The Bassa-Nge People in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State, have called on the Federal and the Kogi State government to urgently intervene in the dilapidated infrastructures in the area, particularly the Shintakun-Sharia- Dekina road and dilapidated school structures among others
The President of Bassa-Nge Community Development Network, Joseph Emmanuel Yaba, while addressing Journalists in Lokoja on Thursday, noted that for decades, the Bassa-Nge people in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State have remained resilient, peaceful, and deeply committed to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
Speaking further he said “Our contributions to national development are remarkable, from distinguished military service to civic leadership.
“Our paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty Brig. Gen. Abu Ali Mopa III (Rtd), has served this nation with utmost dedication, including his tenure as the Military Administrator of Bauchi State. Likewise, our gallant son, Colonel Abu Ali, who paid the ultimate price in service to our beloved country, leaving behind a legacy of courage and patriotism. Yet, sadly, when it comes to basic government infrastructure and development, our people have continued to suffer neglect.
“And so today, we raise our collective voice to reaffirm a simple but yet powerful truth.The Bassa-Nge people deserves better. Our homeland deserves better
He said, it is deeply concerning that within just a 16-kilometer radius of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, communities in Bassa Local Government Area have continued to suffer from severe infrastructure decay.
“Despite being so close to the administrative and political heartbeat of our state, the Bassa-Nges are yet to enjoy meaningful development and basic social amenities.
He called on the Federal Government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to urgently fix the Anyigba–Dekina–Shintaku Road, saying that it’s not just an ordinary route, the lifeline of our local economy of the people of the area.
“For decades, the people of Bassa Local Government have been cut off from business opportunities, timely healthcare, and quality education, all because this critical corridor has been left to deteriorate. We also urge the Federal Government to prioritize the urgent construction and completion of the Lokoja–Shintaku Bridge, a key link that will further open up economic and social connectivity for our people.
According to him,the completion of this road project will Boost agricultural trade and expand market access, Enhance security and improve emergency response,
Strengthen access to schools and medical facilities and as well
Connect the communities to broader economic growth across Kogi East and Nigeria at large.
Listing other challenges faced by the people of the area, he said; “Our health facilities are dilapidated, understaffed, and under-equipped. Pregnant women still travel through dangerous distances just to deliver safely. Emergencies that should take minutes now take hours, sometimes with tragic outcomes.
In the education sector, he noted that the schools remain in dire need Standard classrooms, Qualified teachers, Learning materials and Sanitation facilities
“We cannot continue to raise the next generation in structures that are unfit for learning. When you fail in education, you fail in the future.
BassaNge Deserves Better because every child deserves the chance to unlock their full potential.
On the 2027 General Election, he noted that as nation approach the elections, the Bassa-Nge community stands united in one voice, but however stressed that
development is their priority, saying that they will continue to demand for infrastructure and nclusive governance, which is he said is right of the people.
“We also extend our appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, H.E Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for the efforts being made to drive development across communities in Kogi State. However, the Bassa-Nge people remain hopeful.
