Bassa, Kogi State
 | This article may contain an excessive amount of intricate detail that may interest only a particular audience. (March 2024) |
Bassa | |
|---|---|
  Bassa Location in Nigeria | |
| Coordinates: 7°54′N 7°03′E / 7.900°N 7.050°E | |
| Country |  Nigeria |
| State | Kogi State |
| Headquarters | Oguma |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,925 km2 (743 sq mi) |
| Population (2006 census) | |
| • Total | 139,993 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
| 3-digit postal code prefix | 272 |
| ISO 3166 code | NG.KO.BA |
 | |
Bassa is a Local Government Area in Kogi State, Nigeria. Its northern border is the Benue River and its western border is the Niger River. Its headquarters are in the town of Oguma.
The Chairman of the Local Government Area is Hon. Theophilus Daruwana Adama[1]
It has an area of 1,925 km2 and a population of 139,687 at the 2006 census.[2] and as at 2022 projected to be 188,300.[3]
Bassa-nge towns consist mainly of Gboloko, Ajigido, Kpata and Ecewu.
The postal code of the area is 272.[4]
Bassa Local Government Kogi State, Bassa has three major tribes. The Bassa-komo, Bassa-nge and Egbira koto . The Bassa-Komo has the highest population followed by Bassa-nge and Egbira koto. The traditional title holder of The Bassa-Komos is the "AGUMA" of Bassa who is a 1st class chief, The "Etsu" of Bassa-Nge also a 1st class chief and the "OHIOGBA" of Mozum is the traditional chief of the Egbiras koto as the 3rd class chief.
The traditional title holder of the Bassa Nge is the Etsu Bassa Nge. The Etsu of Bassa Nge has his royal throne dominant in Gboloko. Gboloko is the kingdom headquarter of the Bassa Nge Kingdom.
A Brief History of Bassa Local Government Kogi State[edit]
Bassa Local Government of Kogi State was created in 1976 from Benue State. It has a land mass of 1, 925km2 and a population of 139, 993 as of 2006 census and at 2022 projected to be 188,300.[5] The postal code of the area is 272.[6]
Before the creation of Bassa Local Government there existed a Bassa Native Authority dated 1902. The Bassa Native Authority was created by colonial administration which began in 1900. The Bassa Native Authority was thereafter joined with the Igala Native Authority and later separated to become Bassa Local Government in 1976.[7]
The headquarters of Bassa Local Government is Oguma. The name Oguma was birthed as a result of the British inability to pronounce the name Ugwuma (Agwuma plural) which is the actual and original name given to the settlement. Ugwuma is made from grasses called ishɛrɛ. The ugwuma/Agwuma were used to make thatched houses. Hence, the early migrants name the settlement Agwuma.
Bassa Local Government is boarded to the North by River Benue. In the West by River Niger. To the East by Omala Local Government and to the South by Dekina Local Government.[5]
Bassa Local Government has three major tribes, Bassa (Kwomu) having the highest population, followed by Bassa Nge (Nupe) and the Egbura. Igala being the minority tribe.
The first migrants of the land (now Bassa Local Government and formally Bassa Native Authority or Bassa Province) were the Bassa (kwomu) people. They migrated to the land in 1830. The Nupe Migrants (Bassa Nge) migrated in the year 1850. Their migration was due to the Jihadist war which broke out in their ancient land of Bida in present-day Niger State. The Egbura people migrated to the land in 1860.
The Bassa (Kwomu) and Bassa Nge (Nupe) have nothing in common in relation to origin, language, culture and traditions. While the Bassa (kwomu) purportedly got their name from the phrase BAA SA HUŊ?, meaning WON'T YOU BUY?. The Bassa Nge were believed to get theirs from the word BABOSSA which is best interpreted as FERTILE LAND OR SOIL. Though some unverified myths believed they adopted the name in order to seek for asylum in the new found land (Bassa land).
It is important to note that the suffix "kwomu" is only used or attached to the Bassa people of Bassa Local Government Area. Other Bassas in other states including those from Korto Karfe Local Government of Kogi State maintains "Bassa" without any prefix or suffix attached.
