Engr. Bashir Gegu urges Egbira leaders to commit to their struggle, berate those who shy away from responsibility but seek leadership
….As Barr. Yakubu Galadima’s 2nd Itochi edition held in Toto, with prizes awarded, vows to focus on job creation
…Chiroma FC Toto wins Itochi Novelty match against Barr. Yakubu Galadima FC
By Yahaya Idris, Toto
Engineer Muhammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu, Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, has berated some Egbira politicians who seek leadership positions for personal gain without contributing to the development of the Egbira nation.
The Commissioner made these remarks during the launch and prize-giving ceremony of the 2nd edition of the Itochi Knitting annual Egbira traditional attires event held on Sunday at Central Pilot Primary School in Toto, Nasarawa State.
The Ondaki Ireku Igu Koton-karfe Kingdom who served as the Chairman of the occasion condemned these politicians particularly those serving for not contributing to society during times of need despite having resources and political aspirations for positions such as Governor, Senator, House of Representatives, and State Assembly.
He urged these individuals to repent and fulfill their responsibilities to the society.
The commissioner emphasize the need for genuine commitment to the welfare of the society by those seeking leadership positions rather than merely pursuing political ambitions without contribution
Bashir Gegu, is a prominent political leader in Kogi State, known for his energy, fearlessness, and dedication to service and loyalty.
He has been described as a highly influential, result-oriented, and compassionate leader from Kogi Koton Karfe Local Government in Kogi State.
His leadership is marked by a commitment to the welfare and unity of his people, and he is recognized for empowering citizens with resources and support aimed at societal development
Bashir Gegu emphasized that no commitment is bigger than the Egbira struggle, calling out politicians who only focus on contesting elections but lack the capacity to contribute genuinely to society when their support is needed.
Gegu led a powerful delegation from Kogi State, including local government executives, special advisers, senior special assistants, appointees, and support groups such as women and youths, to the Itochi
He openly expressed disappointment with certain politicians and government officials who failed to contribute meaningfully to the event, advising the electorate to support only those who are accountable to society.
Gegu praised Barr. Yakubu Galadima for his developmental projects in Toto local government and beyond, describing his plans as genuine and promising continued support for his success.
“Whenever I’m invited to a public event, I will do my best by contributing my own quota, I don’t care whether the other person does better or below what I have done, but the fact remains that Bashir Gegu was there and he does something.”
“We must not shy away from rendering assistance no matter how little we can. God gave us positions or opportunities to render assistance to people or society.”
The Commissioner revealed ongoing plans to take Itochi (Egbira Native Attires) to the international level by purchasing machines to be given to skilled knitters, aiming to produce large quantities to meet growing demand.
He thanked the Egbira traditional rulers for their fatherly support and guidance, pledging to continue using his resources to promote the Egbira culture regardless of geographical locations.
Engr. Bashir Gegu contributed a substantial donation of 2 million naira to support the Itochi launching.
While making the donation, he explained that the amount represented combined contributions from Kogi LG traditional rulers, political appointees, associates, himself, and his wives.
Also speaking, Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya, the Executive Chairman of Toto LG, praised Barr. Yakubu Galadima’s insightful project aimed at empowering the youth in Egbira land.
The Chairman emphasized the importance of leveraging this project to explore opportunities and improve the society.
Yahaya, who is the chief host for this year Itochi event stated that his administration will continue to support any ventures that create employment, following the example set by Barr. Yakubu Galadima.
The Toto LG Chairman pledged a donation of 500,000 naira for the launch of Itochi and 50,000 naira to each of the six participants in the competition.
On his part, Hon. Musa Abdulmalik Nyaba, Executive Chairman of Kogi local government, expressed gratitude for the collaboration among the Egbiras of Toto, Koton-karfe, Mozum, and Abaji.
He credited this collaboration as a key strength behind the unity and success of the Egbira people.
The Kogi LG Chairman pledged continued support by contributing 500,000 naira to support the launching of Itochi, an initiative aimed to promote Egbira nation.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya, President of Toto Development Association (TODA), praised Barr. Yakubu Galadima for his people-oriented initiative and expressed full support from the Toto community for the Itochi launching event.
Maikaya also conveyed a message from His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammed Umar Azaki, urging Galadima to continue the good work he started in Toto.
