Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially sworn in newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen of the 21 local government areas of the state, urging them to be dedicated to serving the people they represent.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Lokoja, where the elected chairmen and vice chairmen arrived early to begin the proceedings. Governor Ododo presided over the event, calling on the new council leaders to sustain the tempo of development at the grassroots by initiating projects and programs aimed at improving the lives of the people.

The governor emphasized the importance of ensuring security in their respective local government areas and urged the newly elected officials to key into his administration’s signature programs in health, agriculture, social welfare, and empowerment initiatives.

“The local government is the most important tier of government and the closest to the people. You must ensure that the people are carried along in all your activities and promote inclusion in decision-making,” Governor Ododo stated.

He also stressed the need for transparency and accountability, reminding the chairmen that they should see their election as an opportunity to justify the autonomy of local government administration by prioritizing matters that directly benefit the grassroots.

In his response, the chairman of Yagba West local government area, Honourable Tosin Olokun, who spoke on behalf of the 21 council chairmen, assured the governor of their commitment to complementing the state government’s efforts. He pledged to unite the people and work towards development, regardless of political differences.

The press release was signed by Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, on October 21, 2024.