The traditional head of Bassa Local Government is the Aguma of Bassa who also doubles as the chairman, Bassa Area Traditional Council. His stool is in the town of Oguma, the Local Government Headquarters. The present Aguma of Bassa is HRM. Chief Williams Jimba Keke. The Bassa Nge (Nupe) district or kingdom is headed by the Etsu Bassa Nge. The present Etsu of the Bassa Nge district or kingdom is HRH Rtd. Brig. Gen. Abu Ali. The Egbura district is headed by the Ohiogba of Mozum, HRH Alh. Khalid Ali Bukar.
Here are the names of those that have ascended the stool to be Aguma of Bassa from inception till date.
PRE-COLONIAL ERA
1. HRM Gberigu Dangara
2. HRM Sokwo Kuruvwa
POST COLONIAL ERA
1. HRM. Chief Joseph Dodo Alagani
2. HRM Chief Dr. Joseph Daku Kpongbo
3. HRM. Chief Jimba Williams Keke. (Present).
Here also, is the Bassa Local Government Council Succession of Chairmanship Record.
1. J.V Agelaga - Sole Administrator - Aug. 1976-April 1977 - Appointed on creation.
2. A.S Alafin - Chairman - Jan 1977-Sept 1979 - Elected
3. Alh I.A Akanya - Chairman - Dec 1979-Nov 1980 - Caretaker
4. D.D Jimba - Chairman - Nov 1980-Sept 1983 - Caretaker
5. A.I Edino - Sole Administrator - Sept 1983-Feb 1984 - Appointed
6. E.I KPAAPA - Sole Administrator - May 1984-June 1984 - Appointed
7. B.A Adole - Sole Administrator - May 1984-June 1984 - Appointed
8. J.I Udegha - Sole Administrator - June 1984-Aug 1985 - Appointed
9. D.A Adejoh - Sole Administrator - Aug 1985-Sept 1985 - Appointed
10. A.S Ikper - Sole Administrator - Sept 1985-Nov 1985 - Appointed
11. J.A Mongo - Sole Administrator - Nov 1985-Jan 1986 - Appointed
12. D.A Ambe - Sole Administrator - Jan 1986-March 1986 - Acting
13. J.A Nongo - Sole Administrator - March 1986-June 1986 - Appointed
14. Arch. N Muhammed - Sole Administrator - June 1986-Oct 1987 - Appointed
15. Arch. N Muhammed - Sole Administrator - Oct 1987-Jan 1988 - Appointed
16. Mall. A. Abubakar - Chairman - Jan 1988-July 1989 - Elected
17. Haruna E. Banke - Sole Administrator - July 1989-Feb 1990 - Appointed
18. Mall. Muhammed Dauda - Chairman - Jan 1990-Dec 1990 Appointed
19. Mr. Adama P. Dogwo - Chairman - Jan 1991-March 1992 - Elected
20. Mall. Umar Abdulmumuni - Chairman - March 1992-Nov 1993 - Elected
21. Mr. Solomon Adeyemi - Interim Head of L.G - Nov 1993-Apr 1994 - Appointed
22. Mr. Isaac R. Jimba - Chairman - Apr 1994-March 1996 - Elected
23. Mr. Emmanuel S. Adaku - Chairman - March 1996 - March 1997 - Elected
24. Mr. Jerry N. Daku - Chairman - March 1997-July 1998 - Elected
25. Mr. Philip S. Ochen - Sole Administrator - July 1998-May 1999 - Appointed
26. Comr. A.A Abdulkadir - Chairman - June 1999-March 2001 - Elected
27. Mr. Paul Z. Maiwada - Chairman March 2002-June 2003 - Appointed
28. Mall. S.E Yahaya - D.L.G & HOS - June 2003-Aug 2003 - Appointed
29. Mr. Luke Y. Shigaba - Chairman - Aug 2003-Feb 2004 - Appointed
30. Mr. Mathew B. Jere - Chairman Feb 2004-Dec 2004 - Appointed
