Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa Bags Akinjagunla Chieftaincy Title in Kogi Community
By Samuel Temiloluwa
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), has been honoured with the prestigious traditional chieftaincy title of Akinjagunla of Iyamoye Kingdom in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The honour was conferred on him during the 2026 Iyamoye Day celebration held on Saturday in Iyamoye Kingdom, where he served as the Special Guest of Honour.
The celebration, which attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, indigenes and residents, was held under the theme: “Mobilising Our Collective Strength for Growth, Progress and a Prosperous Future.”
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Speaking at the occasion, General Musa called on Nigerians and communities across the country to embrace peace, unity and collective responsibility as fundamental pillars for sustainable development and shared prosperity.
The Defence Minister emphasised that peace and security remain indispensable to national growth, noting that no community can achieve meaningful and sustainable development in an atmosphere of conflict, disunity and mutual distrust.
According to him, the task of development requires collective efforts and collaboration among government institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens.
“No community can achieve sustainable progress without an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding,” he said.
Musa also identified youth empowerment as a critical component of national development, stressing the need for deliberate efforts to create opportunities for young people to acquire relevant skills, become productive and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Youth empowerment remains critical to national development. We must continue to create opportunities that enable our young people to acquire relevant skills, become productive, and contribute meaningfully to society,” he stated.
He commended the Iyamoye Development Union (IDU), traditional rulers and residents for sustaining the annual cultural celebration and promoting initiatives aimed at advancing the development of the community.
Reflecting on the community’s motto, “In Oneness We Stand,” the Minister applauded Iyamoye’s commitment to education, skills acquisition and the provision of local infrastructure, describing such initiatives as important foundations for community advancement.
He urged sons and daughters of Iyamoye, both at home and in the diaspora, to continue to promote peace, harmony and unity while supporting traditional institutions in the collective pursuit of development.
The high point of the celebration was the conferment of the traditional chieftaincy title of Akinjagunla of Iyamoye Kingdom on General Musa in recognition of his distinguished service to Nigeria and contributions to community development.
Expressing appreciation for the recognition, the Minister described the honour as a demonstration of the community’s confidence and goodwill, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining peace and security across the country.
He noted that lasting peace remains essential to creating an enabling environment in which communities, local economies and Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage can flourish without disruption.
The 2026 Iyamoye Day celebration provided an opportunity for the people of the kingdom to celebrate their cultural heritage, strengthen communal bonds and renew their commitment to unity, peace and sustainable development.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper November 3rd, 2026
