Kogi LG Poll: Ododo Swears-In 21 Chairmen, Tasks Them on Security, Accountability and Grassroots Development
By Faith Adikeh
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Wednesday, swore-in the 21 newly elected Chairmen of Local Government Areas in the state with a strong charge to secure rural communities, ensure prudent management of public funds and bring governance closer to the people.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja, was performed on behalf of the Governor by his Deputy,Joel Salifu Oyibo
Governor Ododo said the election and subsequent inauguration mark a new phase for grassroots administration in Kogi State, stressing that local government is the closest tier of government to the people and must be made to work effectively.
The Governor, who placed security at the centre of his charge, told the Chairmen that they are now the Chief Security Officers of their respective local government areas.
He directed them to immediately establish strong working relationships with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilantes and youth groups to ensure no community is left vulnerable to criminal activities.
According to him, his administration has invested heavily in security architecture across the state, and the council chairmen must complement that effort at the local level.
“No community in Kogi State will be abandoned to criminals. You must be present, you must be proactive, and you must listen to your people,” he said.
Beyond security, Ododo outlined clear deliverables for the new chairmen. He listed rural roads, primary healthcare delivery, basic education, environmental sanitation, clean water and empowerment programmes for women and youths as priority areas.
He said Kogites want to feel government presence in their villages, not just hear about it on radio.
He urged them to embark on people-oriented projects that will directly impact lives rather than white elephant projects.
Governor Ododo thanked the people of Kogi State for their overwhelming support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which won all 21 chairmanship seats and all 239 councillorship seats in the October 18 local government election.
He described the landslide victory as historic and a vote of confidence in the APC-led administration at both state and federal levels.
“This victory is not for celebration alone, it is a call to greater service. You must justify the trust our people have placed in you. You must deliver on your campaign promises,” the Governor stated.
The Governor further charged the council chairmen to manage public funds with utmost transparency and accountability.
He warned against arrogance and isolation, urging them to remain humble, accessible and fair to all residents irrespective of political affiliation.
“Governance is not about party A or party B. Once elected, you are chairman for everyone. Carry everyone along,” he added.
Ododo assured them of the state government’s continued support and collaboration to ensure development reaches the grassroots.
He also used the opportunity to reaffirm Kogi State’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and his Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as for APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, commending the President for his leadership and commitment to national development.
The Governor wished the chairmen a successful and impactful tenure.
Stakeholders who attended the ceremony described the inauguration as the beginning of a new chapter for local government administration in Kogi, expressing hope that the new chairmen will translate the Governor’s charge into visible action in security, prudent financial management and grassroots development.
