By Denwi Joshua Adunga
In the complex, multi-ethnic tapestry of Bassa Local Government Area, Hon. Theophilous Daruwana Adama has emerged as a stabilizing force — first as Caretaker Transition Committee Chairman and now as the elected Executive Chairman.
Elected in 2024 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and sworn-in by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo alongside 20 other chairmen after the October 19th Local Government election, Adama came into office with a familiar face and a clear message.
Before his election, Hon Theophilous Adama served as Caretaker Chairman, a period community leaders described as impactful.
At his declaration at Ikende Ward in August 2024, Elder Daniel Gwatana commended him for his achievements in the Area in less than one year as Caretaker.
That track record became his campaign anchor. He told his people he would harness the mineral resources of Bassa — salt, solid minerals and vast agricultural land — to boost the economy of the Area.
The 4-Pillar Agenda of Hon Theophilous Daruwana Adama include:
1. Inclusive Governance and Institutional Building.
At the swearing-in of councillors at the council headquarters in Oguma, Hon. Adama promised to run an all-inclusive administration to ensure everybody living within the area is carried along. He pledged synergy between the executive and legislature, urging them to support his administration in order to make Bassa LGA great again.
2. Revenue Reform for Development.
Hon Theophilous Adama made Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) a core policy. He said his administration would work tirelessly to ensure increase in IGR to enable developmental projects and promised to close all financial loopholes and ensure executive and legislature work in synergy to grow revenue.
3. Infrastructure Advocacy and Connectivity.
While road construction is largely a state function, Adama has been a vocal advocate for Bassa roads. He commended the state government for the completion of Oguma Sheria Bridge.
He also appealed for the construction of Kpanche-Ikende Road to improve transportation.
During the 2024 flag-off campaign at Oguma, the Chairman announced that Kogi State Government is to construct the strategic Odenyi-Oguma-Sheria-Busau road in Bassa.
Upon assumption of office the Chairman has built the Education Secretary and Administrative Office at the Local Government Education Authority, Built a Mosque at Ogba in Mozum District and also built Lock Up Shops at Gboloko.
He is currently building a Clinic in Wussa Community.
The Chairman also influenced the building and renovation of some Clinics in the Local Government Area.
Hon Theophilous Daruwana Adama also helped some students in Tertiary Institutions in paying their School Fees and those in Secondary Schools in paying their O’level examination
4. Security, Peace Building and Human Welfare
Bassa has faced recurring security challenges. In October 2024, after the murder of five Bassa indigenes, Hon Theophilous Daruwana Adama condemned the act as unnecessary especially when peace is returning.
He appealed to Governor Ododo to deploy more security personnel and warned that his administration will not tolerate criminals and will not spare anybody instigating trouble.
To consolidate peace, his administration hosted the Bassa Peace Football Tournament sponsored by philanthropist Dr. Abdul Baba Bala, which he described as a tool for peaceful coexistence in the once troubled area.
It has become evident that the leadership Style of Hon Theophilous Adama is second to none as
Stakeholders describe him as detribalised. For instance, the councillor in his cabinet who is also an Igala man, Elder Aaron Haruna Ali of the APC called him a detribalised leader calling for support across all districts.
Following his doggedness along with other stakeholders, the Local Government is now enjoying the restoration of its suppressed state Constituency.
His public alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Deputy Governor Joel Salifu Administration has been consistent.
From caretaker who showed capacity, to elected chairman Hon Theophilous Daruwana Adama has promised to restore the lost glory of Bassa Local Government.
The Chairman has also done well in the area of security which can now be noticeable in the prevailing peace and harmony among various ethnic groups in the Local Government Area.
Apart from the foregoing, Hon Theophilous Adama is adjudged as the friend of the masses. You can hardly see him missing in any public gatherings of his people. Vis a vis wedding, burials etc.
To a man who has won the heart of the people through these achievements, all he needed from the people is massive support for his re-election.
Which is why, the Chairman need the support of all and sundry as he seeks a second term in office.
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