'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to the welfare and education of orphaned students in the state. This assurance came during the official launch of the Governor Ododo Orphan Students Care (GOOS-Care) initiative in Lokoja, organized by the Kogi State Forum of Local Government Special Assistants (LSAs).
A statement today by Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor disclosed that, Governor Ododo emphasized that no child in Kogi State should feel abandoned or forgotten due to the loss of parents or financial difficulties. He reassured the beneficiaries that they are not alone, urging them to embrace self-belief and resilience.
"You are not orphans as far as we have God Almighty," the governor said. "Believe in yourselves and refuse to succumb to emotional setbacks. Your future is bright, and we are here to support you."
The governor commended the Forum of LSAs for their proactive approach, describing the GOOS-Care initiative as a reflection of his administration's grassroots-focused policies.
"What you are doing here today proves that we made no mistake in our decision to prioritize the people. This government is for the people, and we are committed to serving you," he stated.
Governor Ododo also addressed concerns related to grassroots governance, assuring the forum of his administration's resolve to address outstanding appointments and foster inclusivity in decision-making.
Speaking on the long-term impact of the initiative, the governor highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in governance, urging both the forum and the beneficiaries to remain steadfast in their efforts.
"What we are doing now may not be fully appreciated today, but its value will be evident in the future," he added.
In his remarks, the Auditor General for Local Government in Kogi State, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, praised the forum's efforts to bridge the gap between the government and grassroots communities. He urged the beneficiaries to maximize the resources provided through the programme, emphasizing its role in enhancing education and fostering grassroots engagement.
"The GOOS-Care initiative is a critical tool for driving collective progress and achieving lasting impact in Kogi State," Adabenege noted.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Forum of LSAs, Jafar Kamarudeen, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Ododo for his visionary leadership and commitment to improving lives. He assured that the programme would be sustained to benefit orphans across the state.
The GOOS-Care initiative is seen as a significant step towards providing support for orphaned students in Kogi State, further solidifying Governor Ododo's administration's focus on inclusivity and grassroots development.
