A Group under the Umbrella of IgalaBassa Relief and Development Initiative has called on the citizens of Kogi state and Nigeria at large to show more respect for traditional institutions across the country.

“Showing respect for our traditional institutions will no doubt provide necessary impetus that will give us a good lead for success across the homeland” the group maintained.

The Group in a Statement made available to Our Correspondent in Lokoja over the weekend said the only way to preserve the nation’s rich cultural heritage is to give the desired attention and respect for traditional institutions by all and sundry.

The Group also called for due respect to constituted authorities at all level saying that the exhibition of such attitude would enhance effective service delivery by those in leadership positions. adsbygoogle || []).push({});

According to the statement, The IGALABASSA RELIEF and DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE recently launched its project of bringing transformation to the door step of the rural communities as part of its commitment to better the living conditions of their people.

“We had touched communities in Idah and Ibaji LGAs and deferred visits to Olamaboro, Bassa and Dekina as well as the other four LGAs to deepen continuous Sensitization and Enlightenment on healthy maintenance and adherence to the Government’s efforts in preventing the emergence of any disease in Kogi State.

“Whenever we are able to get more intervention palliatives for the people, we continue with the other remaining local Governments in Igala land.

“This is purely humanitarian as we are non-political and non-partisan with absolute dedication to charting an entirely positive, safe and prosperous narrative for the IgalaBassa Homeland” the statement added.

The Honourable Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Hon. Samuel Odagboyi Godday in collaboration with the office of the Director General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has provided financial support for small busines owners across the constituency.

Recall that the Honourable Member had on several occasions visited the National Directorate of Employment for the sole purpose of establishing a functional and beneficial relationship with the Directorate through the office of the Director General.

Thankfully, the collaboration is already paying off as the benefits unfold in bits.

Earlier today, the office of the DG, National Directorate of Employment disbursed cash through the Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme (MEES) to 300 petty traders selected from across the 21 council wards of Apa and Agatu local government areas. adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Member, his Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Ben Eka, noted that the disbursement was to support the poorest amongst the poor (especially women) who made the noble choice of venturing into micro enterprises to cater for themselves and their families.

He further emphasized that the selection process was devoid of political party or any other affiliation but strictly based on verified micro business owners.

He charged the beneficiaries to properly utilized the stipends in adding value to their businesses while urging the good people of Apa/Agatu to continually support and pray for the Honourable Member as more gestures will spring up in due course.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Martha Ngbede expressed profound gratitude to the people’s honourable, observing that it is a rare practice within the constituency for a politician to recognise the plight of the poor and select non party faithfuls nor political allies for such a beneficial program.

Fatima Mohammed on the other hand thanked Hon. Godday for coming to their aide unexpectedly at a time as this when small businesses are witnessing challenging setbacks due to financial decline.

Speaking on behalf of NDE, Mallam Musa Sadauki, the Benue State coordinator charged beneficiaries to see the Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme (MEES) as part of government’s efforts to encourage small business owners.

He further noted that the Directorate would continue to partner with the office of the Honourable Member to curtail the challenge of unemployment within the constituency.

-As His Royal Majesty, Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni 2 gives Royal blessings to flag off Intervention.

A group under the umbrella of Igala/Bassa Relief and Development Initiative (ReDI), has donated palliatives to vulnerable and far flung communities in Igala/Bassa Homeland, Kogi East Senatorial District to press forward, it’s sensitization against the COVID-19 Pandemic in the zone.

Among the items donated include; 5kg bags of rice, face masks and Shields, sanitizers anvd IR-Thermometers to aid the people to comply with the Covid-19 pandemic preventive protocols.

Flagging off the intervention and distribution of the palliatives by Attah Igala, His Royal Majesty, Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni ll at his Palace in Idah yesterday, the National Coordinator of Igala/Bassa Relief and Development Initiative, Alhaji Yakubu Abdullahi said the gesture was part of their broad intervention programme to change the deploring and drenching compliance status of the worsening economic and social integrity of the people in times of disasters and pandemics like the COVID-19. js">

The National Coordinator disclosed that the group in addition to progressively providing palliatives to the homeland, is also involved in the responsive sensitization of the communities and peoples on COVID-19. Part of the group’s activities including providing explanations on the need for social distancing, wearing of face masks and Shields and frequent use of sanitizers as a result of the pervading ignorance in the homeland and communities.

He said the obvious ignorance of the people would create havoc in the future, and must be prevented by all Igala/Bassa sons and daughters.

“As a group, Igala/Bassa ReDI is worried about the low level of awareness on the novel Coronavirus and will not relent in contributing our quota towards enlightenment and cushioning the effect of the disruptions caused by actions against the disease.

“A major essence of our intervention is to complement government’s efforts to keep the pandemic out of the state by touching positively on the lives of the poor and vulnerable with donations and contributions from our brothers, sisters, friends and business networks”, Alhaji Abdullahi explained.

The Attah Igala and President Kogi State Traditional Council, Dr. Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni ll, while speaking at the flag off ceremony, commended Igala/Bassa ReDI for it’s initiatives to care for the poor and vulnerable in the far flung communities.

His Royal Majesty gave profuse blessings on the group and on the relief materials, ànd advised the group to ensure that the items got to the target persons and communities.

He called on various organizations and spirited individuals to emulate the exemplary gesture of Igala/Bassa ReDI to address the rural needs in the homeland.

The Attah Igala therefore, prayed God to reward the donors of the palliatives abundantly.

Still in Idah the cradle of Igala/Bassa civilization, the group also paid traditional homage to the Achadu Igala “Oko Attah” where the royal father applauded the vision of the group to provide assistance to the poor and vulnerable in the distant communities as well as offering his blessings.

The first phase of the distribution of ReDI palliatives commenced with Akpataega and Ugwuoda communities in Idah and Ibaji local government areas of Kogi state with beneficiaries expressing joy and happiness.

Spokesman of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Egwaba Ochijenu thanked the donors for their help with the assurance to make judicious use of the palliatives and sensitization.

The next phase of the intervention will take the group to other Federal constituencies until all the nine LGAs are covered.

The National Coordinator was supported on the flag off and distribution program by Engr. (Dr) Abubakar Adama (Chairman, Contact and Mobilization), Abdulmajeed Hassan (Head of Secretariat), Comrade Christopher Ukwenya (Vice Chairman, Community Relation), Mr. Yakubu Oyibo (Idah Local Government Coo