By Bridget Tikyaa ,Media Expert
The Deputy Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Mrs Lami Danladi Ogenyi, says money for the mosque built in Ado community came through donations not government funds.
She challenged those circulating false narratives about the source of funding for the project to present it to the public.
The Deputy Speaker said those accusing her of using public funds to build the mosque are doing so out of ignorance.
Hon. Lami said she is a staunch believer in Christ, and her gesture towards the Muslim minority in her constituency is meant to enhance unity, tolerance and mutual respect for one another.
She said those trying to misinterpret the gesture are only doing so for political gain, but not in the defence of the truth or the interest of the constituency.
The Deputy Speaker explained that she was approached by the Muslim community in Ado, local government area, to expand their present mosque because of the growing number of worshippers.
“As my constituents i agree to help them. The fact that they are in the minority does not take away the fact that they are part of this constituency, who live, work, and contribute to the economy of this area.
“I sourced for money from friends and associates. I was even linked to late Aminu Dantata and the FCT Minister, Chief Nyisome Wike who also contributed. Not a single kobo of the project is from my office or the state government.
“I challenge anyone with any proof that government funds went into the construction of the mosque to present it publicly.
“I will not be deterred by this campaign of calumny. My commitment to my constituents remain unshaken and I will not be cowed into silence.
“My commitment to the All Progressives Congress under our leader, Governor Hyacinth Alia remains solid.
“Those orchestrating this hateful narrative are selfish individuals whipping up sentiment to achieve their political goals. They are in no way circulating this false and divisive narrative to advance the cause of the constituency, but their selfish interest.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have strategically used my office as Deputy Speaker to attract projects, jobs, and life saving support for my people.”
She listed the projects and interventions to include the reconstruction of Ado Community School with furnishing and the rebuilding of Agila Community School.
She said a mega medical outreach was carried out in all the districts of over 13 thousand patient treated of different illnesses with over 160 million naira spent.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the Guinness World Book of Records wrote a letter of commendation to the Lami Health Care Foundation for the medical outreach done successfully and for the number of people reached out.
“The 10 women leaders in Ado were also rewarded with motor cycles each”.
She added that from her constituents both male and female students were on various categories of scholarships with over 10 graduates from higher institutions recorded.
Hon Lami also spoke about the welfare of her people in each council ward to include beneficiaries from her over 31000 women in the Alia-Lami women group and more than 2 000 in the Alia -Lami boys support groups.
She was elated for being part of the solution to the decades of years old crisis between the people of Agila and neighboring villages and another from neighboring Ebonyi State.
“We can now inter marry and trade,we enjoy peace in our land”.she said.
The Deputy Speaker also commended the Governor for all his developmental strides around the state most especially the awarding of the contract for the reconstruction of the Igumale-Agila road,which has great soci- economic impact to her constituents.
She admitted Benue was now wearing a new look through Governor Alia which history will always remember.
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