Mosque Built With Donations, Not Government Money — Benue Dep. Speaker Lami

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, has clarified that the funds used for the construction of a mosque in Ado community were sourced through donations and not from government coffers.

She challenged those spreading allegations regarding the source of the funding to provide evidence to support their claims.
According to the Deputy Speaker, those accusing her of diverting public funds for the mosque project are acting out of ignorance.
Hon. Lami stated that although she is a devoted Christian, her support for the Muslim minority in her constituency was aimed at promoting unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among residents.
She noted that individuals attempting to twist the narrative around the gesture were doing so for political reasons rather than in the interest of truth or the constituency.
Explaining the background to the project, the Deputy Speaker said the Muslim community in Ado Local Government Area approached her for assistance in expanding their mosque due to the increasing number of worshippers.
“As my constituents, I agreed to support them. The fact that they are a minority does not remove the fact that they are part of this constituency who live, work, and contribute to the economy of the area.
“I sourced funds from friends and associates. I was even linked to late Aminu Dantata and the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, who also contributed. Not a single kobo for the project came from my office or the state government.
“I challenge anyone with proof that government funds were used for the mosque construction to present it publicly.
“I will not be intimidated by this campaign of calumny. My commitment to my constituents remains firm, and I will not be silenced.
“My loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia remains unwavering.
“Those behind this hateful narrative are selfish individuals trying to stir sentiments to achieve political objectives. They are not advancing the interest of the constituency but pursuing personal gains.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have strategically used my office as Deputy Speaker to attract projects, jobs, and life-saving interventions for my people.”
She listed some of the projects and interventions executed in her constituency to include the reconstruction and furnishing of Ado Community School and the rebuilding of Agila Community School.
Hon. Lami also disclosed that a mega medical outreach was conducted across all districts in the constituency, during which over 13,000 patients received treatment for various illnesses, with more than N160 million spent on the exercise.
She added that the Guinness World Records issued a commendation letter to the Lami Health Care Foundation for the successful outreach and the large number of beneficiaries reached.
“The 10 women leaders in Ado were also rewarded with motorcycles each,” she said.
The Deputy Speaker further revealed that several male and female students from the constituency were benefiting from scholarship programmes, with over 10 graduates already produced from higher institutions.
Speaking on empowerment and welfare initiatives, Hon. Lami said more than 31,000 women had benefited through the Alia-Lami women group, while over 2,000 youths were members of the Alia-Lami boys support groups.
She expressed satisfaction over her role in resolving the decades-long crisis between the people of Agila and neighbouring communities, including areas in Ebonyi State.
“We can now intermarry and trade freely. Peace has returned to our land,” she stated.
The Deputy Speaker also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his developmental efforts across Benue State, especially the award of the contract for the reconstruction of the Igumale-Agila road, which she described as having significant socio-economic value to her constituents.
She maintained that Benue State is witnessing remarkable transformation under Governor Alia’s administration, adding that history would remember his contributions to the state’s development.