Kehinde Fajobi
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has sworn in the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen of the state’s 21 local government areas, urging them to focus on improving the lives of their constituents.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Government House in Lokoja, was announced in a statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismaila Isah, on Monday.
Governor Ododo called on the new local government leaders to prioritise development at the grassroots level by initiating projects that address the needs of the people. He emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in their roles.
“There is a need for you to be transparent and accountable in running the affairs of the local government,” Ododo said.
“You must see your election as an opportunity to justify the autonomy of the local government administration by according priorities to matters that have a direct positive impact on the lives of the people at the grassroots.”
The governor also stressed the security of lives and property, urging the chairmen to align with his administration’s key programmes in health, agriculture, social welfare, and empowerment.
Describing the local government as the closest tier to the people, Ododo urged the new chairmen to promote inclusion, involve stakeholders in decision-making, and ensure their presence is felt in their communities.
In response, Tosin Olokun, Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, who spoke on behalf of the other chairmen, pledged their commitment to complementing the state government’s efforts through initiatives that would transform the grassroots.
He also promised to unite the people across political lines in alignment with Governor Ododo’s agenda for unity and development in Kogi State.