31. Hon. Bako Shigaba - Chairman - Dec 2004-Oct 2005 - Elected
32. Hon. Yakubu I. Musa - Chairman - Oct 2005-Jan 2007 - Elected
33. Mr. Sunday Shigaba - Chairman - Jan 2007-Oct 2007 - Caretaker
34. Alh. Iman S. Shaibu - Chairman - Oct 2007- Jan 2008 - Caretaker
35. Hon. Tim Nda Diche - Chairman - Jan 2008-July 2008 - Caretaker
36. Musa D. Gwatana - Chairman - July 2008-June 2011 - Elected
37. Alh. MUKTAR SHUAIBU - Chairman - June 2011-July 2011 - Elected
38. Alh. Ahmed Shaibu O. - HOC BA - July 2011-June 2012 - Appointed
39. Hon. Umar Maigida I. - Chairman - June 2012-May 2013 - Appointed
40. Hon. Umar Maigida I. - Chairman - May 2013-May 2016 - Elected
41. Hon. Shiloba Wodi - Chairman - May 2016 - Elected
42. Hon. Samuel Zakari - Administrator - May 2016-March 2020 - Appointed
43. Mr. Ditse Solomon - D.L.G March 2020-Dec 2020 Appointed
44. Alh. MUKTAR SHUAIBU - Chairman - Dec 2020-Dec 2023 - Elected
45. Abdulahi Salihu Ali - DLG - Dec 2023-Jan 2024
46. Hon. Theophilus Adama Daruwana - Chairman - January 2024 - Appointed.[7]
Bassa Local Government has three districts with ten Political Wards. The Bassa (Kwomu) district has five wards which are; Akuba I, Akuba II, Akakana/Ayede, Ozungulo and Ikende Wards. While the Bassa Nge district has three wards which are; Gboloko, Kpata and Eforo Wards. And the Egburas/Mozum district has two wards which are; Mozum and Uzugbe/Ozugbe Wards.
Here are some of the notable towns in Bassa Local Government Area:
From the Bassa (kwomu) axis; Oguma (the local government headquarters), Sheria, (the commercial town of the local government), Dagba, Eyede, Gbashikere, Akakana, Paruwa, Kpanche, Ikende, Kpokudu, Zenyi, Wussa, Inigwi, Zharikama, Edenyi, Ogodo, Orokwo, Udogbo.
From the Bassa Nge axis; Gboloko (the headquarters of Bassa Nge kingdom), Kpata, Eforo, Shitankwo, Emi Guni, Adum Woiwoi, Emi Audu, Ajigido, Emi Ampamo, Elule, Emi Adama.
From the Egbura axis; Mozum (headquarters of Mozum Kingdom), Ugba, Biroko, Tekureje, Ozugbe, Dakwu Domozu.
Bassa Local Government is known as the Agricultural hub of Kogi State or the food Basket of Kogi State due to its huge agricultural produce year by year. Some of the Agricultural products from Bassa Local Government are, Yam, Cassava, Rice, Guinea Corn, Millet, Bene Seed, Groundnut, Soya Beans e.t.c. Economic trees in Bassa Local Government include Kola Nut, Irvingia Gabonensis (Ogbono), Mahogany, Cashew, Mango, Orange, Banana, Plantains e.t.c.
Bassa Local Government also have numerous fish ponds and rivers for fishing activities. Minya, Uda mane, Iteme are found in Gbashikere, Rivine and Ujo in Bassa (kwomu district). Others are Emako, Kpekpete, Yontsu which are found in the Bassa Nge District.
Some of the natural resources found in Bassa Local Government are Petroleum/Natural Gas, Clay, Iron Ore, Salt and Gypsum.
Bassa Local Government is blessed with both human and natural resources.
