By joshua GEGU DROPS ₦6M AT KOGI POLY BOOK LAUNCH, BANKROLLS 20 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIGENT STUDENTS
By Our Reporter
It was more than a book launch at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja yesterday. It became an education rescue mission.
Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, stormed the public presentation of his brother Mr. Abubakar Usman Babohi’s new book with cheques, commitments, and a clear message: “Education first.”
The hall was packed. Academics, traditional rulers, politicians, and students all showed up for the unveiling. But the moment that shifted the mood came when Engr. Gegu took the podium.
On behalf of his principals, Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo and former Gov. Yahaya Bello, CON, the Commissioner launched 2 copies of the book at ₦1 million each. He then followed up with personal launches for himself, family, royal fathers, and political allies. By the time the gavel fell, his total donation at the event stood at ₦6 million.
In the same breath, Engr. Gegu announced full scholarships for 20 indigent students of Kogi Poly. He charged the beneficiaries to protect the opportunity:
“Education is the greatest investment any nation can make. Be of good conduct, take your studies seriously, and make your families proud. Kogi State is proud of you,” he told the cheering students.
He praised the author, Mr. Abubakar Usman Babohi, for “a very wonderful work” and urged him to “keep the fire going” in using writing to shape young minds.
Engr. Gegu said the book and the scholarship gesture align with the Ododo administration’s push for education, youth empowerment, and human capital development across Kogi. He noted that intellectual contributions like Babohi’s complement government’s efforts to build a skilled, responsible generation.
The event ended with students chanting the Commissioner’s name, many already calculating how the new scholarships will change their academic journey.