BASSA CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT UNION (BCDU) : REPORT OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE 2026 NATIONAL CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE (NCRC)

BASSA CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT UNION (BCDU)

National Secretariat, Abuja

Date: 26th September, 2026

REPORT OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE 2026 NATIONAL CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE (NCRC)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Bassa Cultural and Development Union (BCDU), through its National Secretariat, Abuja, convened a joint meeting of stakeholders and the National Executive Council (NEC), comprising representatives of the Union's State and Local Government structures, on 26th September, 2026, for the formal inauguration of the 2026 National Constitution Review Committee (NCRC).

The meeting was convened as part of the Union's commitment to strengthening its institutional framework and ensuring that its Constitution remains responsive to the aspirations, interests, and collective development of the Bassa nation.

The Constitution review process is aimed at promoting fairness, equity, inclusiveness, accountability, and effective administration of the affairs of the Union, while providing a sound constitutional foundation for its continued growth and development.

2.0 INAUGURATION OF THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE

The National President of the Union, Dr. Peter Tukura, presided over the inauguration ceremony. In his address, he formally announced the composition of the National Constitution Review Committee, noting that its membership reflects the geographical spread and representation of the Bassa nation across various states and zones.

The Committee was formally presented with its Terms of Reference by the Vice President of the Union, Hon. Isaiah Dogwo Tashilani, who charged members to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, impartiality, transparency, and a strong sense of commitment to the collective interest of the Union.

In his remarks, the National President urged members of the Committee to work closely with State Coordinators, State Chairmen, and other relevant structures of the Union to ensure a broad-based, consultative, and inclusive constitutional review process.

He further emphasized the importance of engaging relevant stakeholders and taking into consideration the diverse interests and aspirations of the Bassa people in formulating recommendations that would strengthen the Union's constitutional and administrative framework.

3.0 GOODWILL MESSAGES AND REMARKS

Goodwill messages and remarks were delivered by distinguished dignitaries and stakeholders present at the occasion.

Those who delivered goodwill messages and remarks included:

Chief Dr. Adamu Shuaibu – Secretary, Board of Trustees (BOT).

Chief. A. A. Agaba (Chairman FCT BCDU Elders Forum)– Zege of Bassa.

Hon. Audu Agaba – Council Secretary, Abaji Area Council.

Hon. Barau Zagana (Dan- Masanin Gomani)– Representative of Aguma Gomani.

Alhaji Bala Garba Idanu (Waziri of Gwagwalada) – Representative of Aguma Gwagwalada.

Other distinguished stakeholders and representatives of the Union.

The speakers expressed their goodwill and support for the Constitution review initiative, emphasizing the importance of unity, fairness, inclusiveness, and collective responsibility in advancing the interests and development of the Bassa nation.

Distinguished Personalities in Attendance:

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the nation, including Dr. Shuaibu Adamu, Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT); Chief A. A. Agaba, the Zege of Bassa Land, accompanied by his wife; Hon. Agaba Audu, Council Secretary, Abaji Area Council; and Mr. Peter Dogwo, a retired military officer and former INEC Chairman, alongside numerous other notable personalities and stakeholders whose presence demonstrated their solidarity and support for the Union and its constitutional review initiative.

4.0 COMPOSITION OF THE 2026 NATIONAL CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE

The following members were constituted into the 2026 BCDU National Constitution Review Committee:

1 Mr. Philemon Danladi (JP) – Representing Niger State.

2 Barr. Daruwana Hulobu Joshua – Representing Kogi State and serving as Secretary of the Committee.

3 Elder Adamu Dazhi – Representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

4 Hon. Ibrahim Aguma – Representing Nasarawa State.

5 Keke Dodo Joshua – Representing the South-West Zone.

6 Mr. Timothy Duniya Allah – Representing Benue State.

7 Comr. Haruna A. Kure – Representing the National Executive Council (NEC) and serving as Chairman of the Committee.

The Committee is expected to work collaboratively with relevant organs, structures, and stakeholders of the Union to ensure that the review process reflects the collective aspirations of the Bassa nation.

4.1 TENURE AND TIMELINE FOR THE REVIEW

The Committee was given a period of one hundred and twenty (120) days from the date of its inauguration to complete its assignment and submit its report and recommendations to the National Executive Council (NEC).

Upon receipt and consideration by the NEC, the reviewed Constitution is expected to be presented to the 2027 National General Congress for further consideration and necessary action in accordance with the established procedures of the Union.

4.2 SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR WOMEN'S REPRESENTATION

In furtherance of the Union's commitment to inclusiveness, gender balance, and equitable representation, two (2) additional slots have been specially reserved for women on the National Constitution Review Committee.

In this regard, Kogi State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been accorded special consideration in the allocation of the two slots to ensure adequate female representation in the constitutional review process.

This provision underscores the Union's recognition of the importance of women's participation in decision-making and constitutional development, while reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are reflected in the review process.

5.0 VOTE OF THANKS

The vote of thanks was delivered by the Chairman of the BCDU FCT Chapter, Alhaji Abdullahi Gbaji, alongside Mr. A. A. Agaba, Zege of Bassa.

They expressed their appreciation to the National President, members of the National Executive Council, distinguished dignitaries, stakeholders, and all participants for their presence, support, and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the Bassa nation.

They also commended the leadership of the Union for initiating the Constitution review process and encouraged all relevant stakeholders to continue supporting the Committee towards the successful discharge of its mandate.

6.0 CONCLUSION

The inauguration of the 2026 National Constitution Review Committee marks a significant milestone in the continued institutional development and strengthening of the Bassa Cultural and Development Union.

The successful inauguration reaffirmed the collective commitment of the Union's leadership, stakeholders, and constituent structures to promoting constitutional order, fairness, equity, inclusiveness, and effective administration.

With the Committee formally inaugurated and mandated to complete its assignment within one hundred and twenty (120) days, all organs and relevant structures of the Union are expected to provide the necessary cooperation and support to facilitate the successful completion of the review process.

Union remains committed to ensuring that the outcome of the exercise reflects the collective aspirations of the Bassa nation and contributes meaningfully to the advancement, unity, and sustainable development of the Bassa people.

Signed:

TheHon. Rev. Gbaji Abraham Bamaiyi

National Public Relations Officer - NPRO, Bassa Cultural and Development Union (BCDU) Nigeria