SOME MODERN BASSA NAMES[edit]
1. Agwatana-ZHƐMƐ = God is good
2. Agwatana-LAHNƐ – God is worthy
3. Agwatana-SHƐBAWALỤ = God is to be thanked
4. Agwatana-GEMBI = God is great
5. Agwatana-ERINDA = God can do it
6. Agwatana-BIYE = Good God
7. Timeni = Possible
8. Tulasụ = Victor
9. Zhimanɛ = Well with me
10. Lacɛmɛ = Sweet
11. Tulubo = Love
12. Amɛolomu = Peace
13. Wanabiye = Goodluck
14. KULANA-Agwatana = Godswill
15. Akaagwatana = God’stime
16. Akachi = It’s time for God
17. Nyasa = Happiness
18. Ogumishi = Precious
19. Azhinariya = Gold
20. Webiye = Blessing
21. Agwatana-PENI = Godsgift
22. Agwatana-NDANƐ = God did it
23. Agwatana-LASỤ = Godwin
24. Agwatana-HENGENI = God opens/pave the way
25. Hunu = Shield
26. Uduciya = Treasure
27. Agwatana-SHEPI-na azuba = God lifted me high
28. Agwatana-KERISHO = God never abandoned me
29. Agwatana-TEYINJE = God remembered me
30. Agwatana-LENI = God permits or allows
31. Agwatana-GEMBICHINJI = God make me great
32. Kanɛ = Added
33. Agwatana-RUWANƐ = God embraced me
34. Yɛmɛyɛmɛ = Mercy
35. Wada = Dominion
36. Tatulanụ = Satisfied/Contented
37. Bujinji = Saviour
38. Lɛtu = Laughter
39. Agwatana-TERI = God chose me
40. Agwatana-NDANANƐ = God has done it again
41. Agwatana-PONOWO = God has given me
42. Debegeni = Better
43. Berezhe = Hero
44. Agwatana-LESHIJI = God receive me
45. Agwatana-MEPI = Godknows
46. Agwatana-JISHIJƐ = God answered me
47. Titana = Faith/Believe
48. SHITANA-Agwatana = Praise God
49. Ngezeni = Triumph
50. Agwatana-HURI = God above all
51. HIOKO’HWANA = Light
52. PENENI = God gives me again
53. Shanabụ = Stick to God
54. Ranyɛbiye = Good life
55. Hansabiye = Good thought
56. Agwatana shɛ NEMI = God is mine
57. DARA = Crown
58. Tuwebiye = Blessings
59. Memeshi = Keep on
60. Tulubotubiye = Grace
61. Awatana Jɛlanɛ = God is my shield
62. Agwatana MAPAŊNA = God is my giver
63. Agwatana MBIYENI = God helped me
64. Tɛkana = Truthful
65. Titeni = Reward
66. Rumbɛɛ = Purity
67. Dudugeni = Anointed
68. Shɛshɛshɛ = Righteous
69. Balanɛ = Abundance
70. Tɛcara = Sincerity
71. Gbelemi = Smooth
72. Pilanụ = Delight
73. Agwatana RUWANƐ = God embraced me
74. Ndapanɛ = Attached/sealed with God
75. Tatulanụ = Satisfied
76. Tabusa = Don't boast
77. Shileni = Promise
78. Tumapa = Knowledge or Wisdom
79. Ule = Gain
80. Binya = Companion
81. Shibinya = Companion
82. Zucinje = Humble
83. Sasana = God did it again
84. Akabwa = God's time
85. Akabiye = Good time
86. Inɛgwatana = God’sown
87. Zhɛmɛzɛgwi = Good seed
88. Rovwobiye = Goodluck
89. Gengeni = Forgiveness/Let it be mine
90. Munabụ = Respect/Acknowledge God
91. Mbiseni = God show me the way
92. Hinjanụ = Rest
93. Lemicinji = God grants me peace
94. Iyibiye = Good thing
95. Bụtụbiye = Good person
96. Mozhigo = Beginning
97. Seyida = Witness
98. Hunganɛ = Tasted the goodness of God
99. Tumwa = Message of God
100. Yebi = Companion[8]
History of the Bassa-Nge[edit]
The Bassa-Nge tribe can be traced historically to the Nupe Tribe. History has it that the Bassa-Nge people were formerly one with the Nupe. They spoke the same language, having the same culture. During the Great Fulani Jihad, while most of them accepted the Islamic faith, the rest of them, fled to the Middle Belt, towards South-West Nigeria to the present Kwara State Ilorin where they resided. Following the war conquest of the region, most of them accepted Islam while the remaining people fled across the Confluence river of Lokoja. Reaching the land across the great river, the elders said" babo sa umo ge" which when transliterated to Nupe language means " here is good and it is fine". It was later shortened to 'bassa-nge' which stand as the name of their variety of the Nupe language presently.
Gbashikere Kingdom[edit]
Gbashikere is a settlement found in Akuba I district of Bassa Local Government Kogi State, Nigeria. It is about 10 km east of Oguma, the Bassa Local Government headquarters.
Gbashikere settlement came into existence in the year 1870. The first settler of Gbashikerɛ Kingdom is GADO MUNGAZHƐ . He migrated from a village known as OWURU due to the USMAN DANFODIO led Fulani War.
