Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Commodore Godwin Obaje (rtd), addressing the press on Friday in Abuja
Organisers of the 2026 edition of the Igala cultural festival, ITALO, have declared that the event will remain strictly cultural and free from political activities despite holding weeks before Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The organisers gave the assurance on Friday in Abuja, during the official unveiling of the festival’s logo and mascot in preparation for the event scheduled for December 30 and 31, 2026, in Anyigba, Kogi State.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Commodore Godwin Obaje (rtd), said ITALO was rooted in history and tradition, stressing that the festival was not created to promote any political interest.
Obaje explained that the festival dates back to the early 20th century when the Ata Igala traditionally travelled from Idah to Anyigba to meet his subjects, receive royal homage, resolve communal issues and strengthen unity among the Igala people.
He said the timing of the festival was chosen because it coincides with the period when many Igala sons and daughters, including those in the diaspora, return home for Christmas celebrations.
According to him, “Italo festival has no problem and has been conceived to confer some political advantage to anybody.”
He added that organisers had placed strict measures to prevent political activities at the venue.
“No political campaigns, no branded political vehicles, no branded T-shirts or caps, no political statements and no conversion whatsoever,” he said.
Obaje said the festival would remain a platform for cultural celebration, social interaction and unity among Igala people irrespective of political or religious differences.
Security arrangements
The chairman also assured visitors of adequate security during the festival, revealing that a special security committee had been established to coordinate safety arrangements.
He said the committee includes serving and retired security experts from the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Army, Navy and Air Force, alongside local vigilantes and community security groups.
“All routes leading to the venue have been mapped and surveilled,” he said, adding that both visible and concealed security operatives would be deployed.
Obaje acknowledged security challenges, including occasional kidnapping incidents in parts of the country, but assured visitors that adequate measures were being put in place to guarantee their safety.
Logo, Mascot Symbolise Ata Igala’s Authority, Strength, Heritage
Explaining the significance of the newly unveiled ITALO 2026 logo and mascot, organisers said the symbols were designed to represent the history, authority and cultural identity of the Igala Kingdom.
Obaje explained that the crown element on the logo represents the royal identity of the Ata Igala.
He said the crown, known in Igala as Onuire, symbolises traditional authority, spiritual significance and the dignity of the Ata Igala institution.
He added that the mask element, known as Ejubeju-Ailo, represents the sacred dimension of the traditional institution and the authority of the monarch.
According to him, the elephant image represents strength, courage, dignity and intelligence, while the green colour reflects fertility, vegetation and agriculture, and the yellow colour represents love.
He said the complete design reflects the collective heritage, resilience and aspirations of the Igala people.
ITALO 2026 as economic opportunity
Beyond cultural celebration, organisers said the festival would provide economic opportunities for businesses, farmers, traders and hospitality operators.
Chairman of the Documentation Committee, Dr Mohammed Shaibu Tettes, said the festival would create a platform for commercial activities involving traders, manufacturers, farmers and food vendors.
He said local agricultural products and cultural resources would be showcased to visitors from Nigeria and beyond.
National Treasurer of the committee, Chief Dr Isa Salifu, added that the festival would provide opportunities for networking, strategic partnerships and international engagement.
He urged Igala people to position themselves to benefit from the economic opportunities associated with the event.
Long-term sustainability plan
Co-Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Victor Usman Omattah, said efforts were being made to ensure that ITALO becomes a sustainable cultural institution rather than an occasional event.
He said the committee would establish structures that would allow early preparation and proper funding for future editions.
ITALO 2026, themed “Celebrating Our Heritage, Preserving Our Culture and Uniting Our People,” will feature a gala night, beauty pageant, merit awards, food fair, music, cultural performances and a grand cultural float involving the nine local government areas of Igala land.
