Kogi State’s Governor Usman Ododo has recently officiated the swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen across the 21 local government areas, emphasizing their crucial role in serving the community. The event was held at the government house in Lokoja and was highlighted by a statement from Ismaila Isah, the governor’s special adviser on media and publicity. Governor Ododo’s address underscored the importance of the elected officials’ dedication to their constituents, urging them to take proactive steps towards grassroots development.
During his speech, Governor Ododo stressed the need for the chairmen to carry forward developmental initiatives that directly improve the quality of life for their residents. He called for a focus on various pivotal sectors, including health care, agriculture, social welfare, and empowerment initiatives. According to the governor, these sectors align with his administration’s signature programs and represent essential areas that require the attention of local government leaders. By fostering growth in these key areas, the new officials can significantly enhance community well-being.
Furthermore, Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in local governance. He urged the chairmen to view their elections as a mandate to honor the autonomy of local government administration. The governor highlighted that priorities should be given to initiatives that meaningfully impact the lives of residents. The underlying message was that the new leaders must operate with integrity and a commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities toward community development.
Recognizing local government as the nearest tier of government to the people, Governor Ododo called upon the local officials to ensure active community engagement. He stressed the importance of carrying the populace along in decision-making processes and promoting a culture of inclusivity among all stakeholders. This aligns with his administration’s broader philosophy of enhancing governance and ensuring that it is both visible and perceptible to the general public. To achieve this, the chairmen are expected to adopt an approach that prioritizes community interests and fosters collaboration not only within the local government sector but also among the public at large.
In a show of unity, Tosin Olokun, the chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, pledged the commitment of the new local government chairmen to partner with the state government in driving development initiatives. Speaking on behalf of his peers, Olokun affirmed their dedication to executing programs that would transform grassroots communities positively. He indicated that their leadership would be characterized by efforts to unite the constituents, regardless of political affiliations, in line with Governor Ododo’s emphasis on state unity and development focus.
In summary, the swearing-in of Kogi State’s new local government chairmen marks a pivotal moment for community governance, characterized by calls for accountability, transparency, and active participation. Governor Ododo outlined a comprehensive vision for local leaders to prioritize developmental projects while ensuring security and inclusiveness within their councils. The response from the newly inaugurated officials suggests a shared commitment to not only adhering to these expectations but also enhancing collaboration with both the state government and the communities they serve, thus aiming for substantive changes that resonate throughout Kogi State.
