The Ata Igala, His Royal Majesty, Agaba’idu, Dr Alaji Mathew Opaluwa, Oguche Akpa II, has unveiled the official logo and mascot for the 2026 edition of ITALO Cultural Festival, scheduled to hold on December 30 and 31 in Anyigba, Kogi State.
The festival, also known as UJEJU-OGWU, is to hold under theme “Celebrating Our Heritage, Preserving Our Culture and Uniting Our People.”
The monarch, represented by Commodore Godwin Obaje, mni, at the unveiling ceremony, described ITALO, also known as UJEJU-OGWU, as a significant platform for celebrating Igala history, royal heritage, cultural identity and unity. He explained that the festival originated from the traditional practice of the Ata Igala travelling from Idah to Anyigba to hold court, receive royal homage, resolve communal disputes and interact with traditional rulers, title holders and community representatives.
According to him, the 2026 edition is designed to revive the cherished tradition, reconnect the people with their cultural roots and project the rich heritage of the Igala Kingdom to the global community.
Commodore Obaje said the newly unveiled logo and mascot contain important cultural symbols, including the royal crown, Onumu-Ere, representing traditional authority and dignity; the Ejebuje-Ailo mask, reflecting the spiritual significance of the Ata Igala institution; and the elephant, symbolising strength, majesty and resilience.
He disclosed that activities lined up for the two-day festival include a gala night, beauty pageant, merit awards, food fair, music and entertainment, as well as a colourful cultural procession featuring traditional performances from the nine Igala-speaking local government areas. The grand finale will also feature royal homage and the ceremonial entry of the Ata Igala, alongside royal blessings.
The Ata Igala called on sons and daughters of the kingdom, both at home and in the diaspora, to participate actively in the festival, while urging corporate organisations, institutions and friends of the kingdom to support the initiative through sponsorship and other contributions.
He said the festival, which is being celebrated under the theme, “Celebrating Our Heritage, Preserving Our Culture and Uniting Our People,” offers an opportunity to strengthen cultural bonds and preserve the identity of the Igala people for future generations.
The monarch expressed optimism that ITALO 2026 would become a major cultural landmark capable of projecting the history, traditions and values of the Igala Kingdom beyond Nigeria’s borders.
