Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has sworn in the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen of the 21 Local Government Areas in the state, urging them to be dedicated to serving their communities.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the government house in Lokoja, according to Ismaila Isah, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity.
In his address, Governor Ododo encouraged the new local government leaders to sustain grassroots development by initiating projects and programs that improve the residents’ quality of life. He highlighted the importance of maintaining security and advised the chairmen to align their efforts with the administration’s key programs in health, agriculture, social welfare, and empowerment.
“There is a need for you to be transparent and accountable in running the affairs of the local government,” Ododo stated.
He reminded the leaders that their election was an opportunity to strengthen the autonomy of local government administration, focusing on initiatives that have a direct and positive impact on their constituents’ lives.
Governor Ododo described local government as the most essential tier of government closest to the people, urging the chairmen to engage actively with the community and include all stakeholders in their decision-making processes.
He emphasized that local governance should be both visible and tangible, aligning with his administration’s mission of bringing governance closer to the people.
Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in chairmen, Tosin Olokun, the chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, assured the governor of their commitment to support the state government’s efforts by launching impactful projects and programs at the grassroots level.
Olokun also promised to promote unity among residents, regardless of political affiliations, in line with Governor Ododo’s agenda for state development and cohesion.
