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By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Bassa-Nge Community Development Network (BNCDN) has appealed to both the Federal and Kogi State Governments to urgently address the infrastructural decay and long-standing neglect of Bassa Local Government Area, despite its close proximity to Lokoja, the state capital.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja under the campaign theme #BassaNgeDeservesBetter, the National President of the Network, Mr. Joseph Yaba, decried the decades of marginalization suffered by the Bassa-Nge people, describing their condition as “unacceptable and unjust.”
Yaba lamented that, despite the immense contributions of the Bassa-Nge people to Nigeria’s development through military, civic, and political service, the community continues to be denied access to basic social amenities and government presence.
“Our paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty Brigadier General Abu Ali Mopa III (Rtd.), served this nation with distinction, while our illustrious son, Colonel Abu Ali, made the ultimate sacrifice defending Nigeria. Yet, our people remain deprived of the infrastructure and development they deserve,” Yaba said.
He identified several challenges facing the area, including poor road networks, a collapsed healthcare system, dilapidated schools, and abandoned projects,notably the Anyigba,Dekina–Shintaku Road and the Lokoja–Shintaku Bridge, which he described as vital lifelines for economic and social progress.
According to him, completing these projects would significantly boost agricultural trade, improve security, enhance access to education and healthcare, and better connect Bassa communities to the wider Kogi East economy.
“Our people have been cut off from opportunities for far too long. Every delay in completing these projects means more hardship for our farmers, traders, women, and children,” he lamented.
On healthcare, the group expressed concern over the deplorable state of hospitals and health centres in the area, noting that many pregnant women still travel long and risky distances to access safe delivery services.
Yaba described the situation as “tragic,” stressing that “access to healthcare should not be a privilege but a fundamental right.”
He also drew attention to the state of education in the area, where most schools reportedly lack qualified teachers, learning materials, and sanitation facilities. “When a nation fails in education, it fails in its future,” he warned.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the BNCDN emphasized that development would be the decisive factor guiding the political choices of the Bassa-Nge people.
“Development is our priority. Infrastructure is our demand. Inclusive governance is our right. We will support leaders who support us,” Yaba declared.
The Network, however, commended Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his ongoing efforts to foster development across the state, and also lauded the Nigerian Senate for deliberating on the deplorable state of the Anyigba–Dekina–Shintaku Road
It, however ,urged the Federal Ministry of Works to re-award the contract for immediate completion.
Yaba also called on the Federal Government, the Kogi State Government, lawmakers, development partners, and the media to collaborate in ensuring justice and fairness for the Bassa-Nge people.
“We are not here in confrontation but in constructive demand. Every delay keeps our women struggling for miles to reach hospitals, keeps our children learning under unsafe conditions, and limits our farmers’ ability to prosper,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peaceful and continuous engagement with relevant authorities until development reaches Bassa land.
“Let the world hear our voice. Let the government act — so that the people of Bassa Local Government and the Bassa-Nge Kingdom can rise to their full potential,” Yaba said.
Our correspondent gathered that Bassa LGA was created in 1976.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
