Dr. Ahmed Abdullai, an orthopedic surgeon and retired Naval officer, has been elected as the new National President of the Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA).
The election, held at the Idah Township Stadium on Saturday, included delegates from twenty-five states and was observed by several sociocultural organizations from Kogi East.
According to a statement by Mr. Barth Ademu, the National Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, twenty-one positions were filled during the National Executive Council election.
Mr. Barth Ademu, a veteran journalist and emeritus par excellence, told OurWorldGist that Mr. Victor Omata and Alhaji Zakar Jiya were elected as Vice Presidents One and Two, respectively.
Alhaji Rufai Yahaya, a retired Deputy Postmaster General, and Comrade Isah Abubakar, a former State NLC Chairman, were elected as National Secretary and Deputy National Secretary.
Dr. Isah Salifu, a finance expert, was elected Treasurer, with Ocheni John as his assistant. David Ocheja and Onalo Peter were elected as Financial Secretary and Assistant Financial Secretary.
Others elected include Hajia Jummai Kabiru as Women Leader, Comrade Akwu Umar Goodman as Director of Mobilization and Contact, Haruna Mohammed and Tijani Ishiaka as Director and Assistant Director of Culture, and Attah Samuel Idoko as Director of Tourism.
Additionally, Jonathan Jibrin was elected as Media Officer, Yunusa Bameyi as Inter-Group Coordinator, Akoh Salifu as Auditor, Linus Okpe as Liaison Officer, and Usman Tijani as Youth Coordinator.
The Chief Whips One and Two are Alhaji Musa Umaru and Nuhu Abdullai, respectively.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the newly elected executive, Dr. Ahmed Abdullai assured that under his leadership, the vision of Ata Igala for the emancipation of the people of Kogi East would be realized. He described the Igala people as the conscience of the country, committed to achieving success through civilized methods.