From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Kogi state Governor, Usman Ododo has called for Unity and integration among the three senatorial districts of the state as well as partnership that would usher in accelerated development.Ododo made the call on Tuesday in his message marking 33 years of creation of Kogi state.

According to Ododo, “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 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 are not there yet. But we are hitting the right spots to make sure we are there sooner than later.”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 will not 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.”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 generation next. 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 is 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.”Looking to the future, I reaffirm my administration’s commitment to fulfilling every promise in our Manifesto and those in our Kogi State 32-Year Development Plan. They are designed to usher in sustainable development, improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and a brighter future for our people. But no administration can succeed without the support of the people it serves so I ask for your continued cooperation, your ideas, and your hands in this noble task. Together, we will shape a Kogi that generations to come will be proud to call home.”Our progress would not have been possible without the commitment and support of our father, leader, mentor and President of our dear nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His leadership and support for the development of our state and our nation is evident in his Renewed Hope Agenda that is already giving hope to Nigeria and Nigerians. His personal mentoring has continued to help steady our hands on the helm of the ship of state since we came to the office on 27th January this year. His administration has also consistently provided us with the guidance and resources necessary for growth-focused governance.”As we look ahead to the Kogi State Local Government Election slated for October 19, 2024, I want to assure all aspirants and our people that the elections will be free, fair, and transparent.”It is an absolute necessity to take a moment to thank the Almighty God for His abundant blessings upon our land and our people. It is through His grace alone that we have found the strength, wisdom, and success to overcome our challenges and seize our opportunities.”As we celebrate 33 years of existence as a state in this great Nigeria, the giant of Africa, I affirm our aspirations to transform the Confluence State into the giant of Nigeria by good governance and transformational leadership. I urge us all to stay united, committed, and focused on the future because Kogi State is on the path to greatness that you have not seen before. I declare that Kogi State’s best days are ahead of us, and with your continued support, we will get there.”