GADO MUNGAZHƐ was a fisherman and a hunter. He name the settlement GBASHIKERE; which means a place of rest or relaxation. The name came as a result of passersby who usually see GADO MUNGAZHƐ sitting by the road side after fishing or hunting relaxing on his wooden chair. The passersby will say "bụ kwụbɛ bụtụ ga 'jɛjɛ gbashɛ-gbashɛ kere", meaning see this person sitting comfortably alone. Hence, this gave birth to the name Gbashikere which has been coined by the British as Gbadikere or Gbedikere.
After GADO MUNGAZHƐ arrived Gbashikere his first search was water, just like every settler in a new environment will do. During his search for water he found a water and he said "meni muko na kwurimi", meaning, this is a water so low. In furtherance to familiarize with his new environment, he (GADO MUNGAZHƐ) found another water and he said "minya meni na", implying, this is another water. This gave birth to the two waters found in Gbashikere Kingdom, which are KURIMI AND MINYA- which is the largest.
People who have ruled Gbashikere as kings since inception till date are;
GADO MUNGAZHE - 1871-1891 (20 years). DAKU GADO - 1892-1934 (42 years). DAUDU GADO - 1935-1952 (17 years). GWATANA TASSA ZHƐSHƐ - 1953-1972 (19 years). DANGARA KURE - 1973-2012 (39 years). STEPHEN UYE GWATANA - 2012 TILL DATE.
Gbashikere Kingdom has two dominant clans (ulamụ) in population which are, AKUBA AND ARƐNJƐ. The Akuba clan are the rulling clan in chieftaincy.
Gbaahikere shares boundary with ESULE to the east. To the west, it shares boundary with GBƐCHI (Isese rụgba gwụmɛ through to ishɛmɛ bukuto). To the North, it shares boundary with River Benue. And to the South, it shares boundary with KPOYIBO (Ishɛmɛ Lagba).
Gbashikere kingdom has five streets (Ekpekpe) which are;
1. Ukpekpe Nabayɛ 2. Ukpekpe Ashashɛ 3. Ukpekpe Gbugbudu 4. Ukpekpe Judea 5. Ukpekpe Kwunini.
Gbashikere Kingdom is known as the number one hub for fishing activities in Bassa Local Government with its great river (MINYA). People from neighbouring Local Governments comes to buy fish in Gbashikere for retail or consumption purposes. No doubt Gbashikere is tagged a commercial town among the many others in Bassa Local Government.
The people of Gbashikere Kingdom also engage in farming activities in which their farm produce include, Yam, Cassava, Maize, Guinea Corn, Millet, Rice, etcetera.
Gbashikere Kingdom has also produce many graduates in diverse fields of studies who are making great impact in the society. Some among them are former Chairmen of the Local Government, Late Hon. Luke Shigaba and Hon. Bako Shigaba. Late Michael Jimba (Judge), Late Hon. Sunday Jimba, Late Hon. Luke Guma, Hon. Jimba Emmanuel Nibi, Uye Lucky (MC Bassa Kwomu One), Paul Gudu (Paul-G), Amb. Denwi Joshua Adunga and host of others.
The people of Gbashikere are one of the most accommodative people you will find in Bassa Local Government.
Gbashikere settlement is a linear one which lies between Mountains and Lake Minya.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ "Kogi Gov Appoints Caretaker Chairmen for 21 LGAs". Punch. Gbenga Odun. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ "Kogi (State, Nigeria) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2018-09-18.
- ^ "Bassa (Local Government Area, Nigeria) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location". citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2023-02-13.
- ^ "Post Offices- with map of LGA". NIPOST. Archived from the original on 7 October 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
- ^ a b "Bassa Local Government Area in Nigeria". citypopulation. 23 August 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ "Nigerian Postal Service". nipost. 7 October 2022. Archived from the original on 2009-10-07. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ a b "A Brief History of Bassa Local Government Kogi State". wordpress. Denwi Adunga Joshua. 17 February 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
- ^ "Bassa Names". WordPress. Denwi Adunga Joshua. 8 March 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
- ^ "gbashikere Kingdom". wordpress. Denwi Adunga Joshua. 8 March 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
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