By Abubakar Yunusa
The Ukomu Igala Organisation has urged the Federal Government to urgently tackle multidimensional poverty, insecurity and the deteriorating state of social amenities across the country.
The organisation said addressing the challenges was necessary to sustain the gains of ongoing economic and structural reforms by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The President of the organisation, Major General James Ataguba (retd.), stated this in an Independence Day message marking Nigeria’s 66th anniversary.
Ataguba reaffirmed the organisation’s loyalty to Nigeria and its commitment to preserving the country’s peace, unity and progress.
He said, “Today, we reaffirm our undiluted loyalty to our dear country and reiterate our inimitable commitment to preserving the peace, unity, and progress of our nation.”
He acknowledged the contributions of past and present leaders as well as Nigerians towards the country’s development since independence.
The retired general also recognised what he described as the determination and courage of the Tinubu administration in pursuing economic and structural reforms.
He said the reform process could be painful and challenging, particularly when aimed at strengthening the economy, public institutions and social infrastructure, as well as attracting investments and laying the foundation for sustainable development.
“Needless to reiterate that the paths of reform and social re-engineering could be painful and challenging; especially when undertaken towards building a stronger economy, strengthening of public institutions, expanding social infrastructure, attracting investments and laying a foundation for sustainable national development and prosperity,” he said.
However, Ataguba said Nigerians were still grappling with multidimensional poverty, insecurity and declining social amenities, particularly at the grassroots.
“Unless addressed urgently, these issues will ultimately diminish the current efforts of the Federal Government,” he warned.
He called for more practical and productive measures to improve the welfare of Nigerians and restore confidence in the government’s reform agenda.
The Ukomu Igala leader also urged Nigerians to remain united, hopeful and committed to nation-building.
He said the responsibility of building the Nigeria citizens desired could not be left to government alone.
“Rather, it can only materialise through shared commitment and sacrifices, hard work, and patriotism of all citizens of Nigeria,” he said.
Ataguba described Nigeria, at 66, as a country with enormous potential and a significant place in Africa and the Black race.
“At 66, Nigeria stands not merely as a nation of over two hundred million people but as a beacon of hope for Africa and the Black race,” he said.
“Our diversity remains our strength, our unity our shield, while our shared destiny remains our greatest asset.”
He urged Nigerians not to despair, expressing hope that the country would eventually become an attractive destination for people and nations across the world.
The organisation also used the occasion to highlight the contributions of the Igala people to the Nigerian project.
Ataguba said the Igala people had remained active stakeholders in the country’s development through their contributions to national security, public service, commerce, education, culture and nation-building.
“The Igala people have over the years remained active and willing stakeholders in the Nigerian project,” he said.
“Through our checkered contributions to national security, public service, commerce, education, culture, and nation-building, we have consistently demonstrated our belief in the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The organisation called for renewed commitment to the ideals of peace, unity, patriotism and national development as Nigeria marks another milestone in its democratic journey.
It also prayed for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for Kogi State and Nigeria.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
