*A MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION TO THE PRESIDENT, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA, HIS EXCELLENCY ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR*
On behalf of the BOT and EXCO of Yukon Igala Organization as well as the entire Igala/Bassa nation, I hereby most respectfully extend our profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his demonstrated commitment to inclusive governance and the confidence his administration has reposed in Igala/Bassa people through the appointment of some distinguished sons and daughters of our land to serve in his administration.
We are particularly grateful for the appointments of the current Chief of Army Staff, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, the DG of NPC, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, and those of other deserving Igala professionals that have been entrusted with important responsibilities in the service of our country. These appointments reflect a commitment to merit, national inclusion, and your quest to strengthen Nigeria’s public institutions through capable leadership.
The Igala/Bassa people have a proud history of patriotism, integrity, industry, and dedication to public service. We are confident that these distinguished appointees will justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, unwavering loyalty and immutable commitment to the advancement of Nigeria as well as the successful implementation of progressive policies of your administration.
We also acknowledge with appreciation the recent flag-off of Rural Solar Electrification Project in parts of Igala/Bassa land. This important intervention demonstrates a practical commitment to expanding access to clean and sustainable energy, improving rural livelihoods, stimulating local entrepreneurship, and creating more opportunities towards inclusive economic growth in the country.
While expressing our profound gratitude to Your Excellency, may we also seize on this opportunity to most respectfully draw your attention to some strategic infrastructural projects which timely completion will undoubtedly yield far-reaching benefits not only to Kogi State, but to Nigeria as a whole. We respectfully appeal for accelerated completion of the Shintaku–Gboloko–Dekina–Anyingba Road; a vital economic corridor that connects agricultural communities, facilitates local commerce, improves national security, and enhances regional integration across Kogi East.
We also respectfully request for sustained federal attention to accelerated completion and rehabilitation of the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene Road, the Lokoja–Ganaja–Ajaokuta–Itobe Road, and the strategic road corridors linking Ibaji and Igala Mela/Odolu to the South East. Needless to reiterate that these transportation corridors are indispensable to interstate commerce, enhancement of agricultural value chains, improvement of national mobility, and economic integration. Their timely completion will enhance supply chains, improve access to markets, reduce travel time, promote national cohesion, and unlock the enormous economic potentials of one of Nigeria’s most productive regions. Similarly, we will like to lend our voice to the completion of Ajaokuta Steel Project which we believe remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s quest for rapid industrialization and accelerated economic development.
Your Excellency, we commend your administration’s commitment to fostering national unity, strengthening of public institutions, and for ensuring that every part of our country has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. We assure you that Igala/Bassa people remain steadfast in our commitment to the unity, stability, and progress of our dear nation and stand ready to continue partnering with your administration in the pursuit of a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.
We pray that Almighty God continues to grant you wisdom, strength, good health, and divine guidance as you lead our beloved nation toward greater peace, prosperity, and enduring progress.
While thanking you for promoting inclusive governance, please accept assurances of our highest esteem and continuous support.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long Live Kogi State!!
Long Live Igala/Bassa Nation!!!
Major General JAMES A ATAGUBA (rtd) Ph.D
National Leader of Ukomi Igala Association
