Gov Ododo,seeks prayers and peace preaching as Christian and Muslim leaders promise support
By Faith Adikeh
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has appreciate and commended religious leaders in the state for their role in keeping Kogi peaceful and united.
Governor Ododo gave the commendation on Thursday, October 9, 2026, when he received leaders of the two major religious bodies in the state — the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI) — at Government House, Lokoja the state capital
The meeting, which was attended by top clerics from across the three senatorial districts, was convened by the Governor to seek the support of religious leaders in preaching peace and unity.
Addressing the leaders, Governor Ododo said he was impressed with the level of understanding and cooperation between Christians and Muslims in Kogi State, unlike what is seen in some other states.
He described the cordial relationship as a demonstration that both religions are serving one God and want the same thing peace and progress of the state.
According to the Governor, the real problem of Kogi and Nigeria is not religion, but selfish politicians who put their personal interest above the collective interest of the people.
“Our religious leaders are not the problem of this state. Our problem is selfish politicians who divide us for their own gain. You have shown that Kogi can be united,” Ododo said.
He urged the religious leaders to use their powerful platforms the pulpit and the minbar to continue to preach peace, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence to their followers.
The Governor specifically appealed to them to always advise their congregations to shun rumours, hate speech, and religious incitement, especially on social media.
He also asked for sustained prayers for the state, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his own administration, and for all citizens of Kogi State, saying leaders need divine wisdom to govern well.
“We need your prayers. We need divine guidance to discharge our responsibilities effectively. No leader can succeed without God,” the Governor added.
Governor Ododo reiterated that his administration will continue to carry all faithfuls along and will not discriminate against any religion, noting that Kogi is known as a state that accommodates all.
In his response, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kogi State, Pastor Adebayo Olaniyan, thanked Governor Ododo for always recognizing and respecting religious leaders.
Olaniyan said the Governor’s open-door policy to both Christians and Muslims has helped to strengthen trust and peace in the state.
He assured the Governor that CAN will continue to support his administration and will intensify preaching on peace, unity and good neighbourliness in all churches across the 21 Local Government Areas.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI) in Kogi State, Ambassador Usman Bello, said Muslims in the state appreciate the Governor’s fairness to all religions.
Ambassador Bello assured that JNI will continue to pray for the peace, security and development of Kogi State and will also preach against violence and extremism in all mosques.
Both leaders jointly prayed for the Governor and for sustained peace in Kogi State.
The meeting ended with a collective prayer for Nigeria and Kogi State.
