Omi-Ny’Igede Cultural Association, Jalingo, Taraba State Chapter, has endorsed Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association took the decision on Saturday, during its 30th anniversary celebration held together with the 2026 Igede Agba Festival at Camp Laviet Hotel, Jalingo.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Omi-Ny’Igede Jalingo Chapter, Mr. Lawrence Ikpe, said the association had previously passed a vote of confidence on both governors in their second year in office, owing to their unprecedented infrastructural development and security initiatives.
He particularly commended Governor Agbu Kefas for making Jalingo safe and secure for both indigenes and residents to go about their businesses without molestation, hence the need to support him for a second term.
He charged members of the association to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote for Governor Kefas to complete his remaining four years in office.
Mr. Ikpe also called on all Igede sons and daughters to support Governor Hyacinth Alia’s second term bid, describing him as a gift from God to Benue State whose administration should not be taken for granted.
The President expressed appreciation to all who graced this year’s Igede Agba and the association’s 30th anniversary celebration. He acknowledged the presence of the APC Women Leader from Wukari LGA and Presidents of the Idoma, Tiv, Yoruba and Igala associations, among others.
He further charged members to embrace love and unity, noting that unity remains the core strength of every union, association and society.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Linus Okeke, also charged members on unity of purpose, stressing that no group can attract any favour without unity. He noted that the Igede, Idoma and Igala share ancestral ties and must remain united for the progress and development of their people and cultural heritage.
In his remarks, the President of the Idoma Community in Jalingo lauded the Omi-Ny’Igede for maintaining its cultural heritage, while urging Igede parents to teach their children their mother tongue. He maintained that everyone has roots and should not deviate from them.
The highlight of the 2026 Igede Agba and 30th anniversary celebration was the gathering of presidents of various associations from Benue State, friends of Igede and other well-wishers.
The President said that Igede Agba is not just about eating pounded yam and drinking wine, but goes beyond that. According to him, it is an identity and a cultural celebration whose core values are honesty, trust and hard work, devoid of begging. He charged youths and young adults to emulate their forefathers by being self-reliant and creating wealth for themselves rather than depending on government and leaders.
