Gov Ododo pays homage to Ohinoyi, promises to sustain predecessor’s governance template »

….as Agassa, Upogoro receives illustrious sons amidst ovations.

Following his inauguration on Saturday, the Kogi state governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo in company of his predecessor, Yahaya Adoza Bello and other members and stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress led government took an home coming tour to the ancient city of Okene as they were welcomed by a large jubilant crowd.

The carnival-like event, was part of the line up of programs concluding the inauguration ceremony and the convoy took their turn to attend to the different groups who both welcomed the immediate-past governor, Yahaya Bello in his home country in Agassa after completion of his eight year tenure and Ahmed Usman at his home country in Upogoro who was sworn in as the 5th Executive governor of the state.

The governor alongside his predecessor had their first stop at the palace of the paramount ruler of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Ahmedtijani Muhammed Anaje in Okene where the Royal father thanked God for the successful completion of former governor’s tenure and prayed for a successful run for the newly inaugurated, governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Governor Ahmed Ododo in his remarks thanked the traditional ruler and the people of Okene for the warm reception, prayers and support asserting that his administration just like that of his predecessor would continue to accord due regards to the traditional institution. He similarly thanked the Ohinoyi and the entire people of the state over the success of the inauguration.

He promised to sustain his predecessor’s governance template which he noted has always been in the interest of the unity, peace and progress of the state asserting that his administration would not disappoint the traditional institution, political leaders and the entire people of the state who have trusted him with the leadership task.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Ahmedtijani Muhammed Anaje in his remarks described the tenure of the former governor of Kogi State as remarkable, noting that he has changed the story of Kogi State for good in terms development. He added his impact in the health, education, infrastructure, agriculture and human capital development are a testament to the commitment and courage with which you governed our State in your 8-year tenure.

The royal father also commended the former governor for some of the brave and courageous decisions he has made for the interest of the people of Kogi State.

The Royal father urged the new governor not to derail from the antecedents of his predecessor but rather consolidate on them noting that Former governor Bello has laid a good foundation for his government to have a smooth ride.

He urged him to lead with the fear of God and the consciousness of humanity noting that God has given him such a great role to lead the state into greater heights, hence, he must not disappoint those who have entrusted him with such role.

In his own remarks, immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello thanked the people for the warm reception he received. He told his kinsmen that he was fulfilled in his desire to make indellible impact in the lives of the people.

He expressed that he left the State better than he met and assured that haven laid solid foundation for economic and infrastructural advancement of the State, the incumbent governor Ahmed Usman Ododo would consolidate and build on his achievements.

He thanked the people and the traditional rulers for their support for his administration throughout his time in office. The former governor called on the people to extend similar support to governor Usman Ododo noting that their support will go along way and fast tracking the development of the State.

The governor further held a home coming celebration in his country home in Upogoro, Okene where he was specially welcomed and honoured by his kingsmen. Prayers and counsels were also offered to the governor.