Governor Bello declare open maiden Kogi unity and peace summit »

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Wednesday declared open the maiden Kogi Peace and Unity Summit, an avenue to further consolidate and foster the existing peace enjoyed in the State.

The summit which was conveyed by Kogi Coalition of Umbrella Development Association (KOCUDA) a body for all ethnical development Associations in the State, particularly the three major ethnic group, Ebira, Igala and Okun (EBIGO)

Governor Bello in his address stated that such event was another historic milestone in the state and his administration’s effort to instill the spirit on oneness and togetherness

He asserted that such event subsequently would be a week long celebration at strategic locations where every ethnic group gather so as to make all and sundry properly understand the essence of the peace and unity summit.

The Governor said his administration came on board with three taboos namely ethnic, class and religious differences noting that the conveyers were simply buying into the New Direction’s vision.

Governor Bello digressing warned political miscreants who have planned to wreck havock in the forth coming election to suspend such plans as no one would turn the state into a theatre of violence under his watch.

He stated that those who have held the state down in the past were making plans to do same again calling on traditional rulers to warn their wards to desist from acts of thuggery as anyone caught would not be spared.

The Governor asserted that the state needed peace and unity at this very period that ever before affirming that his politics would not take anyone’s life.

Governor Bello called on security agencies to be up and doing in their duties in ensuring that life and safety of the people of the state were guaranteed.

The Governor while declaring the summit opened pledged the support of his administration to the cause promising to initiate an executive bill which would give such drive a legal backing that would outlive his government.

In his address conveyner of the Peace and Unity summit and president Okun Development Association (ODA) Barr. Femi Mokikan noted that they were laying a strong foundation that would guarantee long lasting peace in the confluence which he hoped the young generation would build up on

He noted that their togetherness under one umbrella as an orchestration of the almighty and avemue to harness their strength together for development and progressive purposes.

Barr Femi mentioned that the objective of KOCUDA was to continuously pursue any agenda that would foster peace and unity in the State.

He pointed out that such agenda would be pursued through means such as academics, sports, cultural exchange and also organising such summit annually and discuss pertinent issues that would foster peace and unity

Barrister Mokikan informed that at the end of every summit, a communiqué would be drawn up which would contain all issues discussed and resolutions by all represented bodies

He asserted that if the state and it’s people could get it right, it would be providing a model for other states with similar concern of ethnical diversity or better still the Federal Government.

The Conveyer thanked Gvernor Bello for promoting the ideals of one kogi asserting that would be setting a standard for others to follow.