The Mayor of Omaha, John W. Ewing Jr., has formally recognized the contributions of the Igala diaspora to the United States, coinciding with the election of a new leadership for the community’s national association.
The recognition was conferred during the association’s 25th Annual Conference and Gala, held in Omaha from September 4 to 6, 2026. The three-day event, themed “Beyond Borders and Crossroads: Reimagining Partnerships to Lead Our Collective Igala Future,” brought together delegates from across the U.S. to chart a course for the community’s future.
During the conference, Bishop Moses Adejoh, PhD, was elected as the new National President. Other members of the new executive include Godwin Ilabija (Vice President), Arome Oyibo (Secretary-General), Cordelia Ewah (Financial Secretary), Martina Agba (Treasurer), Omakoji Idakwoji (Public Relations Officer), Gold Mathew (Youth Leader), and Sunny Onoja (Social Secretary).
In his proclamation, Mayor Ewing highlighted the historical significance of the Igala Kingdom and its legacy of trade and civic engagement. He also commended the positive impact made by Igala professionals and the younger generation on American society. The proclamation further paid tribute to the Atta Igala, His Royal Majesty, Mathew Alaji Oguche Akpa II.
HRH Ajofe Okai Jonah Idris, the Onu Abocho of Biraidu District in Kogi State, attended the event as the representative of the Atta Igala, offering royal blessings to the community. The keynote address was delivered by Major General James Ataguba, National Leader of the Ukomu Igala Organization.
The new executive team pledged to strengthen collaboration between Igala communities in Nigeria and the U.S., building on the foundation laid by their predecessors. The event concluded with a gala celebrating Nigerian heritage through traditional cuisine, music, and dance.
**Association Mourns Former Governor Ibrahim Idris**
Following the conference, the new leadership extended its condolences to the family, the Kogi State Government, and the Atta Igala over the passing of a former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who died in London at the age of 77.
In a statement signed by Bishop Adejoh and Mr. Oyibo, the association recalled the former governor’s commitment to the diaspora. They noted his attendance at the association’s 2006 conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, and his role in facilitating the donation of significant digital and academic resources to schools in Kogi State in 2007. The association prayed for the repose of his soul and expressed its deepest sympathies to the people of Kogi State.
