By joshua GOV ODODO COMMISSIONS GEGU-BEKI CENTRAL MOSQUE, HONOURS ENGR. BASHIR GEGU FOR LEADERSHIP ROLE
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Friday commissioned the newly completed Gegu-Beki Central Juma’at Mosque, describing the project as a symbol of faith, unity and community development.
The Governor was joined at the historic ceremony by the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Royal Highness, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar. The Sultan, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, was represented by the Etsu Nupe.
GOV ODODO LAUDS COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo congratulated the Muslim community of Gegu-Beki for seeing the 30-year vision through to completion.
He described the mosque as more than a place of worship, noting that it will serve as a center for spiritual growth, moral instruction and peaceful coexistence.
The Governor commended all individuals, organisations and donors who contributed to the project and urged affluent Nigerians to continue investing in initiatives that promote religion, education and social welfare.
Special recognition was given to Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, for his pivotal role in driving the project to completion.
The Chairman of the Mosque Building Committee, Dr. Yunusa Labaran, in his welcome address, said the idea of the mosque was conceived in 1996. He paid tribute to founding fathers including the late Alhaji Asio and the late Alhaji Khadi Usman Ahmed Usman.
Dr. Labaran also acknowledged the contributions of the late Alhaji Abubakar Umar, father of Engr. Bashir Gegu, whose efforts laid the foundation for the eventual completion of the edifice.
In his response, Engr. Gegu thanked Allah for the opportunity to serve Islam and his community. He expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, traditional rulers and donors for their support. He also appealed for more support toward the construction of a new palace for the traditional ruler of Gegu-Beki.
Delivering the sermon, National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, said the mosque remains the heart of any community — a place of worship, learning and unity devoid of class distinction. He urged Imams to lead the campaign against drug abuse and social vices. The cleric 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.
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.
The Etsu Nupe, speaking on behalf of the Sultan, commended all contributors and prayed for the Governor, traditional institutions and the nation.
As part of the event, donations were announced for the construction of the palace of the paramount ruler of Gegu-Beki. Key pledges included:
– Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, AA Rano — N50 million
– Itazuma — N20 million
– Kabir Shuiabu and MD Energy — N10 million each
– Dr. Mahmud, Hon. Danladi Sulaiman Aguye, and Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly — N5 million each
Commissioners — N5 million, announced by the Commissioner for Finance
– Others — Donations ranging from N500,000 to N1 million
The two-raka’at Juma’at prayer was led by Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau.
Dignitaries at the event included Governor Ododo, the Etsu Nupe, Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya Danladi Farouk, Commissioner for Finance, royal fathers, Islamic scholars, senior government officials and community leaders.
The commissioning marks the fulfillment of a three-decade aspiration for Gegu-Beki and underscores the Ododo administration’s commitment to supporting faith-based and community-driven development.