Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has greeted Kogites at the 33rd anniversary of the state creation and reaffirmed his commitment to fulfil campaign promises in the manifesto and those in Kogi State 32-Year Development Plan
The Governor the good will message hailed the remarkable achievements made by the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in infrastructure and good governance.
The message reads, “It’s with utmost humility, profound pride and gratitude that I address you today to mark the 33rd anniversary of the creation of Kogi State, a State drenched in history and culture, the Confluence of two of Africa’s biggest Rivers, a Confluence of cultural heritages, our Confluence of Opportunities.
“In diversity, we’ve built an indomitable strength and thrust Kogi into the heart of our very nation. The creation of Kogi State in 1991 from the Old Kwara and Benue States, heralded a new beginning, a new partnership for development, a new destiny and a renewed commitment to oil our unity with the fossils of our diversity.
“I salute the former Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd) for considering it expedient to create this wonderful state. I also salute our founding fathers and my fathers and leaders who have at one time or the other sat in this Lugard House to pilot the destiny of our dear state. We’re not there yet. But we’re hitting the right spots to make sure we are there sooner than later.
The Governor added, “As the 5th person to be elected to serve as the chief servant of our dear state, I can stand here today because of the sacrifices and legacies of our founding fathers and the many leaders who have served this state with dedication. I have had two military administrators, and four civilian Governors come and go before me, each of whom led an administration which contributed in no small measure to where we are today.
“Their work in laying the foundation for our development over the years cannot be overlooked. We won’t only continue where they left off but strive to build on their successes to achieve even greater things for our state. I pay special tribute to my immediate predecessor and leader, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, who made remarkable strides, especially in infrastructure and good governance, which helped to position our state to benefit from improved and modern governance indices.
He added, “Fellow Kogites, the Supreme Court’s judgment last Friday affirming our victory in the November 11, 2023, Governorship Elections, is not just a win for me, or my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) but for democracy itself and for every citizen and resident of this great state.”
“The landmark ruling puts an end to the disputes following that election, and it is now time for us to come together as one big family. I call on all Kogites, including my opponents in the opposition, to join our march to a Kogi of our dream, a Kogi we hope to bequeath to the next generation. Our strength lies in our unity, and with unity, we can achieve the greatness that Kogi is both destined and made for.
“As your chief servant, it’s a responsibility bestowed on me by the law and morality to defend every Kogite everywhere in the world and to ensure that Kogites are not subjected to any act of aggression and oppression. The harassment of Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, by some miscreants as he made to depart the Supreme Court after the judgement is completely unacceptable. Violence, intimidation, and disrespect have no place in our democracy. I have called on law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. We must always uphold peace and respect for one another as we build a better Kogi.”
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