The Ukomu Igala Organization (UIO) Worldwide has called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address multidimensional poverty, insecurity and the deterioration of social amenities across the country.
The organisation made the call in a statement signed by its President, Major General James Ataguba (retd.), to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The UIO, while congratulating Nigerians on the anniversary, reaffirmed its commitment to the unity, peace and territorial integrity of the country.
It said the Igala people had remained active stakeholders in the Nigerian project through their contributions to national security, public service, commerce, education, culture and nation-building.
The organisation also acknowledged the contributions of past and present leaders to Nigeria’s development, while commending the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its ongoing economic and structural reforms.
According to the group, the reforms are being undertaken amid difficult economic conditions and are aimed at strengthening the economy, public institutions and social infrastructure, as well as attracting investments and laying the foundation for sustainable development.
However, it cautioned that the gains of the reforms could be undermined if the government failed to address the challenges confronting Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots.
“While appreciating these efforts, however, our organisation will like to humbly observe that the country is still grappling with multidimensional poverty, pervasive insecurity and a progressive deterioration of social amenities in the country, especially at the grassroots,” the statement said.
The organisation urged the Federal Government to reassure Nigerians of its commitment to improving their welfare through “more practical and productive steps”.
It also called on Nigerians to remain united and committed to nation-building, stressing that the responsibility for building a better country could not be left to government alone.
“The future that we desire for ourselves, our children and generations to come cannot be built by the government alone. Rather, it can only materialise through shared commitment and sacrifices, hard work and patriotism of all citizens of Nigeria,” it said.
The UIO described Nigeria as a country with significant potential and urged citizens not to lose hope in its future.
It said, “Our diversity remains our strength, our unity our shield, while our shared destiny remains our greatest asset.”
The organisation prayed for peace, stability, prosperity and progress in Nigeria and Kogi State, and congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary.