Engr. Bashir Gegu has given attention to people with disabilities in Kogi, — Disability Group
…..As Solid Minerals Commissioner receives most dedicated leadership award
By Yahaya Idris
Hon. Engineer Muhammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu, the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to his community and Kogi in general.
Photo credit: Joseph Kpanaki
Known for his philanthropy, Bashir Gegu has also supported women through financial empowerment programs and is celebrated for his dedication to human capital development in Kogi State.
This honor acknowledges his efforts in providing scholarships, empowering women and youth, and fostering peace and development in Kogi Local Government Area.
In recognition of outstanding efforts, the leadership and organisation of people living with disability in Kogi State, has presented the most dedicated leadership award to the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engineer Muhammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu
Presenting the award to the distinguished grassroots politician and philanthropist, the delegation of people with disability, led by Mr. Arome Ibrahim, Leader of Advocacy Inclusion in Kogi State and National Treasurer for Persons with Disability in Nigeria, commended the Commissioner’s gesture, noting its statewide impact and his leadership and support, which have fostered enduring support for APC across various local government areas.
Photo credit: Joseph Kpanaki
Arome made this statement when he led his executive members to the Commissioner’s residence in Gegu Beki, Kogi local government on Sunday, disclosing that Engineer Muhammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu is among the select few in Kogi who consistently show respect and necessary attention to people living with disabilities, thereby earning their overwhelming support and solidarity.
“Our organisation, Disability Organisation, is delighted to honour Bashir Gegu, whose leadership approach prioritises empowering disadvantaged individuals, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and life experience.”
“We came all the way from Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, to pay tribute to the Commissioner in recognition of his leadership, which encompasses diverse groups beyond tribe and religion.”
He elaborated that the reason their group found Engr. Bashir Gegu deserving of the award was his capability and ability to promote inclusive governance, irrespective of an individual’s status or origin.
He noted that the Kogi local government political leader is held in high esteem by the disability community, who are impressed by his notable legacy and have urged him to sustain his efforts.
The disability community in Kogi is pleased with his exceptional work, his humility is unparalleled, and his constituents, including those from other LGAs, are commending his leadership as a model worthy of emulation.
“Engineer Bashir Gegu has a deep understanding of the distinct challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. We have assembled to pray for him and extend our best wishes as he persists in serving and advocating for his people.”
The group lamented, however, that in the run-up to the Kogi governorship election, they were actively seeking support for the APC and its candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, yet today none of their members have been acknowledged.
Arome stated that the only appointments given to relatively unknown members of the disability community were those who did not support them during their campaign for APC and Ododo, highlighting the influence of having a powerful backer in politics.
Photo credit: Joseph Kpanaki
“We are here in Gegu to formally request the Governor’s consideration through our esteemed leader and Commissioner, so that our friends and opposition outside the APC will not mock us for backing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.”
He described the development as sad and unfortunate, citing examples where non-active members of the disability community, who never supported APC and Ododo, were incorporated into government.
“We are now being ridiculed and scorned by the opposition, who mockingly assert that we have served our purpose and been discarded.”
The group applauded Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his visionary leadership and provision of dividends to the citizens, expressing loyalty that the people living with disability will continue to support him to succeed.
Photo credit: Joseph Kpanaki
“We traveled throughout Kogi State to encourage our members to back Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, yet we are puzzled as to why our endeavors during the election have not been acknowledged. We are here to appeal to our Commissioner to transmit our message to the Government House, so that the People’s Governor can consider our suggestion.”
“God Almighty has granted our prayers for a successful election, which led to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo taking office, yet we have not received recognition.”
On his part, Engineer Muhammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, expressed gratitude to people with disabilities for recognizing him and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s leadership.
He also thanked the disability group for honouring him in acknowledgment of his developmental initiatives, including scholarships and community support
He attributed the honour bestowed on him to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the people of Kogi LGA.
According to him, the award will motivate him to do more and regard the award as special, coming from people with disabilities in Kogi.
He stated that without his appointment by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, he would not have had the opportunity to serve and assist the people who have crossed his path, while acknowledging that government is a continuous process and assuring the group that the Governor will soon reach out to them.
He commended the disabilities group for their law-abiding advocacy efforts, noting that nobody can replace them in Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration.
Engineer Bashir Gegu, the political leader of Kogi LG, assured people living with disabilities that the Kogi State government is committed to its responsibilities and will soon invite them to participate in governance.
Global Times Nigeria reports that Engineer Muhammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu has been in Gegu since the commencement of the Ramadan fasting period, receiving people from and beyond Kogi State.
The Commissioner has also seized the opportunity to support vulnerable individuals, party executive members, and the people of Kogi State with palliatives and cash support to facilitate their fasting with ease.
