Gov. Ododo Mourns Passing of Etsu Bassa Nge

By Iyojo Ameh

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Abu Ali, the Etsu of Bassa Nge Kingdom and former Military Governor of Bauchi State.

In a condolence message issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo described the late monarch as a father figure, a stabilizing force, and a pillar of wisdom whose leadership contributed immensely to peace, unity, development in Kogi State and Nigeria.

He noted that the news of the passing of the revered Etsu Bassa Nge was received with profound sadness, recalling the late Alhaji Abu Ali’s exceptional service, discipline, and commitment to the wellbeing of his people throughout his lifetime both as a royal father and as a distinguished military officer.

“I recall the dignified and majestic leadership of His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Abu Ali, whose wise counsel and unwavering commitment to the unity of our state consistently provided guidance and strength to our people. His selfless service and towering presence will be deeply missed, even as we submit to the will of Almighty Allah and give thanks for a life lived in service to humanity,” he stated.

Governor Ododo hailed the late Etsu as a majestic king and a symbol of exemplary leadership, noting that his reign brought stability and progress to the Bassa Nge Kingdom.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and urged his family, the Bassa Nge Kingdom, and all who mourn him to find comfort in his enduring legacy of wisdom, humility and service.

The late Alhaji Abu Ali, a retired Brigadier General, served as Military Governor of Bauchi State from September 1990 to January 1992, and remained an influential national figure until his passing on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 82.

Ismaila Isah
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor
November 24, 2025
[25/11, 9:41 am] Ismail Okocha: Kogi Govt Launches GIS Overhaul to Enhance Land Administration

Kogi State Government has officially launched a comprehensive overhaul of its land administration system through the Kogi Geographic Information System (KOGIS), to curb illegal allocation and enhance land administration across the state.

The Director-General of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands, TPL Kehinde Salihu-Otaru, disclosed this during a working visit to the Bureau by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, and LugardTV team.

He explained that while KOGIS was initially launched in 2020 during the previous administration, many challenges persisted, including overlapping allocations, unauthorized encroachments and delays in issuing Certificates of Occupancy (CofO).

“The lack of accurate land records has been a major setback for decision-making in the state. With this overhaul, we are creating a tamper-proof digital system that ensures fairness, accountability and faster land services for all citizens,” he said.

Salihu-Otaru added that the Bureau is engaging communities affected by irregular allocations to recover encroached lands through constructive dialogue. Plans are also underway to establish “special development zones” guided by organized layouts and digital mapping to support industrial and infrastructural growth.

According to the Director-General, the overhaul aligns with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision for Kogi State, noting that efficient land management is central to the state’s industrial, infrastructural and socio-economic development stressed that digitized system will support major projects, including industrial parks and the newly approved free trade zone.

The DG also disclosed that funds have been allocated for staff training to enhance capacity in modern land administration tools, ensuring that the KOGIS overhaul is effectively implemented and sustained.