By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
The atmosphere in Gegu-Beki, a historic community in Koton Karfe Local Government Area of Kogi State, was one of celebration on Friday as eminent traditional rulers, government officials, Islamic scholars and residents gathered to witness the commissioning of the ultra-modern Gegu-Beki Central Mosque.
The event was attended by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council, who performed the official commissioning. The occasion also witnessed the foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed Ohinoyi Nyiwo Palace, further underscoring the community’s commitment to preserving its religious and cultural heritage.
For many residents, the mosque is not just a magnificent place of worship; it is the fulfilment of a vision nurtured over many years by generations of sons and daughters of Gegu-Beki.
A Community Rooted in History
Situated along the River Niger, Gegu-Beki is among the oldest settlements in the Nyiwo Traditional Kingdom. The community has long been recognised for farming, fishing, commerce and Islamic scholarship.
For centuries, Muslim traders and scholars traversing the Niger waterways introduced and strengthened Islamic teachings in the area. Through dedication and perseverance, Islam flourished, producing generations of respected clerics and community leaders who guided the people spiritually and morally.
Before the construction of the new Central Mosque, worshippers observed congregational prayers in an older mosque that served the community for decades. As the population grew, the need for a larger and more modern mosque became increasingly evident.
Remembering the Pioneers
Every community owes its progress to men and women who dedicated their lives to selfless service.
Among the early Islamic scholars who nurtured Islam in Gegu-Beki were the late Imam Salihu Ibrahim, the late Imam Muhammadu Ibrahim, the late Imam of Adaka, the late Abubakar Umar Asumene, the late Muhammed Isah Omare Ozoku and Alhaji Dauda Sulaiman Dattijo.
These respected clerics devoted their lives to Qur’anic education, Islamic preaching, conflict resolution and moral upbringing. Their teachings produced generations of Muslims whose lives continue to reflect the values of honesty, discipline and peaceful coexistence.
Their legacies remain visible in the enduring unity and strong religious identity of the community.
A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Commitment
Many residents also remember the immense contributions of the late father of Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu.
He was known for promoting Islamic values, encouraging communal development and supporting projects that strengthened unity among the people. His generosity and commitment to community service earned him lasting respect.
Today, his son, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources in Kogi State, has continued that legacy through practical development initiatives.
Recognising the need for a befitting place of worship, he mobilised resources and support that culminated in the construction of the ultra-modern Central Mosque.
Beyond the mosque project, he has also championed the construction of the proposed Ohinoyi Nyiwo Palace, encouraged unity among residents, supported religious and humanitarian activities and facilitated greater government attention to the development needs of Gegu-Beki and neighbouring communities.
More Than a Mosque
The significance of the new Central Mosque extends beyond architecture.
Throughout Islamic history, mosques have served as centres of learning, justice, reconciliation and community service.
Residents believe the new mosque will strengthen Islamic education, promote moral values among young people, encourage peaceful coexistence and provide an environment where future generations can deepen their knowledge of Islam.
Voices from the Commissioning
The representative of the Sultan of Sokoto urged Muslims to preserve the sanctity of the mosque by maintaining regular prayers, supporting Islamic education and promoting peace and unity.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo commended the community for investing in religious and social infrastructure, describing the mosque as a symbol of collective responsibility and community spirit.
The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, described the project as an investment in future generations and urged communities across the state to emulate such self-help initiatives.
Hon. Danladi Sulaiman Aguye, member representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency, praised the people of Gegu-Beki for their unity and pledged continued support for initiatives that improve the welfare of constituents.
Community leaders expressed optimism that the mosque and the proposed palace would further enhance unity and attract more development to the area.
A Beacon for Future Generations
As the final prayers were offered and guests departed, one message resonated throughout Gegu-Beki: communities thrive when faith, visionary leadership and collective sacrifice come together.
The ultra-modern Gegu-Beki Central Mosque stands today not only as a place where Muslims gather in worship but also as a lasting monument to the pioneering Islamic scholars, devoted community leaders and philanthropists whose sacrifices laid the foundation for today’s achievement.
For the people of Gegu-Beki, the mosque is a reminder that while buildings may be constructed with bricks and mortar, enduring legacies are built through faith, service, unity and unwavering commitment to community development.
Fact File
- Community: Gegu-Beki, Koton Karfe LGA, Kogi State.
- Traditional Kingdom: Nyiwo Kingdom.
- Commissioned by: Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council.
-Major Project: Ultra-modern Gegu-Beki Central Mosque.
Additional Project: Foundation laying for the proposed Ohinoyi Nyiwo Palace. Notable Contributor: Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources. Pioneer Islamic Clerics: Late Imam Salihu Ibrahim, Late Imam Muhammadu Ibrahim, Late Imam of Adaka, Late Abubakar Umar Asumene, Late Muhammed Isah Omare Ozoku and Alhaji Dauda Sulaiman Dattijo.
– Musa Tanimu Nasidi is a journalists. He writes from Lokoja, Kogi state
