On Saturday, some members of the Igala community across the Ganaja, Gadumo, and Elaite axis held a productive engagement with top officials of the Kogi State Government. The meeting; the first of its kind between the people of the area and government representatives provided a vital platform for discussions on socio-economic advancement, infrastructural development, and political inclusion.
Speaking on behalf of Igala government officials resident in the area, the State Auditor-General, Hon. Yusuf Okala, noted that he had lived in the community for over ten years and considered it imperative to initiate such an engagement in order to foster mutual understanding and cohesion. He described the gathering as the inaugural meeting of Igala sons and daughters in Ganaja and emphasized that subsequent meetings would be convened to deepen constructive dialogue and sustained political engagement.
Addressing some of the challenges raised by community members, Hon. Okala announced the immediate commencement of the drilling of six boreholes to mitigate water scarcity in the area. He further assured the people that, as a member of the committee currently working on the reactivation of the Greater Lokoja Water Scheme, the government was committed to ensuring that all parts of the metropolis have access to safe and potable water. He pledged to relay the community’s requests to the Governor, assuring that prompt and holistic interventions would be undertaken. He also disclosed that His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his predecessor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, were fully aware of the meeting and its objectives.
The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchola, commended the organizers of the town hall meeting, stressing that collective engagement remains the most effective approach to addressing communal challenges. She noted that the unity of Igala sons and daughters in the area would amplify their voice and strengthen their advocacy for government intervention. She urged the community to align with the policies and programmes of the Ododo administration to maximize the benefits of governance.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Baby Okwute, encouraged residents to be politically conscious and actively participate in the democratic process. She called on the people to support the ruling party and back the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, emphasizing that open and visible support would strengthen their capacity to make legitimate demands that could positively transform the socio-economic wellbeing of the area.
In separate contributions, the former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Rabiu Momoh Isiaka Alfa, and the Member representing Biraidu State Constituency, Hon. Usman Ochidi, urged the people to embrace government programmes capable of accelerating development in the area. They reiterated the importance of sustained support for the Tinubu-Ododo administrations as a pathway to inclusive growth.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Igala Development Association, Mr. Ogacheko, outlined key challenges confronting the community, including inadequate water supply, healthcare services, road infrastructure, the absence of a functional town hall, limited women and youth empowerment opportunities, and the need for a viable market centre. He appealed for government intervention in these critical areas while commending Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the rehabilitation of the Ganaja–Lokoja Road, improved workers’ welfare and current fight against criminal elements in the state. His remarks formed part of a broader interactive engagement focused on unity, development, and a renewed strategic direction for the area.
In a characteristically surprising gesture, the former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, joined the meeting via a video call. He encouraged the people to strengthen communal bonds and actively participate in government programmes capable of driving sustainable development in their communities.
Despite the short notice, the meeting recorded impressive attendance, with traditional rulers, political stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups, and women’s associations from across the area fully represented.
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