27/09/2026
CHIEF DR. FRIDAY ALFA ABDULLAHI: A ROLE MODEL FOR THE IGALA NATION AND A BEACON OF HOPE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
By: Dr. Mohammed A. Williams
In a time when many seek titles without content and influence without service, Chief Dr. Friday Alfa Abdullahi stands out as a true definition of leadership, humility and purposeful living. He is a man whose life story is a motivation to every Igala son and daughter, home and abroad.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO GLOBAL RELEVANCE
Chief Dr. Friday Alfa Abdullahi, a proud son of Ofabo in Ogbonicha Ward of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has risen through diligence and integrity to become a respected corporate executive. As Supply Chain Manager with ABB, a global technology giant in Lagos, he has distinguished himself in the highly competitive corporate world, proving that an Igala man can compete and excel anywhere without compromising his culture or faith.
As a devoted Christian, family man and community bridge-builder, he has earned admiration across tribal and religious lines — a rare quality in today’s divided society.
A MAN HONOURED BY THE THRONE AND THE PEOPLE
The Igala Kingdom does not give titles lightly. The fact that His Royal Majesty, the Attah Igala, Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II, found him worthy to be crowned as “Ogah Attah” of the Igala Kingdom at the ancient palace in Idah, speaks volumes. Ogah Attah is not just a title; it is a recognition of loyalty, service to humanity and commitment to the cultural heritage and unity of Igala people.
In Lagos State, the economic heartbeat of Nigeria where over 3.7 million Igala people reside, he was also honoured as Ogohi 1 of Onu Igala General, Lagos State. The Onu Igala General Lagos described his installation as a strategic step to strengthen the traditional institution and foster unity.
To cap it, the Ada-Idu of Onu Ofabo in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State was honoured with a Humanitarian Service Award by the Peace Maker Ambassador Group, in recognition of his consistent support for the vulnerable, the downtrodden and community-based projects.
WHY HE IS A ROLE MODEL
1. He Proves That Culture and Career Can Coexist:
Chief Dr. Abdullahi is a top executive in a multinational company, yet he is deeply rooted in his Igala identity. He is the Chairman Board of Trustees of Face of Igala and Patron of Igala Progressives Association in Lagos. He shows our youths that you do not need to abandon your language and culture to succeed in Lagos. As he himself said during his coronation: “Culture is the soul of any people, and when we honour it, we honour ourselves and our ancestors.”
2. He is a Servant Leader, Not a Selfish Leader:
He does not use his position to oppress others. Instead, he uses his resources and influence to lift others. Testimonies from Ogugu and Igala communities in Lagos describe him as a man of peace, love, empathy and compassion — a pillar of support in humanitarian affairs.
3. He Represents Integrity in a World of Compromise:
In both the corporate world and community service, his name has remained clean. He has never been associated with scandal, greed or betrayal of his people. That is why elders described his honour as a reward for integrity.
4. He is a Bridge Builder:
Igala, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo — he relates with everyone. This is the kind of leader Lagos needs. He advocates for peace and due process and for Igala people to be good ambassadors wherever they are.
A MOTIVATION TO OTHERS:
To the young Igala youth in Lagos hawking, riding okada or searching for a job, Chief Dr. Friday Alfa Abdullahi’s life says: It is possible. You can start small in your village and end up in a global company. You can live in Lagos and still be honoured in Idah. You can be successful without forgetting home.
To the rich and privileged, his life says: Use your wealth to build people, not just houses. True honour does not come from money, but from service.
To all Igala people, he is a reminder that the Igala spirit is resilient, industrious and honourable.
Chief Dr. Friday Alfa Abdullahi is not just a title holder; he is a worthy ambassador of the Igala Kingdom. His journey from Ofabo to ABB, from the streets of Lagos to the palace of the Atta Igala, is a story that must be told to every Igala child.
He has earned the crown, he is living the culture, and he is leading by example.
Long live Oga Attah! Long live Ogohi 1 of Lagos! Long live Ada-Idu of Onu Ofabo! Long live Igala Kingdom!
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DR MOHAMMED A. WILLIAMS is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, IGALA People & Events Magazine
