Bassa-Nge Community Demands Urgent Development, Launches #BassaNgeDeservesBetter Campaign
The Bassa-Nge Community Development Network (BNCDN) has called on the Kogi State and Federal Governments to address years of infrastructural neglect and underdevelopment in Bassa Local Government Area, launching a campaign tagged #BassaNgeDeservesBetter to press their demands.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja, leaders of the group said the Bassa-Nge people who are renowned for their contributions to national unity and development have continued to suffer from poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and failing schools despite their proximity to the state capital.
The network highlighted the contributions of notable figures from the area, including His Royal Majesty Brig. Gen. Abu Ali Mopa III (Rtd), former Military Administrator of Bauchi State, and the late Colonel Abu Ali, who was celebrated for his heroism in the fight against insurgency. Despite such legacies, the community said successive governments have failed to translate their loyalty and sacrifices into tangible development.
The group expressed frustration that communities just 16 kilometers from Lokoja still lack good roads, electricity, and other essential facilities. “It is deeply concerning that within such a short distance from the state capital, our people live without basic amenities,” the statement said.
Describing the Anyigba-Dekina-Shintaku Road as “the lifeline of our local economy,” the BNCDN called for its immediate reconstruction and the completion of the Lokoja-Shintaku Bridge, which they said would connect Bassa more effectively to the rest of Kogi East.
“The completion of these projects will boost agricultural trade, enhance security, improve access to schools and hospitals, and open up our local economy,” the group said.
The community lamented the state of healthcare facilities, noting that many clinics are understaffed and poorly equipped. They said pregnant women often travel long distances under unsafe conditions to access medical care.
On education, the BNCDN called for the renovation of dilapidated classrooms, provision of learning materials, and employment of qualified teachers. “When you fail in education, you fail in the future,” the statement read, emphasizing that every Bassa-Nge child deserves a fair chance to learn in a conducive environment.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the group vowed to support only leaders who demonstrate a genuine commitment to the development of their area. “Our votes must translate into visible and measurable development,” they declared.
The BNCDN commended Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure across the state, while urging him to extend those efforts to Bassa.
They also praised the Senate for recently debating the deplorable state of the Anyigba-Dekina-Shintaku Road and for urging the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritize its inclusion in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The group appealed to the Federal Government, the Kogi State Government, legislators, development partners, and the media to support their campaign, stressing that continued neglect would only worsen the suffering of the people.
“Every delay keeps our pregnant women struggling for miles to reach a hospital. Every delay keeps our children learning under harsh conditions. Every delay weakens our farmers’ ability to prosper,” the group stated.
The BNCDN pledged to continue engaging relevant authorities through peaceful and constructive dialogue, reaffirming their commitment to partnership and accountability in pursuit of equitable development.
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