Held in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Saturday, 8th August 2026
The 2026 Bi-Annual Delegate Conference of the Ihima Welfare Association (IWA) was held in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Saturday, 8th August 2026, with delegates and representatives from various IWA branches and affiliated organisations.
The Conference was attended by representatives from Zaria, Kaduna, Ilorin, Ibadan, Ajaokuta, Abuja, Maiduguri, and Lokoja Branches, Port Harcourt (send apologies) as well as representatives of the Ikuehi Development Association, Ihima Elite Initiative, other invited stakeholders and well-meaning sons and daughters of Ihima.
The Conference provided a platform for delegates to deliberate extensively on matters concerning the unity, welfare, security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, empowerment, and overall socio-economic development of Ihima and its people.
After exhaustive deliberations, the Conference reached the following resolutions and recommendations:
A. FUNDING AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
1. The Conference resolved that IWA should develop a sustainable funding mechanism through appropriate engagement with traditional institutions. The National Executive Council (NEC) is therefore mandated to liaise with the Ihima Traditional Council for further consultations and deliberations on sustainable sources of funding for the Association.
2. IWA should work towards the acquisition and development of revenue-generating assets to strengthen the financial sustainability of the Association. In this regard, political office holders and other well-meaning sons and daughters of Ihima are encouraged to include IWA in their empowerment programmes, particularly through the provision of equipment and facilities capable of generating sustainable revenue.
3. The Ihima Civic Centre has remained underutilised largely due to the poor condition of the access road. The Conference therefore resolved that a special appeal be made to the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Hon. Abdulsalam Ozigi Deedat, to facilitate the construction and improvement of the access road to the Centre, thereby enabling the facility to be put to maximum and productive use.
4. Branch executives are enjoined to intensify efforts to encourage and mobilise members to pay their annual individual dues to the National Body promptly and consistently.
B. EDUCATION
1. IWA should follow up with the organisation that has expressed interest in establishing a private polytechnic in Ihima, with a view to facilitating and supporting the realisation of the project.
2. A committee should be constituted to assess, document, and collate the educational needs and priorities of Ihima, including the requirements for primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational, and skills-development opportunities.
3. The Conference strongly urged prominent sons and daughters of Ihima, particularly political office holders and other influential stakeholders with access to government, to advocate for the establishment of multi-campus institutions or satellite campuses in Ihima as a practical and achievable means of improving access to tertiary education for the people.
C. SECURITY
1. The Conference noted that there are established procedures and appropriate channels for addressing farmer-herder conflicts and related disputes. Aggrieved farmers and other affected persons are therefore encouraged to follow the laid-down procedures and seek redress through the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to self-help.
2. While awaiting the report of the Missing Property Committee, concerted efforts should be made to safeguard public assets and prevent the encroachment, illegal occupation, or unauthorised disposal of public lands and other community properties.
3. IWA should continue to encourage peaceful coexistence, dialogue, lawful dispute resolution, and cooperation with relevant security agencies in maintaining peace and security in Ihima.
D. HEALTH
1. The Conference resolved that a reminder should be sent to our Federal Legislators regarding the need to pursue and facilitate the passage of the bill seeking the conversion of the Comprehensive Health Centre, Ihima, into a Federal Medical Centre.
2. IWA was mandated to identify and engage influential individuals and relevant stakeholders who can facilitate discussions with the Federal Ministry of Health regarding the transfer of the budgetary provision for the Comprehensive Health Centre, Ihima, currently domiciled at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, to the Federal University of Lokoja Teaching Hospital, with a view to establishing an appropriate affiliation and strengthening healthcare delivery in Ihima.
E. AWARD AND RECOGNITION
1. The Conference resolved that a Selection and Implementation Committee should be constituted to identify, select, and recognise past and present heroes and heroines of Ihima who have made significant contributions to the growth, development, welfare, and progress of the community.
2. The proposed recognition programme should be guided by clear and transparent criteria to ensure that deserving individuals are appropriately honoured for their contributions to Ihima.
F. INFRASTRUCTURE, EMPOWERMENT, EMPLOYMENT AND APPOINTMENTS
In recognition and appreciation of their contributions towards infrastructure development, empowerment, employment opportunities, and the appointment of sons and daughters of Ihima to positions of responsibility, the Conference resolved that letters of appreciation should be formally written to the following individuals:
1. His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo
Executive Governor of
Kogi State.
2. Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Kogi Central Senator.
3. Hon. Abdulraheem Abdulmaleek Danga
House of Rep member
for Adavi/Okehi.
4. Hon. Abdulsalam Ozigi Deedat
Hon. Commissioner for
works, Kogi State.
5. Mr Tunde Disu,
Inspector General of
Police
G. POLITICAL CONDUCT
As the election season draws closer, we plead and urge all political actors, stakeholders and community members to set aside personal differences and work for peace. We must approach politics with the interest of peace, progress, and development of our community at heart. Let peace and tolerance reign throughout this period.
The 2026 IWA Bi-Annual Delegate Conference reaffirmed its commitment to the unity, peace, progress, and sustainable development of Ihima and its people. The Conference called on all sons and daughters of Ihima, irrespective of political, religious, professional, or other affiliations, to work together in the collective interest of the community.
The National Executive Council, branch executives, committees, traditional institutions, political office holders, and other stakeholders to diligently pursue the implementation of these resolutions for the overall development and wellbeing of Ihima.
May God Almighty continue to bless Ihima, unite her people, and grant wisdom and strength to all those working for the progress and development of our community.
Compiled & Signed:
Communique Secretariat
– Prof. A A Muraina Rufai Yakubu Mosuwa FCA
– Ihima Welfare Association
