Onoja advocates 'deliberate' inclusive policies to strengthen national unity »

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja has called for the adoption of more deliberate inclusive policies that do not isolate any of the country’s geopolitical zones in the growing efforts to promote the One Nigeria Agenda.

Chief Onoja made the call yesterday at the Fund Raising and Investiture of Rotn. Salishu Ibrahim Kindo as 4th President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Capital Territory which held at the Water Fountain Park, Kabo-Abuja.

Speaking, the Deputy Governor who served as Chairman of the occasion drew a cue from the historic 4-Way Test of the Club, noting that there was no better time than now to inculcate the need for all aspects of the country to begin an earnest pursuit for fairness, equity and justice.

“To me, Nigeria is like a man with 6 sons, which typifies the 6 geopolitical zones of the country with each son owning the bragging rights to dine with his father. However, when one looks critically at the map of Nigeria, one is quick to know which son is yet to enjoy these rights.

The 4-Way Test of the Rotary Club asks very important questions that if improved and clearly articulated, may just propel Nigeria to more robust and remarkable progress,” he said.

Chief Onoja lauded the Club for its long standing history of adding value to society through various humanitarian and social development programs while pouring out praised on Rotn. Kindo for his conscious giant strides in life and business, noting that like other well-meaning sons and daughters of Kogi extraction, he has continued to make the State proud.

He disclosed that his boss, Governor Yahaya Bello is a strong admirer of the activities of the Club and shares in most of its ideologies for a better society.

“My boss boss is not just my principal. We are what it is safe to be called the Nigerian political siamese twin brothers. Serving the Governor as Chief of Staff, before God elevated me to Deputy Governor, I have come to know him as one who talks less and does more. He goes further from just empathizing, to sowing seeds of help to people he even barely knows,” he added.

In his acceptance speech, the newly-decorated President of the Club, Salihu Kindo appreciated the Deputy Governor and other guests for honouring the Club’s invitation, promising to run an open and transparent government that will seek to improve on the gains of his predecessor.

Highlights of the event were the investiture, fund raising and presentation of Award of Leadership and Mentorship award to the Governor of the state, His Excellency, Alhaji Yayaha Bello amongst others dignitaries.