The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Comrade Joel Salifu, has described the people of Bassa Local Government Area as dependable and trustworthy, saying that the state government holds the area in high regard because of the loyal support of its people.
Speaking while receiving a delegation of the Ododo Bassa Youth Grassroots Initiative (OBYGI) led by its Coordinator, Comrade Victor M.A. Kpanaki, the Deputy Governor said: “We do not joke with Bassa because they are people of their words.”
He noted that Bassa, alongside Ibaji and other local government of Kogi East, gave overwhelming support to the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 governorship election that produced Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and himself.
According to him, the Governor genuinely loves the people of Bassa Local Government Area and remains committed to their development.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that the area is set to witness massive dividends of democracy because of the people’s commitment to the success of the present administration.
He condoled with the people of the area over the demise of their paramount ruler; Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd), the Etsu Bassa-Nge, and prayed to God to grant him eternal rest.
Comrade Joel Salifu also commended the unity among the youths of Bassa Komu, Bassa Nge and Egbura, describing it as a positive sign for the future of the area.
He praised the organisers of the proposed “Youth Security Roundtable Parley,” saying the choice of peace and unity as the focus of the event was commendable.
The Deputy Governor pledged his support for the programme and urged the people of Bassa to continue to speak with one voice and remain united.
He advised against division and bitter politics in the area, stressing that politics should never be seen as a do-or-die affair.
“Power comes from God alone. I do not want to see division in Bassa Local Government Area. With unity, development can be achieved,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of Ododo, Oyibo Bassa Youth Grassroots Initiative (OBYGI), Comrade Victor M.A. Kpanaki, said the group was established to galvanise and promote the activities of the Governor Ododo-led administration.
He explained that the organisation is duly registered with the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and has membership spread across the entire Bassa Kingdom.
Kpanaki said the forthcoming Youth Security Roundtable Parley is being jointly organised by youths from Bassa Komu, Bassa Nge and Egbura. And noted that their visit to the Deputy Governor was to formally invite him to the event and seek his fatherly advice and support as the leader of Kogi East.
According to him, the programme will also feature the presentation of awards to former Governor Yahaya Bello, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Deputy Governor and other distinguished personalities for their contributions to youth development and security in the state.
Also speaking, the Patron of the group, Alhaji Alhassan Salisu Adakeke, said the membership of the organisation cuts across the entire Bassa Local Government Area, adding that members of the group are the foot soldiers of the party in the area.
He said the group had reached every nook and cranny of the local government to unite the youths and sustain peace, while appealing to the Deputy Governor to support the initiative.
