Minister Shuaibu Audu Urges Igala Unity, Lists 1,000 Jobs, ‘Light Up Kogi East’ as Legacy Projects
ABUJA – The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has called on the people of Igala land to prioritize unity over political differences, saying “our shared identity, heritage, and destiny as one people must remain stronger than any political interest.”
Audu made the call on Saturday, May 30, 2026, as Special Guest of Honour at the 13th ARISE IGALA Leadership Awards and Lecture held at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.
Speaking as “a proud son of Ane Igala,” the minister said the greatest responsibility for Igala people at this time is to preserve the unity of the kingdom. He invoked the legacies of his late father, Prince Abubakar Audu, and the late Dr. Stephen Achema, noting that both leaders “devoted their lives to building bridges of unity and pursuing the development of our land.”
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“There is an African proverb which says, ‘When ants unite, they can carry an elephant.’ United, Igala land can achieve far more than divided factions pursuing individual ambitions,” he told the gathering. “Elections will come and go; governments will change, but our shared identity must remain.”
He said ss Minister of Steel Development representing Kogi State at the Federal Executive Council, Audu said he remains committed to advancing the welfare of his people.
He listed several interventions, including:
– Employment: Close to 1,000 Kogites have secured jobs across agencies in the steel sector.
– Social support: Distribution of palliatives to families, fertilizer support for farmers, sponsorship of JAMB registration fees for students, and cash grants to empower citizens.
– Infrastructure: Recent launch of the “Light Up Kogi East” initiative to expand electricity access to communities across the senatorial district.
“These efforts are not merely political gestures; they are part of a broader commitment to improving lives, empowering our youths, and building a future where every son and daughter of Kogi East can thrive,” he stated.
The minister also addressed Igala youths directly, urging them to use social media to promote culture and achievements rather than insult elders or spread division.
“Respect for elders and responsible communication remain important values in our culture. We must disagree without becoming enemies. We must learn to debate issues without destroying relationships,” he said.
He stressed that developing Igala Kingdom requires collective effort from traditional rulers, political leaders, youths, women, professionals, and all citizens.
Audu urged continued support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing the Renewed Hope Agenda as “laying critical foundations for national growth and economic recovery.”
He expressed confidence that Kogi East and Kogi State would “come out massively” to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The event, convened by Mr. Onoja Okpanachi and the ARISE IGALA team, celebrates excellence and promotes intellectual engagement on the future of Igala land.
“Let us continue to stand together as one people, guided by the enduring values of unity, peace, respect, and progress. Let us protect the legacy handed over to us by our forefathers,” the minister concluded.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MAY 31ST 2026)
