By joshua 
Kogi Set to Dominate Global Solid Minerals Market, Says Commissioner
Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo has repositioned Kogi State to become the Solid Minerals Capital of the world. This is as the State Solid Minerals and Natural Resources Commissioner, Engr Bashiru Gegu, disclosed that the State has a mineral deposit that has the capacity to feed Nigeria and the world in general.
Engr. Bashiru Gegu made the disclosure after being conferred with a Fellowship Award by the Nigerian Korea Friendship Institute of Vocational Education (NKFI).
The Commissioner added that towards harnessing the rich Minerals resources of the State, the State Government is set to train 25,000 artisanal Miners towards equipping them with skills to become Miners in their various local communities
The Commissioner also disclosed of plans to establish a laboratory at the Nigerian Korean Friendship Institute of Vocational Education to test the composition of minerals gotten from the State instead of going for test in other places, described the equipment in NKFI as world class.
The Commissioner added that the State is ready to work in line with the vision of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu towards bringing succour for the masses and less privileged in the State, described the Mining Sector of the State as vast, with numerous opportunities.
Engr. Bashiru Gegu, the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, was conferred with the Fellowship of the Nigerian Korea Friendship Institute of Vocational Education, the highest award of the institute since its inception for his outstanding contributions to Skill acquisition for youths in the State.
The award for Engr. Gegu was also in recognition of his contributions to vocational education and his commitment to empowering young people with skills and vocational training.
Speaking during the award ceremony, Prof. Moses Atakpa, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute, described Engr. Gegu as a rare personality with a passion for improving lives and a rare breed politician who sees politics as a service.
He added that Engr. Gegu’s achievements are a testament to his dedication to public service, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
He praised him for facilitating the construction of an ultra-modern referral hospital, provided scholarships and empowerment grants, and implemented clean-water projects and job opportunities to improve the lives of many.
The Commissioner he added has also demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, earning him recognition and accolades from his peers and superiors, including Former Governor Yahaya Bello, who awarded him the title Sarkin Yaki.
In his remarks, Dr. Williams Charles acknowledged that Engr. Bashiru Gegu has justified his impact, by touching lives in many positive ways.
He equally acknowledged the support of the Commissioner in giving mean to their existence, described Engr. Gegu as best amongst equals, a mentor to many young people, inspiring them through his commitment to community service and youth empowerment.
He commended Engr. Gegu for playing key roles in shaping Kogi State’s economic future through his work in the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, securing dozens of mining licenses, and procuring heavy-duty equipment.
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Bashiru
said his life philosophy is encapsulated in the quote; “The essence of living is to help each other. If you cannot help, don’t hurt each other.”
He said his guiding principle reflects his commitment to serving humanity and promoting peace and development, praised former Gov Yahaya Bello for finding him.
He also said the present administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo has sustained the legacies of former Gov Bello, described the administration of Gov. Ododo as the best thing to have happened to the State since it creation.
He said the fellowship award will spur him in doing more for humanity, pointing out that he remains irrevocably committed to the ideals of the Gov. Ododo’s administration in make life meaningful for the citizens.
He praised the present administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo for sustaining the legacies of former Gov. Bello and described the administration as the best thing to have happened to the State since its creation.
Engr. Gegu’s achievements include:
– Facilitating the construction of an ultra-modern referral hospital in Gegu Beki
– Providing scholarships and empowerment grants to students and women
– Implementing clean-water projects and job opportunities to improve the lives of many
– Donating transformers to electrify rural communities
– Restoring honor and dignity to custodians of the people’s heritage through the upgrading of traditional stools
– Securing dozens of mining licenses and procuring heavy-duty equipment
Engr. Bashiru Gegu is a remarkable individual who has made significant contributions to his community and beyond. His dedication to public service, engineering, and entrepreneurship has earned him recognition and respect.