Engr Bashir Gegu: Ododo’s administration vows to illuminate more rural areas
….Governor Grace Ekuzi Day in Okofi, Kogi LGA sees generous donations
By Yahaya Idris
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to rural development, particularly for the Riverine (Ekuzi) communities, and highlighted the need for increased support and investment to improve living conditions and boost local economies.
Kogi Governor said his administration has already made strides in various sectors, including agriculture and infrastructure, aiming to create a more sustainable and prosperous environment for all residents in Kogi State.
The Governor commended the people of Kogi local government for their peaceful coexistence and collective efforts in sustaining the traditional legacy of their founding fathers.
The Governor, represented by Engineer Mohammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu, State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, observed that the people of Riverine Communities are very industrious and urged them to uphold the support of all leaders in the area
He advised the people of Kogi LG to acknowledge their new King and paramount ruler, HRM. Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu (SAS), the Ohimegye Igu-Koton-karfe, adding that the new King was enthroned by God, hence to give him all the necessary support to enable him succeed.
He assured the Ekuzi communities that his government is dedicated to providing more amenities to the area, urging them to continue giving their support to his administration and the All Progressive Congress, APC, at both the state and federal levels.
The Governor, as a special guest of honour at the event, expressed appreciation that the people of Kogi LGA are renowned for their age-long occupation, which is fishing, and called on them to sustain peace and harmony.
The Executive Chairman of Kogi local government, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman, expressed gratitude to the Ekuzi Progressive Forum for recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to their community and host Kogi LG.
He declared that his administration would continue to partner with any group or organization that has genuine plans to develop Kogi LGA, while extending congratulations to the people of Ekuzi on their day.
The Chairman, who also serves as Chairman of the Occasion, assured the residents of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the continued provision of maximum security to sustain the existing peace in the area.
HRM. Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, Ohimegye Igu-Koton-karfe, appreciated the Ekuzi Progressive Forum for bestowing posthumous awards on esteemed individuals, including the late Ohimegye Igu-Koton-karfe, Alhaji Mamman Lafia, Late Christ Ali, Alhaji Usman Angulu Ahmed, Mallam Abu Egbunu Okofi, Barr Adamu Osuku, and several others, in acknowledgement of their selfless contributions to the progress of the Ekuzi communities.
Ohimegye Igu-Koton-karfe, Chairman of the Kogi/Lokoja traditional council of chiefs, says he will continue to partner with Ekuzi communities to ensure the area gets government attention.
He specifically expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engineer Mohammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu, and all other appointees from Kogi LGA for their efforts and commitment to bringing more development.
Also speaking, Chairman of Kogi State Civil Service Commission, Barr. Muhammed Tanko Musa Osuku, commended the Ekuzi Progressive Forum for honouring his late brother, Barr. Adamu Osuku Musa, with posthumous awards, and observed that his family is thankful for the recognition accorded them.
Accompanied by family and Osuku people, Tanko said they were in attendance to show appreciation to the Ekuzi Progressive Forum for paying tribute to the late Barr Adamu Osuku Musa.
Earlier, the President of Ekuzi Progressive Forum, Mallam Idris Mohammed, welcomed all invited guests to the occasion. He noted that this was a maiden edition and promised to make it an annual event.
According to him, the Ekuzi community is made up of two electoral wards of Kogi LG, namely Akpasu and Irenedu wards respectively.
Mohammed explained that the platform was established to fast-track development and foster a sense of teamwork among their people.
He also announced that the Ekuzi has initiated a fundraising drive to construct a town hall, a project with an estimated cost of 50,000,000 million naira.
The event included the presentation of awards to recipients, including State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engineer Mohammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu.
The event was attended by both serving and former assembly members, including immediate past lawmaker, Hon Muhammed Abubakar Tanko Okofi, incumbent lawmaker, Hon Idrees Aliyu Maikudi Girinya, serving Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to Kogi State Governor, Hon Bala Rilwan Ette, and numerous prominent politicians and Kogi LG dignitaries.
