Kogi state governor, Usman Ododo presenting staff of office to His Royal Highness, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, the new Akinrin of Ekinrin-Ade yesterday in Lokoja |
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — In a bid to accelerate development and foster peaceful co-existence among the people of Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has called for enhanced collaboration with traditional institutions. The Governor made this appeal while presenting the staff of office to His Royal Highness, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, the new Akinrin of Ekinrin-Ade, at the Government House in Lokoja on Friday.
According to a statement dated August 9, by his special adviser on media, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo praised the rich cultural heritage of the Ekinrin-Ade community and urged Oba Otitoju to leverage his new position to promote peace and unity among his people. Highlighting the importance of traditional rulers, the Governor noted that they are the closest authority to the grassroots and pivotal in his administration’s efforts to drive development and maintain moral values.
"Our administration sees traditional institutions as vital partners in our quest for peace and progress," Governor Ododo stated. "We encourage traditional rulers to collaborate with the government to attract investors and support community policing initiatives that will bring rapid development to their areas."
The Governor also emphasized the necessity of cooperation between his administration and traditional institutions, stressing that such synergy is crucial for the state’s peace and progress. He warned against the indiscriminate sale of land to potential land grabbers masquerading as investors, reaffirming his administration's commitment to ensuring that the state's resources benefit its people.
In his remarks, Barr. Salami Ozigi Deedat, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, lauded Governor Ododo’s dedication to equity and justice. He congratulated the new Akinrin of Ekinrin-Ade and called on the community to support their traditional ruler for the betterment of their area.
The event underscored Governor Ododo’s commitment to integrating traditional institutions into the state’s developmental framework, positioning them as custodians of culture and tradition, and essential partners in governance.