HON. BASHIR GEGU: THE RECORD SPEAKS LOUDER THAN THE NOISE
In every political season, there are men who build, and there are men who only talk about those who build. Hon. Chief Bashir Gegu, the Honourable Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development and Natural Resources in Kogi State, belongs firmly to the first group.
His story is not one written on Facebook. It is written in communities, in classrooms, in hospitals, in mining settlements, and in the lives of ordinary people who have felt the touch of his interventions.
Chief Gegu has, over the years, committed himself to the welfare of his people through community development, youth and women empowerment, educational support, healthcare assistance and infrastructural advancement. His humanitarian disposition goes beyond party lines. He relates with people across political affiliations and accommodates individuals irrespective of their beliefs. For him, service has never been about who voted for whom. It has been about who needs help.
For those who may not know his political antecedents, Chief Gegu has been actively involved in Kogi State politics for close to two decades. His journey reflects experience, resilience and participation across different political platforms.
He previously contested for the House of Representatives seat representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and also pursued the party’s governorship ticket in Kogi State. In 2018, he contested the House of Representatives by-election before eventually joining the All Progressives Congress, APC, where he became actively involved in mobilising support for the party.
Today, he remains a prominent political figure in Kogi State, serving as the APC Seriki Yaki and Honourable Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development and Natural Resources.
Beyond politics, Bashir Gegu has an impressive professional background. An engineer by training, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2009. He subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Security and Strategic Studies from Nasarawa State University in 2025 and is currently pursuing a PhD programme.
His professional journey includes experience in the energy sector, consultancy engineering and entrepreneurship. He founded Cyclo Energy Limited as part of his contribution to addressing energy challenges in Nigeria and has also undertaken engineering consultancy engagements with reputable institutions.
His public service journey includes his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Local Government Matters in 2015. In January 2020, he was appointed the pioneer Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development and Natural Resources by the then Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. His appointment was subsequently retained by the administration of Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo in January 2024.
That retention was not accidental. It was a testimony to competence, loyalty and results.
As Commissioner, his ministry has continued to attract public attention, particularly regarding the potential of Kogi State’s solid mineral resources and their contribution to economic diversification, investment opportunities, employment generation and sustainable development.
He also serves as Chairman of the Kogi State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee, MIREMCO, a responsibility that places him at the centre of the state’s efforts to strengthen the management and development of its mineral resources.
His traditional and community recognitions, including Ondakireku of Igu Kingdom and Okumagu of Ahoko Chiefdom, further reflect his deep involvement in community affairs and grassroots relationships. These are honours earned, not claimed.
I will not dwell extensively here on all his humanitarian interventions, empowerment programmes, scholarship initiatives and infrastructural contributions. Many of these activities are known within the communities that have benefited from them. Recognition should not be forced, just as appreciation should not be demanded. The beneficiaries know. The communities know.
However, while people are entitled to their personal opinions about political leaders, disagreements should never become an excuse for personal attacks, misrepresentation or unnecessary controversies surrounding an individual’s identity and origin.
It is particularly important to address attempts to question the ancestral roots and community identity of Hon. Chief Bashir Gegu. For the avoidance of doubt, he is a son of Gegu-Beki, Kogi State, and his community identity should be respected rather than turned into an instrument of political controversy.
Political criticism is healthy in a democratic society, but such criticism should be constructive, factual and issue-based. Leaders should be assessed based on their records, public responsibilities, contributions and commitment to the welfare of the people.
Hon. Chief Bashir Gegu may not be above criticism, as no public officeholder is, but his contributions and years of involvement in community development and public service deserve fair assessment.
As we conclude, I encourage political stakeholders, community leaders and members of the public to embrace tolerance, constructive engagement and mutual respect. Kogi State needs more conversations about development, opportunities, peace and good governance rather than unnecessary personal confrontations.
Hon. Chief Bashir Gegu remains a son of Gegu-Beki whose political journey, professional achievements and contributions to Kogi State deserve objective consideration.
Stay tuned as we bring you more insights into his developmental milestones, humanitarian interventions and contributions to the growth of Kogi State.
