Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has immortalised the late former Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, by naming a major road in Lokoja after him.
The road, which stretches from Ganaja Junction to Ganaja Roundabout to the riverbank, will now be known as the Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard.
Speaking at an event in honour of the late Governor, Ododo described Audu as a colossus and an unforgettable phenomenon who led the state with confidence and conviction.
He said Audu’s legacies live on, and his contributions to the development of Kogi State would never be forgotten.
The Governor announced plans to establish the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, which will focus on advancing leadership training, strengthening grassroots development, and promoting good governance.
He also unveiled a book titled “Prince Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership”, a collection of Audu’s selected speeches.
Ododo directed the Kogi State Town Planning Board and the Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency to install signages along the renamed road within one week.
He also instructed the Ministry of Works to repair potholes and install streetlights, and the Ministry of Environment to beautify the area.
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, played a pivotal role in organising the memorial anniversary programme, which was attended by dignitaries, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his welcome address, Salifu praised the late Governor Audu’s legacy, saying his vision for Kogi State remains a guiding force for the state’s development.
He thanked Governor Ododo for preserving Audu’s legacy and ensuring the memory of the Prince of Niger continues to shine.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed that restoring peace, strengthening national security, and expanding economic opportunity remain the top priorities of his administration.
Representing the President, Idris stated that the government is committed to hunting down enemies of the state and restoring peace.
The President described Audu as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, whose foresight helped shape Kogi State’s governance foundation and contributed to the country’s transition to stable civilian rule.
Adu’s legacy is a living, breathing template of bold leadership and transformative governance, which the administration is committed to honoring through concrete action, the President said.
The government is launching initiatives to modernize the livestock industry, create jobs, and ensure food security, while also expanding national infrastructure, including roads, rail networks, and power infrastructure.
