By joshua 
Why Hon. Edibo Ameh Mark, Omala LG Executive Chairman Deserves, 24th LOGMA merit award.
By Usman Bashir: Activist For Good Governance.
To the esteemed members of the LOGMA Organizing Committee,I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Hon. Edibo Peter Ameh Mark, the Executive Chairman of Omala Local Government Area, for the 24th LOGMA Merit Award.
His exemplary leadership, vision, and commitment to the development of Omala LGA make him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious recognition.Under Hon. Edibo’s leadership, Omala LGA has witnessed significant progress in various areas.
One of his most notable achievements is the reopening of Bagana Market, which has brought economic opportunities and hope to the people of the area after years of displacement due to insecurities, It is note worthy that Bagana market is the only market in West Africa that still conducts trade by barter till today.
The reopening of the Bagana market, which serves the states of Kogi, Nassarawa, Benue and traders from Abuja and other places, is a history made by the Young Hon. Edibo. The Bagana market has been closed for over a decade due to insecurities that has made the waterway a death trap, the roads unpassable and the people sacked from their ancestral homes.
This bold initiative showcases his commitment to rebuilding and empowering communities, and its impact on the local economy cannot be overstated.
Today, the people of Bagana have not only returned and have started their trading and farming businesses, the area is as secured as it has never been in decades.
Furthermore, Hon. Edibo has demonstrated exceptional leadership in resolving communal clashes and fostering peace in Omala LGA. His ability to navigate complex security challenges with wisdom and diplomacy has earned him the respect and admiration of the community. Through his efforts, he has brought people together, promoting unity and cooperation among the various stakeholders in the local government area.
What sets Hon. Edibo apart is his decision to stay in Abejukolo, the headquarters of Omala Local Government, rather than relocating to Lokoja. This decision has allowed him to respond quickly to security threats and challenges, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people. His presence has also boosted confidence in his leadership and commitment to the area, demonstrating his willingness to put the needs of his constituents above his own.
Hon. Edibo’s bravery and fearlessness in the face of insecurity are truly commendable. He has been sighted in different pictures, boldly entering unsecured areas and forests to tackle insecurity head-on.
His giant personality and bold demeanor make him a force to be reckoned with in the fight against insecurity. He never takes any information lightly, and his proactive approach to security challenges has earned him the admiration of the people.
One of Hon. Edibo’s greatest strengths is his ability to set up committees in times of crisis, which has proven to be highly effective in addressing security challenges. His leadership style is characterized by inclusiveness, empathy, and a deep understanding of the needs of his people.
Hon. Edibo’s time as the helmsman in Omala has been challenging but the young man has even able to steady the tide, galvanised his people and steadily, Omala is now on the path of prosperity.
Shortly after assuming office as the Chairman, Omala Transition Committee in January, 2024, by April 4th, 2024, a monumental tragedy struck his community, such has never happened in the history of Omala LGA. Suspected Fulani Herdsmen invaded his ancestral home of Agojeju-Odo, burnt houses, destroyed farmlands and left over 40 persons including women, children and the aged dead. With a heart for his people, Hon. Edibo swung into action, rallied stakeholders, reports and requests were made to both the State and Federal Government. By May 4th, 2024, a federal government delegation led by the people-centric Governor of Kogi State visited the affected community, donated relief materials to the survivors and promised quick intervention.
By October, 2024, the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operations Base (FOB) was established in Agojeju-Odo, a Naval Gun boat stationed on the Bagana waterways and a patrolling Army Base at the Local Government headquarters. This has brought succor, relief and deep sense of security to crisis-prone and crisis-ridden communities in Omala. The security beef up has reduced insecurity and the incessant clashes to its barest minimum.
People now can go to their farms, carry out other activities with a measure of security confidence not witnessed in over 2 decades.To support the Government’s efforts in tackling insecurity,
Hon. Edibo has also empowered local Vigilante and Hunters associations across the communities to monitor and mount our roads, forests and farms. This is a proactive approach towards ensuring that our communities, roads, farms and forests are safe for our people at all times.
Even before assuming office, Hon. Edibo has been working tirelessly to empower the youths, take care of the needy, and support orphans. His commitment to the welfare of his constituents is unwavering, and his selfless acts have touched the lives of many.
Hon. Edibo has not only excelled in security but is also making foot prints in other development areas. In December, 2024, Hon. Edibo organised the first ever Omala Peace ad Development summit, bringing together the two largest districts in the local government, the Ife and Ogodu Districts. The Summit aimed at engaging well meaning sons and daughters of the local government in the development of the area is already yielding success as stakeholders are in various stages of negotiations to kick start community developments championed by the sons and daughters of Omala. In infrastructure development, Hon. Edibo, through stakeholders engagement, has been abel to attract state government’s attention to the deplorable Abejukolo township Road and other critical infrastructure across the local government. As we speak, KOGROMA is on hand currently fixing the Abeukolo township roads and other infrastructure interventions spread across the communities are soon to begin.
While there is much more to say about Hon. Edibo’s achievements, I leave the final assessment to the LOGMA committee, who will undoubtedly verify the facts and recognize his outstanding contributions.
I humbly request that LOGMA recognizes Hon. Edibo Peter Ameh Mark with the 24th Local Government Chairman Merit Award, a recognition that would be a testament to his exceptional leadership and service to the people of Omala LGA.
Sincerely,
Usman Bashir
Activist for Good Governance
31/08/2025.