Hon. Sani Hassan Atawodi congratulates newly appointed Maigari of Lokoja »

…charges him to exercise his office with every sense of responsibility.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, presented the instrument of appointment and staff of office to the newly appointed Maigari of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir (Maikarfi iv), as the traditional ruler of Lokoja.

Hon. Sani Hassan Atawodi, who was accompanied by the former SSA governor Yahaya Adoza Bello on inter-religious matters, Alhaji Sani Mohammed Salihu, encourages the newly appointed ruler to discharge his duties with every sense of responsibility and the fear of God.

“The heart of a king is in the hands of God.” Before we were born, God knew everything about us, including our last day. This responsibility given to the newly appointed Maigari is a call to serve the people’s kingdom and not be served. Again, as followers, we must learn to understand that leadership or rulership is not easy. HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo is human and can make mistakes. It is our responsibility to always pray for him and the throne he has ascended. If there is a need to criticise him, we should do it with love.”

Hon. Atawodi described the newly appointed Maigari as hardworking, honest, and committed to the development of his domain. “The Maigari is one of the few highly reputable and respected personalities, not only within Lokoja but in other parts of Kogi State and Nigeria at large.

In his remark, the SSA to the governor on inter-religious matters, Alhaji Sani Mohammed Salihu, pointed out one of the responsibilities of traditional rulers and called for cooperation from his subjects. “Traditional rulers are helpful in providing adequate security in the state; they are supposed to be given the opportunity to make their own contributions in finding a lasting solution to any security challenges in their community. HRH, the Maikarfi IV can only achieve this responsibility if we cooperate with him,” he asserted.

Earlier in his speech, the governor warned against crises in every community within the state and described traditional rulers as stakeholders who play a vital role in ensuring the security of the lives and property of their subjects in their domains. He advised Ohimege to always seek advice on issues he was not clear about before making decisions.

The Maigari, whose appointment was made on January 8, 2024, is the sixth Maikarfi of Lokoja. We wish him God’s protection as he takes on this task of providing services to humanity.

Present at the occasion are: the governor-elect, Alhaji Usman Ododo; the deputy governor-elect, Comr. Joel Salifu; the speaker of the state house of assembly, Hon. Umar Aliu; the secretary of state government, Mrs. Arike Folasade; the Ejeh of Ankpa, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, who represented the Ata of Igala, HRM Matthew Okpanachi; the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affair, Hon. Barr. Salami Momodu Ozigi-Deedat; the APC state chairman, Alhaji Bello Dollars; the caretaker chairman of Lokoja local government area; and other dignitaries.