Faith, Unity and Development: Gov Ododo Commissions Gegu-Beki Central Mosque
By Faith Adikeh | Gegu-Beki, Kogi State
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Friday commissioned the newly completed Gegu-Beki Central Juma’at Mosque, describing it as a symbol of faith, unity and community development.
The historic ceremony was attended by the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III. The Sultan was represented by the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.
*Gov Ododo Lauds Community Spirit and 30-Year Vision*
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo congratulated the Muslim community of Gegu-Beki for turning a 30-year vision into reality.
He said the mosque is 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, organizations and donors who contributed to the project. He urged wealthy Nigerians to continue investing in initiatives that promote religion, education and social welfare.
Special recognition was given to the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, for his pivotal role in driving the project to completion.
*Committee Recounts History, Honours Founders*
The Chairman of the Mosque Building Committee, Dr. Yunusa Labaran, 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 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. He also appealed for support toward the construction of a new palace for the traditional ruler of Gegu-Beki.
*Clerics Urge Unity, Pray for Leaders*
Delivering the sermon, the National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, said the mosque remains the heart of any community — a place of worship, learning and unity without class distinction. He urged Imams to lead the campaign against drug abuse and other social vices.
Sheikh Lau offered prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ododo and Nigeria at large
The Nyiwo of Gegu-Beki, HRH Alhaji hMuhammad Abba Alhassan, described the commissioning as a historic milestone and praised Engr. Gegu for his patriotism and commitment to development.
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.
