The Chief Servant of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, marked the first anniversary of his administration today with a grand celebration that highlighted his achievements over the past year.
During the event, Governor Ododo presented an account of his stewardship, emphasizing the progress and milestones achieved in the last twelve months.
Ododo’s one-year tenure has been widely praised by the people of Kogi State as a period of remarkable progress, impactful governance, promise fulfillment, and committed leadership. Under his administration, the state has experienced accelerated development and strengthened unity among its diverse ethnic groups.
Today’s celebration brought together sons and daughters of Kogi State from all corners of the country and beyond, transcending political and ethnic divides. The unity witnessed at the event is a proof of the inclusive approach of Governor Ododo’s administration, which builds on the foundation laid by his predecessor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON. Speaking on behalf of all former governors, Yahaya Bello, who initiated the mandate of building bridges across Kogi State’s diverse communities, praised Ododo for continuing and consolidating this vision of peace and unity.
He urged the people of Kogi State to embrace peace and unity, emphasizing that no society can achieve meaningful development without these essential values. Similarly, former Governor Captain Idris Ichalla Wada highlighted unity and peace as critical catalysts for the socio-economic transformation of the state while speaking on the sideline.
The event attracted a distinguished audience, including Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima; APC National Chairman, His Excellency Dr. Umar Ganduje; Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate; and former Kogi State Governors, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Captain Idris Wada. Other notable attendees included Rt. Hon. Clarence Olafemi, former acting Governor of Kogi State; Rt. Hon. Umar Aliyu, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly; former Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi; members of the National Assembly; state lawmakers; commissioners; and leaders from various sectors including members of the judiciary.
Prominent figures like Dr. Ibrahim Iyoma Wada, a world-renowned gynecologist, Rear Admiral Jibrin Usman (Rtd), the 2023 gubernatorial candidate, and Engr. Musa Wada, the 2019 gubernatorial runner-up, were also present. Members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers led by His Royal Majesty, Mathew Alaji Ogwuche-Akpa, President of the Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, and numerous political stalwarts further enriched the event’s significance.
The ceremony was not merely a celebration of the administration’s achievements but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to effective governance and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. Governor Ododo used the occasion to reassure citizens of his resolve to continue implementing policies and projects that positively impact their lives.
A significant highlight of the event was the commissioning of the 5.5km Zone 8/Crusher Dual Carriageway, performed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. This project is a testament to the transformative leadership of Governor Ododo, which has brought substantial infrastructural development to the state.
The event was a jubilant affair, with residents of Kogi State turning out in large numbers to celebrate their governor. They set aside their daily activities to show solidarity, singing praises for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and expressing gratitude for the strides his administration has made in just one year. The celebration symbolized hope for a brighter and more unified future for Kogi State under his leadership.
