By joshua DAY GEGU-BEKI COMMUNITY STANDS STILL AS ULTRA-MODERN CENTRAL MOSQUE IS COMMISSIONED
The ancient and oil-rich community of Gegu-Beki came to a standstill on Friday as indigenes, dignitaries and guests from across Nigeria gathered for the commissioning of the newly completed Gegu-Beki Central Juma’at Mosque.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, joined the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, to officially commission the ultra-modern edifice in Kogi Local Government Area.
His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, was represented by the Etsu Nupe.
Never in the history of Gegu-Beki has the community witnessed such an influx of visitors. The commissioning drew “who is who” in society, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars and government officials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ododo congratulated the Muslim community of Gegu-Beki on the successful completion of the project.
He described the mosque as a landmark that will strengthen Islamic worship, promote peaceful coexistence and accelerate community development.
The Governor commended all individuals and organisations that contributed to the construction and urged wealthy Nigerians to continue supporting projects that advance religion, education and community welfare.
Chairman of the Mosque Building Committee, *Dr. Yunusa Labaran, said the vision for the mosque was conceived about 30 years ago in 1996.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers — the late Alhaji Asio, the late Alhaji Khadi Usman Ahmed Usman, and other pioneers who died before its completion.
Dr. Labaran also acknowledged the contributions of the late Alhaji Abubakar Umar, father of the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, whose efforts were instrumental to the project’s completion.
In his remarks, Engr. Gegu thanked Allah for the opportunity to serve Islam and his community. He appreciated Governor Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, traditional rulers and donors for their support toward both the mosque and the ongoing palace project.
Delivering the sermon, National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, described the mosque as the most important institution in any community — a center for worship, moral upbringing and unity where rich and poor meet before Allah.
He urged Imams and community leaders to work together to instill good character in youths and discourage drug abuse and social vices. He offered prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ododo and Nigeria.
The Nyiwo of Gegu-Beki, HRH Alhaji Muhammad Abba Alhassan, described the commissioning as a historic milestone. He praised Engr. Gegu for his patriotism and commitment to the development of Gegu-Beki and Kogi State, and thanked donors supporting the construction of the community palace.
In goodwill messages, the Ohimegye Igu of Koton Karfe, Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu, and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Muhammed Tijjani Anaje, called on Ebira people across Kogi, Nasarawa and Edo to remain united for greater political and socio-economic benefits.
The Etsu Nupe, speaking on behalf of the Sultan, commended all contributors and offered prayers for the Governor, traditional institutions and the nation.
The two-raka’at Juma’at prayer was led by Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau.
As part of the event, donations were announced toward the construction of the palace of the paramount ruler of Gegu-Beki.
Dignitaries present included Governor Ododo, the Etsu Nupe, Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya Danladi Farouk, Commissioner for Finance, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, royal fathers, Islamic scholars, senior government officials and community leaders.
The commissioning marks the fulfillment of a three-decade aspiration and reinforces the Ododo administration’s commitment to faith-based and community-driven development.