In the mosaic of Nigeria’s political landscape, few narratives are as compelling, and as urgent as the call to restore the Igala people’s political footing in Kogi State. Once a region whose leadership and influence stretched beyond its territorial borders, Igala Province today grapples with internal fragmentation and a recurring cycle of missed opportunities. The sunrise in the east should be a symbol of renewal, not a reminder of promise deferred. As Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” That impossible must become possible again for Igala.
At the heart of Igala’s political challenge is a breakdown in collective purpose. Instead of presenting a united front, too often leaders and interest groups have engaged in what could be described as power blocs that bite the boot that feeds them, undermining shared goals for narrow gains. This phenomenon weakens not just political outcomes but the very social fabric that binds communities. When ambitions eclipse accountability, and personal gain overtakes the common good, the sunrise dims rather than brightens.
Yet, history and culture offer guidance. The Igala proverb, “ idabi iya iya ichewn keju kpai Owo ach’ukolo dama, Okelegu arinyo ligo ligo” Loosely, when eyes and hands work together, the drum sounds sweeter. This reminds us that collective effort produces harmony. In Kogi’s politics today, too many hands play different tunes. Team spirit, rooted in mutual respect and shared destiny, must replace discord. A community that works together can shape leadership that works for all.
Real change requires both introspection and action. It means discouraging factions that harm collective interests and elevating leaders who are committed to inclusive development. It means mentoring the young, amplifying voices that reflect integrity, and building bridges across divides. As the American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Igala’s future depends on a politics that reflects this wisdom; where identity strengthens unity, not fractures it.
The sunrise still beckons in the east. But sunrise is more than a moment of light; it is a commitment to a new day. Reviving Igala political ground in Kogi State demands courage, collaboration, and a willingness to look beyond self. By rejecting internal sabotage and embracing collective spirit, Igala leaders and citizens can ensure that their dawn is not an echo of yesterday, but the beginning of a brighter tomorrow.
– Inah Boniface Ocholi writes from Ayah – Igalamela/Odolu LGA, Kogi state.
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