogi State, as well as the Atta Igala, HRM Agabaidu Mathew Alaji Oguche Akpa II, over the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, also known as Omachi Atta Igala Wali.
Ibrahim Idris died in a London hospital at the age of 77.
In a condolence message signed by Bishop Moses Adejoh PhD and the Secretary-General, Mr. Arome Oyibo, the association described the late former Governor as a leader who demonstrated a strong commitment to engaging the Kogi diaspora during his tenure.
The association recalled that Idris personally participated in the Igala US Diaspora Association’s conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2006 while serving as governor.
It also noted that he facilitated the association’s donation of multi-million-naira digital equipment and academic resources in 2007.
The new leadership prayed for the repose of the late Governor’s soul and for comfort for his family, the government and people of Kogi State and the Igala Kingdom.
