The people of Bassa-Nge Kingdom in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State have identified poor leadership as a major factor hindering the development of the area over several decades, calling for unity and collective action to reposition the kingdom for growth.
They made the call during the formal unveiling of the interim executive committee of the newly established Bassa-Nge Progressive Union (BNPU) on Friday in Gboloko, the headquarters of the Bassa-Nge Kingdom. The event also coincided with the 40th-day prayers in honour of the late paramount ruler of the kingdom, Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd.).
At the event, speakers urged all sons and daughters of Bassa-Nge, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite and collaborate in fast-tracking development in the area. They also appealed to the federal and Kogi State governments to address critical infrastructure deficits, particularly the long-neglected Shintaku–Gboloko–Oguma road, which they said has remained in a deplorable condition for decades, negatively affecting the social and economic lives of the people.
Unveiling the union, M. B. Abdullahi, the Makama-Daniya of Bassa-Nge Kingdom and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the history of the newly incorporated union.
According to him, the gathering was not only to celebrate unity but also to lay a solid foundation for progress, accountability and purposeful leadership aimed at accelerating development in the kingdom. He explained that the interim executive committee was carefully constituted to provide direction, stabilise the union’s structures and steer its affairs during a six-month transitional period. He called on the people to give the committee their full cooperation and support.
The programme featured paper presentations in honour of the late Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd.), who was described as a tireless advocate of unity, peace and development in the kingdom.
In a paper titled “Strategic Importance of Bassa-Nge Progressive Union as a Tool for Social and Political Emancipation of Our People,” Dr. Abdulmumini Yakubu Umar stressed the need for progressive and visionary leadership within the union to avoid political and social risks. He emphasised unity among the Bassa-Nge-speaking communities and cautioned against socio-cultural imbalances. He also called for adequate representation of Bassa-Nge indigenes at local, state and federal levels to enhance infrastructural development.
Also speaking, Jacob Edi, the Kakaki of Bassa-Nge, disclosed that the union had developed a long-term strategic development plan spanning the next 200 years. He expressed optimism that the fortunes of the kingdom would improve significantly in the coming years.
“The birth of the union is to harmonise all previously contending forces and forge a common front. This, we believe, will accelerate development in the kingdom. Our late chief consistently advocated for a platform that would champion the cause of our land, and that vision is being realised today,” he said.
Other presentations included “The Legacy of the Late Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom, Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd.), and His Impact on the Kingdom,” by Chief Julius Elukpo, and “Unlocking the Economic Potentials of Bassa-Nge Kingdom and the Challenges of Leadership,” by Dr. Yahaya Ndako.
In his acceptance speech, the interim President of the Bassa-Nge Progressive Union, Dr. Yahaya Ndako, pledged to work with his team to ensure meaningful progress and sustainable development in the kingdom.
“We cannot afford to fail our people,” he said.
