A SHORT SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF BASSA NGE ONLINE COMMUNITY (BNOC)

A SHORT SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF BASSA NGE ONLINE COMMUNITY (BNOC), ALHAJI ALIYU YUNUSA DURING THE INAUGURATION OF NEWLY ELECTED EXECUTIVES HELD ON 7^TH JULY, 2018 AT CONFLUENCE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY, LOKOJA, KOGI STATE

All Protocols Duly Acknowledged

Leadership is bestowed on mankind by Almighty God. No one can attain any position of leadership without the endorsement of our Creator. I therefore appreciate God for this rare opportunity He presented me to have served as the President of BNOC in the last two years. It is indeed a privilege that I shall continue to cherish for life as proudly Bassa Nge man.

The formation of BNOC in 2010 has no doubt provided a new approach to the development of Bassa Nge land and without mincing words, BNOC within its short existence has positively impacted our people especially young people who need direction and focusin life.

When I took over the mantle of leadership in July, 2016, I promised to consolidate on the achievements of my predecessor, Mr. NmaduGambo Gabriel who popularized BNOC and set high leadership standards. I also pledged to lead by example and pursue common agenda for the common good of our people.

Today, I can report that with the cooperation from other executive members and stakeholders of the Community, BNOC is progressing and gradually gaining more acceptance from people who were hitherto critical of the rationale behind its establishment. This is because people are seeing concrete results and how the Community is pushing for development through the spirit of community service.

In the last two years, BNOC has sustained the annual One Hundred Thousand Naira (#100,000) worth of scholarship for secondary school students across Bassa Nge Kingdom. This scholarship which involved the purchase of learning and reading materials was given in December, 2016 and 2017 during Bassa Nge Day Celebration. It will be recalled that this scholarship in 2014 under the pioneer President.

Also, we have been able to observe our Annual Convention which attracted members across all strata. During our Annual National Convention usually held in Gboloko, the culture of Bassa Nge people is displayed and serious developmental issues are discussed. The convention has also become a marriage market for our people.

In March, 2018, BNOC organized Educational Sensitization Seminar with a theme “Reviving Quality Education in Bassa Nge Land” held at Gboloko. The seminar attracted resource persons who spoke on different issues with participants drawn from both primary and secondary schools in the land. In addition, over 1000 customized exercise books (60 leaves) were distributed for participants and their schools.

In December, 2017 we were able to complete and commission a WELL at Emi-Tseja. Water supply to communities is a cardinal objective of BNOC and more of such projects have been encouraged under my leadership.

We also presented awards to some deserving Bassa Nge who have been committed to the course of development of our land. These awards have become an annual event and as such it has been finally institutionalized under my watch.

Furthermore, BNOC Constitution has been successfully amended in 2017 and today there is an effective and functional rules and regulations for the Community.

BNOC has a lot of projects and programmes but paucity of funds has denied us of doing more. We are however determined to continue to push and I am happy to report that there are few Bassa Nge who believe in our activities and they have been contributing immensely. Worthy of mentioning are: Hon. Samuel AlumkaZakari, the performing Administrator of our dear Local Government Council, Alhaji Musa Yusuf Asaka (the sponsor of our Annual Scholarship), Engr. James Akale, AlhajiYakubu Alfa, Mr. Samuel Yacim, Mall. AbdulmalikSokowonciAdamu (the founder and Etsu of BNOC), Mr. Ezekiel Tsado, Mr. Ezra Jigah, Members of BNOC Board of Trustees, BNOC Patrons and Stakeholders, Members of the outgoing Executive Council and the entire members of the Community among others. BNOC indeed appreciates everyone who has contributed to the growth and development of Bassa Nge land.

I want to thank the Chairman of this event and other invited guests for your presence. We are indeed moving forward as a people. I also appreciate the effort of the BNOC Electoral Committee led by Mr. Wilfred Agaji and the Inauguration Committee led by AsakaDanjuma for their selfless services. We are proud of all of you.

Finally, I honestly commend and appreciate my wife, HajiyaHawaAliyuYunusa for her patience and tolerance for my often absence at home as a result of BNOC activities. 

Thank you and God bless.