The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has urged the newly elected chairmen of the state’s 21 local government areas to strengthen grassroots security, ensure transparency in public fund management, and accelerate development in their respective councils.
Ododo gave the directive on Wednesday through his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, during the swearing-in ceremony of the council chairmen at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja.
The governor urged the chairmen to work with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to protect lives and property, assuring residents that no community would be abandoned to criminal activities.
He also asked them to prioritise rural road construction, primary healthcare, basic education, environmental sanitation, and empowerment programs to create opportunities for youths and women.
Congratulating the chairmen on their electoral victory, Ododo thanked the people of Kogi State for supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC), which won all chairmanship and councillorship seats across the 21 local government areas and 239 wards.
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He said the victory came with greater responsibility, urging the newly inaugurated officials to justify the confidence reposed in them by fulfilling their campaign promises.
The governor also expressed confidence that Kogi residents would continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC candidates in the 2027 general and State House of Assembly elections.
He commended Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to national development through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
On financial management, Ododo charged the council chairmen to ensure that public funds were spent judiciously, transparently and in the interest of the people.
He advised them to remain humble, accessible and responsive to their constituents, stressing the need for fair and inclusive governance regardless of political differences.
The governor assured the chairmen of the state government’s support in promoting grassroots development and wished them successful tenures.
The swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of a new phase in local government administration in Kogi State, with expectations that the chairmen will improve security, promote accountability and extend the benefits of governance to communities across the state.
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