Member representing Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ali Halims has assured that he was commitment to the project of the creation of Okura State.
Halims who is the Deputy Majority Leader, said he would leverage on his position as a principal officer in the House to ensure that “if one State would be created, it will be Okura Stare”, noting that the creation of Okura State was long overdue.
The Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency, has reiterated his commitment to the creation of Okura State.
Speaking during a meeting with the Okura State Movement in Abuja on Sunday, Halims vowed to leverage his position as a principal officer to advance the long-standing aspiration for state creation. The event featured the presentation of a report by the Special Meeting Conveners’ Committee.
“In view of my position today in the National Assembly, by the grace of God, if any new state is created, Okura State will be among them. Write it down today,” Halims declared. “Where these decisions are made, I will be there. With God on our side, we will crack the hard nuts and achieve our goals.”
Halims emphasized unity and collective effort as essential elements for the realization of Okura State. He pledged unwavering support and urged constituents to remain steadfast in the struggle.
“We are in this struggle with all our strength,” he said. “I, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, am wholly and totally committed to doing justice to the creation of Okura State.”
He called for fervent prayers and grassroots support, noting that these are critical to ensuring sustained advocacy and effective representation at the National Assembly.
The chairman of the Okura State Movement, Chief Robert Usman Audu, described Hon. Halims as a consistent advocate for the state creation.
He noted that Halims recently sponsored a bill in the National Assembly, which has passed its second reading, proposing the creation of Okura State.
According to Audu, the proposed state aims to address long-standing demands for equitable representation, balanced development, and improved governance for the Igala and Bassa ethnic groups in the region.
“Creating Okura State will ensure fair distribution of resources, greater development, and a stronger sense of inclusion for the people of Kogi East Senatorial District,”Audu explained.
The Okura State Movement has launched several initiatives to bolster the push for state creation through dialogue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Kogi State Government.
It is also embarking organization of town hall meetings, media campaigns, and outreach programs to educate citizens about the need for the creation of the State.
The movement has also proposed an “Okura State Good Governance Advisory Council” to guide socio-economic transformation. It has also establishing committees, including a Strategy Committee, to intensify advocacy efforts.
The Special Meeting Conveners’ Committee, chaired by Prof. Godwin Ogbadu, has prepared comprehensive documentation outlining the historical, demographic, and socio-economic justifications for the state’s creation.
The movement has also reaffirmed Idah as the proposed capital of Okura State, citing its historical and cultural significance. The creation of Okura State, first proposed in 1980, represents a beacon of hope for the Igala and Bassa communities.
“This is a defining moment for our people, ”Chief Audu stated. “This document demonstrates a well-coordinated effort, highlighting historical equity and development imperatives as the driving forces behind this agitation.”
With renewed momentum, strategic planning, and collective effort, advocates believe the decades-long dream of Okura State is closer to becoming a reality.
Last Saturday’s meeting was the aftermath meeting at Dr. Steven Makoji Achema Handball Stadium, Idah on 30th November, 2024.
The meeting which was well attended by illustrious sons and daughters of the proposed Okura State, including traditional rulers, former and present political office holders, retired and present federal, state and local government civil/public servants, retired senior military and paramilitary personnel, women and youth leaders, sociocultural and development leaders, captains of industries, academicians, community leaders, affirmed their commitment to the creation of Okura State.
The movement in the meeting called on Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo to support the creation of Okura State from the defunct Kabba Province to be at par with other former provinces in the country.
