Engr. Bashir Gegu Receives Democracy Newsline Award, Dedicates Honour to Governor Ododo, Pledges More Youth Empowerment
By Samuel Temiloluwa
The Honourable Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources in Kogi State, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, has received the prestigious “Best Performing Honourable Commissioner on Youth Empowerment Programmes in North Central Award – 2026” from Democracy Newsline Newspaper.
The award, according to the organisers, recognises Gegu’s contributions to youth empowerment, skills development and initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young people in Kogi State.
Receiving the award at the Government House in Lokoja yesterday, Engr. Gegu expressed appreciation to Democracy Newsline Newspaper for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to do more in the service of the people.
The Commissioner dedicated the prestigious award to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom he credited with providing the leadership, support and enabling environment for members of his cabinet to effectively deliver on their mandates.
Gegu said the recognition was not only a personal honour but also a reflection of the administration’s commitment to youth development, empowerment and inclusive governance.
He noted that the Governor Ododo-led administration places considerable emphasis on empowering young people and creating avenues through which they can become productive contributors to the economy and development of the state.
According to him, the award would further motivate him and his team to redouble their efforts in developing programmes that will positively impact the lives of youths across Kogi State.
“I dedicate this prestigious award to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. His support and leadership have continued to inspire us to work harder for the people of Kogi State,” Gegu said.
He promised that the recognition would not make him complacent, assuring that he would continue to do more in the areas of youth empowerment, skills acquisition, economic opportunities and sustainable development.
Engr. Gegu further appreciated the people of Kogi State, particularly the youths, for their support and confidence in the administration, promising that their interests would remain central to his activities as Commissioner.
Democracy Newsline Newspaper, in presenting the award, said the recognition was designed to celebrate public officers whose initiatives and commitment have made significant contributions to society, particularly in the area of youth development.
The Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Mukadam Asiru Idris; former Kabba/Bunu Local Government Chairman and Special Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Nathaniel Ojo Taiwo; and the State Chairman of the Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC), Comrade Oloruntoba Juwon, were among the dignitaries who witnessed the presentation.
The honour adds to the growing recognition of the efforts of the Kogi State Government in promoting youth inclusion, empowerment and economic participation across the state.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 8th, 2026


