NEWS COMMENTARY ON IDAH LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNDER MALLAM MUSA ALI, THE DIRECTOR OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
“Success and credibility, they say, are not between. They are earned through vision, hardwork, professionalism and dedication to a worthy cause. These and many more are the viable upon which Mallam Musa Ali life revolves”.
Idah Local Government is one of the Local Government Councils in Kogi State with the ancient town of Idah as its headquarters. This Council has had elected, appointed politicians and technocrats to stare the affairs of the Local Government.
The developmental strides of the Council past leaders were quite commendable as they are the pivot for the present and future generations to appreciate, articulate and build on their lasting legacies.
Since his taking over of the affairs of the Idah Local Government in March this year, Mall. Musa Ali did not hide his feeling as a man who wanted to put his finger print permanently on the history of good grassroot governance in Kogi State by setting laudable examples.
The Idah Director of Local Government used his administrative ingenuity and acumen to work in tandem with the Council Management, Unions Leaders, Traditional Rulers and Idah Stakeholders to make life more meaningful to the people of Idah Local Government. As a man of proven integrity and a living testimony, Mall. Musa Ali continues to build monuments inspite of the terrain. He is a goal-getter who hit the ground running by healing the social wounds through visits to offices and regular interface with staff and Union leaders – NULGE and MHWUN, Idah LGA chapter.
He constantly advised the staff and improved on their welfare using relevant civil service rules. He opened time books in all departments to check staff attendance to work.
Mall. Musa Ali commended the State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State proactive steps to contained the spread of Covid-19 Pandemic disease. The Idah DLG without hesitation constituted Covid-19 Local Government Committee to sensitize and enlightened the people on coronavirus disease precautionary measures. This he led the team on sensitization and enlightenment to schools, markets, Traditional Rulers, Motor Parks and worshiping centres of Churches and Mosques. Uptill today, a visit to Idah Local Government Secretariat will convince you of preventive measures put in place.
Still on health situation in the area, Mall. Musa Ali resuscitated the monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise for the people to clear and clean their houses, tidy immediate environment and sustained their personal hygiene as cleanliness is next to Godliness.
As peace is panacea to sustainable living, 
Mall. Musa Ali continues to work in harmony with the Security Agents for the peaceful co-existence of Idah people. In this vein, Mall. Musa Ali intervened and settled the lingering crisis rocking the members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Ibro Junction Park. Again, the DLG held regular interface with Idah Youth under the peace and security of the Council where they were advised and sensitized for peaceful living where they are to go about to earn their legitimate means of livelihood and sustenance.
Today, Idah Local Government Secretariat is wearing a new look which was hitherto a dilapidated and ghost of itself. The secretariat is not only attractive to visitors to the ancient town but provides a conducive working environment to the staff of the council.
Mall. Musa Ali did not stop at the renovation and rehabilitation of Idah Secretariat; he went further to embark on other infrastructural facilities for the people to feel the impact of the government with zeal and determination. Mall. Musa Ali embarked on and completed perimeter fencing of three departments of Works, Health, Agriculture and Natural Resources outside the secretariat. He also renovated the children clinic and perimeter fencing of Epidemiological Centre. There is no doubt that the DLG has saved these facilities from encroachment and vandalization especially from land grabbers.
Inspite the above, Mall. Musa Ali administration is still willing to do more to impact positively on the life of Idah people. Therefore, arrangement is in pipeline to revive Adult Literacy Classes, Repairs of Tippers, sporting activities, Local Government Farm, revenue generation to boost internally generated revenue for the Local Government. The Council is faced with limited financial resources that is affecting her plan for transformation and development.
At this juncture, I give kudos to Kogi State Government for provision of four tractors to the Local Government to boost agricultural activities in the area. The Local Government in conjunction with the State Government purchased educational materials and distributed for the improvement of basic education in the area.
It is believed that with the listening ears of Musa Ali and support of the management staff, Unions leaders and concerned stakeholders, Idah Local Government will witness more transformation in all facets of human endeavours.
The achievements recorded by Musa Ali in Idah LGA have been acknowledged with accolades within and outside Idah LGA. On this note, Mall. Musa Ali has received letter of commendation from the Chairman of Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), Mr. Usman Onalo, alias Kogi, a Social Cultural Organization for his indelible footprint in history of Idah LGA.
From the above, Idah LGA will continue to witness people oriented projects and programmes where people with the fear of God take the lead as history will vindicate Mall. Musa Ali positive contributions to better the lots of Idah people and its transformation.
Written by Obeito S. Hassan, the Head of Department, Education and Social Services, Idah LGA.