He emphasized that bringing the event to Toto town demonstrates Galadima’s genuine love for the community and commended his sincere commitment to the Egbira people.
Maikaya, who is an APC governorship aspirant in Nasarawa State, made a 500,000 naira pledged, which Barr. Yakubu Galadima announced during Engr. Bashir Gegu’s speech.
Rt. Hon. Arc. Muhammed Ibrahim Ja’afar, former House of Representatives member for Toto/Nasarawa federal constituency, expressed gratitude to Barr. Yakubu Galadima through his representatives at the occasion, Mallam Haruna Anageh for organizing the entrepreneur engagement.
Anegeh also thanked the traditional rulers and Egbira people for attending the historic Itochi event and announced a cash donation of 200,000 naira from Arc. Ja’afar.
He further stated that Arc. Ja’afar is contesting in the 2027 Nasarawa State Governorship election and is seeking the Egbira community’s support to succeed.
Earlier, Barr. Yakubu Galadima, a legal luminary and sponsor of Itochi (Egbira Traditional Attires), welcomed all guests to this year’s launching and award prize giving in Toto.
In his address commemorating the Itochi event, Barr. Yakubu Galadima announced his decision to empower young Egbira entrepreneurs by equipping them with modern skills to foster self-reliance.
He also highlighted the urgent need to revive the nearly extinct Egbira native attires, emphasizing their cultural importance.
He emphasized his intention to create a distinctive initiative that highlights Egbira culture and identity.
He also announced that the next edition will take place in Koton-karfe, Kogi LG.
“This initiative is part of his commitment to promoting the Egbira heritage and empowering the youth and society at large in the area.”
He expressed gratitude for the massive support and attention the Itochi has received since its inaugural edition last year in Abaji.
Barr. Galadima stated that the annual Itochi event aims to empower young Egbira entrepreneurs and alleviate poverty by enhancing the economic status of the Egbira nation.
He also thanked Egbira people nationwide for their love and support, acknowledging that their encouragement fuels his continued efforts.
Barr. Yakubu Galadima is a philanthropist and CEO of Makama Humanitarian Services, focusing on youth development and social justice.
He is deeply involved in community development and is recognized for his philanthropic activities and traditional titles reflecting his contributions to his community and culture.
He is the Managing Partner of Marble Partners LP, a law firm specializing in Litigation and Arbitration, International Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Oil and Gas Law, and Asset Tracing and Recovery
Also speaking, Barr. Muhammed Tanko Musa Osuku, Principal Partner of A.O Musa and Solicitors of Supreme, expressed his support for his brother, Barr. Yakubu Galadima, in advancing a people-oriented initiative purely to promote the Egbiras.
The Executive Chairman of Kogi State Civil Service Commission and former Chairman of Kogi LG, highlighted the Kogi Local Government’s Fishing Festival, which promotes Egbira culture, creates jobs, and empowers the Egbira people.
He urged Egbira leaders to set aside political differences and unite around socioeconomic projects to foster development. Tanko stated
On his part, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, governorship aspirant of the APC, represented by Alhaji Usman Adams, commended Barr. Yakubu Galadima for positively impacting the Egbira people through the Itochi annual event.
The Faisal representative emphasized plans to link the Itochi programme with the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism to ensure that federal government representatives attend the event regularly.
“This linkage aims to promote social and economic development for the Egbira people.The Itochi event stands as an important cultural festival for the Egbira community, contributing to their cultural identity and unity. By aligning the festival with a federal ministry, it would enhance the event’s profile and likely attract development initiatives and governmental participation that could benefit the local economy and cultural preservation.”
However, Faisal do not make a donation rather said he would reach out to the organisers.
Other speakers at the occasion, including the delegation from ENDA Lagos, Ayikwu Egbira, and Egbira musicians, all contributed to the success of the event.
Our correspondent, Yahaya Idris, reports that the event began with a football match between Chiroma Toto FC and Barr. Yakubu Galadima FC.
The match ended with penalty kicks, with Chiroma Toto FC winning 5-4 against Barr. Yakubu Galadima FC.The venue was filled to capacity as people from within and outside Toto Local Government turned up for the event.
The historic edition of the Itochi (Egbira Attires) knitting competition, organized by Barr. Yakubu Galadima, has successfully concluded in Toto Local Government. The event was attended by dignitaries from various walks of life.
