Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has charged the newly elected chairmen of the 21 local government areas to strengthen rural security, ensure transparency in the management of public funds, and prioritize development at the grassroots.
He gave the charge on Wednesday through his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, during the swearing-in ceremony of the council chairmen held at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja.
The Governor urged the newly inaugurated chairmen to work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to protect lives and property, stressing that no community in the state should be left vulnerable to criminal activities.
He also called on the council leaders to focus on critical areas of grassroots development, including rural roads, primary healthcare, basic education, environmental sanitation and programs designed to empower youths and women.
Congratulating the chairmen on their election, Ododo expressed appreciation to the people of Kogi State for their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which secured all 21 chairmanship seats and 239 councillorship positions across the state.
He described the party’s electoral victory as a call to greater service, urging the elected officials to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering on their campaign promises and improving the welfare of residents.
Ododo further charged the chairmen to manage public funds responsibly and transparently, remain humble and accessible, and ensure fairness in governance, irrespective of political affiliations.
He expressed confidence in the continued support of the people of Kogi State for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general and State Assembly elections.
He also commended President Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to national development through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Governor assured the council chairmen of the state government’s support in advancing development across the local government areas, while wishing them a successful tenure.
The swearing-in ceremony marks a new phase in local government administration in Kogi State, with expectations that the new council leaders will improve security, promote accountability and ensure that the benefits of governance reach communities across the state.
