President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says he is confident that the new Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, will deliver the dividends of good governance to the people of the State.
He adds that the change of baton from one progressive Governor to another will not disrupt the flow of dividends of good governance that the State is currently enjoying.
The Nigerian Leader made the remarks on Saturday in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, during the inauguration of the new Governor of the State, Usman Ododo.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President noted that “Kogi State remains bound by the ideals and promises of a unified council of leaders and the largest party in Africa,” the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senator Shettima spoke on Saturday during the inauguration of Ododo and and Salifu Joel Oyibo as the Executive Governor and Deputy Governor of Kogi State respectively at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, the state capital.
The Vice President conveyed what he described as the heartfelt goodwill of President Bola Tinubu to the people of Kogi State, saying the President holds absolute confidence in Ododo as the new helmsman of the state.
Harnessing Potentials
The Vice President added that the Nigerian government is Poised To harness the numerous potentials of Kogi State for the benefit of the State and the entire nation.
He stated: “The President remains committed to collaborating to optimise the vast potentials of Kogi State and bring to fruition the aspirations of its illustrious people.
“This historic day is not an orphan; it is born from a collection of sacrifices and an inventory of commitments to serve the people. This historic day is the ultimate demonstration of faith in Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, a man fit for the shoes he is about to step into.”
For the outgoing Governor, Yahaya Bello, VP Shettima who described him by his nicknames, “indefatigable White Lion, the people’s lion,” pointed out that the historic inauguration of Ododo as his successor was an eloquent referendum on Bello’s stewardship.
“We are not here by accident, for none of us would ever escape our destiny. It’s this fatalism in our service to humanity that inspires our humility to stay on track. We are here merely because we are chosen by the people to represent their ideals.
“While political parties embody ideologies, it is the people who uphold the value system that appeals to our humanity, and Kogi State is fortunate to have our trusted patriots safeguarding their interests,” he stated.
The Vice President further observed that Ododo is stepping in as the next Governor of Kogi at a time it may seem difficult “to assume a leadership position in Nigeria, especially as Nigeria adjusts to geopolitical events that have exerted pressure on our economy and the inherited greed and grievances that have threatened our national security.”
He however implored the Governor not to despair, but brace up for the task ahead.
While it is precisely during these tumultuous times that a leader of note proves his resilience, it is the same resilience that sets Nigerian leaders apart, as they navigate through challenges that shape the nation’s collective destiny,” he said.
Team Work
He called for collective efforts in governance and team work among members of the APC in the State, in order to give room for more development.
“Today, as we celebrate a victory well won, let us remember that nobody functions in isolation.
“A defining principle of sound leadership is the wisdom to acknowledge one’s roots and the collective effort that propels success. The power of collectivity is the backbone that makes the summit exhilarating, proving that it is never lonely at the top.
“As His Excellency, Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo assumes the weight of leadership today, we must appeal to the pillars of the party in Kogi State to work as a team. Our ability to manage this weight shapes our future and influences our image, and we must remain ambassadors of the party, wherever we are and in whatever we do,” he said.
Governor Usman Ododo, while addressing citizens for the first time in his new position, pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor in order to move the State forward.
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The Governor, who pledged not to betray the people’s trust, also promised to pay attention to the health, education, agriculture and infrastructural sectors.
Governor Ododo singled out President Bola Tinubu for praise for his commitment to the conduct of free and fair elections.
Furthermore, the new Kogi State Governor pledged to hit the ground running by completing critical projects left behind by the immediate past Governor of the State, Yahaya Bello.
To match his words with action, the Governor immediately announced the appointments of the Secretary to the Government, his Chief of Staff, and his Chief Press Secretary among others; as he also forwarded the list of his Commissioner nominees to the Kogi State House of Assembly for approval.
The swearing-in of the Governor was preceded by that of the new Deputy Governor, Salifu Oyibo.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the National Working Committee of the APC, members of the National Assembly representing the State, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar, Governor of Kwara State and Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum and Deputy Governors of Benue, Nasarawa and Ogun States, among others.
The colourful event also featured parade by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command.
