By Christopher Sunday
Abuja, November 2, 2024 – In the heart of the Igala Kingdom, members of the Igala Brothers and Friends Initiative (IBFI) gathered not merely to inaugurate new leaders, but to affirm the enduring strength of their collective spirit. The occasion marked a unique process, not of competition but of mutual affirmation, where Comrade Philip Ameh was entrusted as the new National Leader—a choice made in harmony, echoing the ancient values that bind the Igala people together.
In his acceptance speech, Ameh invoked a sense of shared destiny. “We stand here not only as leaders but as custodians of our shared values and vision,” he began, grounding his words in the conviction that leadership is a temporary stewardship rather than a prize. Ameh reminded the audience that their journey as an organization is one of unity, empowerment, and a devotion to a vision that will shape the Igala Kingdom for generations to come.
“Together, we will build a legacy that honors our ancestors and inspires our descendants,” he affirmed, calling upon both the past and future in a single breath.
The new executives affirmed for the next two years are:
1. Philip Ameh – National Leader
2. Zekeri Abdullahi – Deputy National Leader
3. Samuel Adegbe Ochijenu – Secretary General
4. Simon Agada – Treasurer
5. Tony Adams – Financial Secretary
6. Offor Ochijenu – Auditor
7. Mathias Ojogbane Haruna – Welfare Officer
8. Usman Ibrahim – Public Relations Officer
9. Dr. Dan Idris Idoko – Assistant Secretary General
10. Hamzat Abdulkadir Idakwo – Assistant Financial Secretary
11. Barr. Baba-Ahmed Abdulkadir – Legal Adviser
The ELCOM Chairman, who led the selection process, thanked the members and contestants for their unwavering support throughout the process. “The spirit of brotherhood you displayed is our most precious strength,” he said, offering thanks for the dedication shown by all. He praised the Election Committee for its transparent process, a reflection of the community’s commitment to integrity and trust.
Outgoing National Leader Bala Abubakar addressed the gathering with deep reflection on his term. “Serving as National Leader has been both an honor and a profound responsibility,” he shared. “Leadership, I have learned, is not merely about moving forward but about carrying forward the spirit and heritage of the Kingdom.” As he passed the role to Ameh, Abubakar spoke of the strength in continuity, the trust in community, and the shared vision that defines the Igala Kingdom. “Our strength lies in our unity and our commitment to each other,” he remarked, underscoring that IBFI’s future is inseparable from its collective spirit.
Outgoing General Secretary Emmanuel Oseni emphasized the deep solidarity of the members. “Our progress over these years has been possible because we walked together,” he observed. In calling for the continued commitment of all, Oseni framed IBFI as a journey rather than a destination—a shared path toward the collective good of the Kingdom. His words illustrated the association’s deeply rooted commitment to both the present and future well-being of its people.
Representing the Board of Trustees (BoT), Chairman Pharmacist Peter Yakubu Iduh expressed appreciation for the members’ support and commitment to the Kingdom. He spoke of the BoT’s role as guides and witnesses to the growth of the brotherhood, expressing gratitude for the Election Committee’s fairness and transparency, qualities that reaffirm IBFI’s highest ideals.
In his final words, Iduh urged all to stand with the new administration under Philip Ameh, underscoring that the Kingdom’s success depends upon a unity that transcends generations. Ameh’s leadership, he suggested, reflects a profound dedication to the Kingdom, a journey of service grounded in humility, wisdom, and hope for prosperity and harmony.
The inauguration was more than the start of a new leadership chapter; it was a philosophical reaffirmation of purpose, a celebration of brotherhood, and a tribute to the enduring devotion of the Igala Kingdom’s people. In this gathering, the bonds that unite them were not only recognized but strengthened, with a shared purpose echoing across time.
