IGALA IN GANAJA TOWNSHIP PAYS COURTESY CALL ON HON. SANNI EGIDI ABDULRAHEEM

 IGALA IN GANAJA TOWNSHIP PAYS COURTESY CALL ON HON. SANNI EGIDI ABDULRAHEEM

The Representative of the Igala Council of Chiefs, Chief (Dr.) Labran Yahaya Oyigebe and the two other foremost Leaders of the Igala's frontline, paramount and notable associations known as: the Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA) and the Igala Unity Forum (IUF); covering Ganaja Township; paid familiarization visit on the current member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency; Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem at his Lokoja Residence on Wednesday being 29th January, 2025.

It was a free for all; smooth, joyful and friendly interactions for the re-establishment of the agelong re-union in the interest of love, unity and peaceful co-existence across Ganaja Township. The move by the Leaders of the Associations was wholly supported by the current member at the green chamber of the National Assembly representing the good people of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency. 

The meeting provided an avenue to also thank the lawmaker over all his achievements leading to the discussion over other issues of mutual interest for the growth, development of Ganaja Community and it's environs. It was a heart to heart talks between the lawmaker and the Leaders of the aforementioned groups bordering on diverse interest for the growth and development of Ganaja Township.

The meeting was facilitated by the Special Adviser to the incumbent Governor of Kogi state on Harmonisation and Integration, Prince Muhammed Haruna Ganaja in response to the pledge made by the Ajaokuta Federal Constituency's current lawmaker who was unavoidably absent during the Igala Day celebrations on the 14th December, 2024 at the Ganaja Primary School.

Delivering the keynote speech on behalf of the groups, Hon. Haruna Nemiji briefly introduced the Leaders of the groups that powered the delegation to the Lawmaker from the Ganaja Township. He highlighted to the lawmaker the needs to prioritise the construction of the Nyama-Nyama By-Pass route as the only alternative road of last resort during all the past recurring flooding periods. Hon. Nemiji stated that Igala people in Ganaja Township do not stand for one political party but are always willing to support Persons or Politicians who support their developmental courses. Another issue of the critical importance raised; was the building of the Igala Unity Hall which according to Hon. Nemiji deserved the financial support of Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem. Other requests made by Hon. Nemiji were the empowerment and employment of the teeming youths and women including the building of ultra modern General Hospital and the provision of quality water in Ganaja Township.

Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem while responding thanked all the leaders of the various groups and the representative of the Igala traditional Chiefs. He said without mincing words that all requests put before him for attention have been approved by the Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. Hon. Egidi maintained that all the outlined projects like the Ganaja Healthcare centre and secondary school have all been started. He also pointed out that the short distance untouched or unfinished portion of the road around Ganaja Primary school and Hotels 69 Palm that is linking the Lokoja/Ganaja/ Ajaokuta Expressway will soon be completed and commissioned by the amiable Governor. He preached on peace and unity as the necessary tools for the collective growth and development of Ganaja and its people. The lawmaker also pointed that many tribesmen collected from Igala, Igbo, Bassa other than his own tribe were appointed into various offices and are  occupying significant positions under his leadership in the National Assembly. He also thanked Hon. Haruna Ganaja for his proactiveness and focus at always leading from the front without promoting unnecessary divisions in Ganaja Township. He urged our Chiefs and Leaders to be mindful of their utterances especially those that are capable of causing troubles between us. We should talk more on things that unite us than those things that divide us; Hon. Egidi has added. As the for the construction of the Igala Unity Hall, he said it is a welcome development that requires serious attention, maintaining that the formal showing to him the location of the land and the presentation of the building plans meant for the hall were amongst the listed criteria that would determined his full support. He said he may not necessarily give capital support but also ready to supply materials for the building of the Igala Unity Hall.

It was like a Ganaja family meeting devoid of political decamping which everyone present have earned the trust and love of one another.

Others who spoke during the visit were the Chairman of ICDA Ajaokuta Chapter, Prince Idoko Daniel Ogacheko who urged the lawmaker to be rededicated to the growth and development of Ganaja which He was known for. He said bad Road donot know tribes. He prioritized the construction of Nyama-Nyama Ganaja Bypass as the best alternative road to cushion the debilitating effects from the annual flooding. He also recalled how a woman, he assisted sometimes in the past; who was undergoing labour in Ganaja village, between her home and the Specialist hospital delivered a baby in his car; reminding the lawmaker of the need for the establishment of functional healthcare centres. He also reiterated on the plights of the children of the secondary school who couldn't access quality schools around Ganaja Township but struggled to Lokoja Township for education. Prince Idoko, also stated; He has made sacrifices; countless times to support many children in his car who were returning home after school. He urged the Lawmaker to do something about that in the interest of growth and development of Ganaja Township.

Chief (Dr.) Labran Yahaya Oyigebe also spoke glowingly and eloquently on behalf  of the Chiefs of Igala extraction in Ganaja Township, harped on peace and unity as the right tools for the growth and development of which everyone in respective of tribes and cultural affiliations must have in their kitties. He thanked the Lawmaker for his kindness and compassion from day one. 

Others who also spoke were the Chairman of the Igala Unity Forum, Comr. Abubakar Muhammad Narto, Mr. Ibrahim, The former Permanent Secretary with Kogi state government, Alhaji Ameh Ojonugwa Salifu, The women leader of the Igala Unity Forum, Hajia Khadijat Usman.

The closing remark was done by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Harmonisation and Integration, Prince Muhammed Haruna Ganaja.

By

Isah Wada Odaudu,

+234(0)8165320373

@The Ototonobi News Planets