Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has officially welcomed the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen of the 21 local government areas during a swearing-in ceremony at the government house in Lokoja. The event, confirmed by Ismaila Isah, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, underscored the vital role local leaders play in their communities.
In his address, Governor Ododo urged the new local government leaders to keep the momentum of development alive by launching projects that improve residents’ quality of life. He emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and security in their jurisdictions and encouraged the chairmen to align their initiatives with the state’s key programs in health, agriculture, social welfare, and empowerment.
“There is a need for transparency and accountability in managing local government affairs,” Governor Ododo stated, reminding the leaders that their election is an opportunity to strengthen local governance and prioritize issues that have a direct impact on their constituents.
Highlighting the significance of local government as the most immediate tier of administration, Ododo called on the chairmen to engage actively with their communities and involve all stakeholders in decision-making processes. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to making governance not just visible, but also impactful, to bring it closer to the people.
Tosin Olokun, the newly sworn-in chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, responded on behalf of his fellow chairmen, assuring Governor Ododo of their dedication to supporting the state’s initiatives by implementing transformative projects at the grassroots level. He also committed to fostering unity among residents, regardless of political affiliations, in alignment with the Governor’s vision for state development and cohesion.
