By Paya Godwin | February 9, 2026
As Kogi State celebrates the transformative leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, one community remains in the shadows, pleading for attention. Bassa Local Government Area, nestled in the heart of the state, is crying out for infrastructure development and humanitarian aid. The cry is loud, the need is dire, and the time for action is now.
For two decades, Bassa has been shackled by neglect, its people suffering the consequences of impassable roads, inadequate healthcare, and stunted economic growth. “I lost my child because the ambulance couldn’t reach us on time,” says Aladi Jonathan, a Bassa resident, her voice trembling with grief. “It’s a pain that never goes away.”
Maternal mortality rates are alarmingly high, with women dying in childbirth due to lack of access to medical facilities. Children lose precious months of education, trapped by flooded roads and crumbling infrastructure. “I miss school for months during the rainy season,” says 12-year-old Yusuf Ibrahim. “It’s hard to catch up when I return.”
Farmers, the backbone of the community, watch helplessly as their produce rots, unable to transport it to markets. “I lost over 50% of my harvest last season,” says Emmanuel Egwuche, a local farmer. “It’s a loss I can’t afford.”
The Shintaku-Gboloko-Oguma-Mozum Road, a lifeline promised since 1999, remains a mirage. As the rainy season looms, the people of Bassa fear another cycle of devastation.
But there is hope. Governor Ododo’s track record of transformative leadership inspires confidence. His commitment to development, evident in the state’s progress, is the beacon Bassa clings to.
I appeal to Your Excellency, not as an adviser, but as a humble advocate for the voiceless. See Bassa through the eyes of its mothers, children, and farmers. Hear their cries, feel their struggles, and answer their plea.
Let the Shintaku-Gboloko-Oguma-Mozum Road be the starting point. Let emergency township road repairs bring relief to the people. Let Bassa be the next chapter in your legacy of transformative leadership.
The world knows that rural roads catalyze growth, education, and healthcare. Your Excellency, the stage is set. The people of Bassa await your response, their hopes anchored in your demonstrated commitment to the people.
Paya Godwin, Nigeria’s Peace Ambassador, is a strategic consultant, data visualization specialist, and infographics expert writing from Abuja
“The views, opinions, and perspectives shared in this piece are solely those of the writer and do not reflect the official stance or position of Newsworth Media Company“
