Lokoja, Nigeria – Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to grassroots development by distributing new vehicles to the chairmen of the state’s 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Center in Lokoja, underscores the governor’s commitment to fostering effective collaboration between state and local governments, aiming to bring governance closer to the people.Governor Ododo emphasized that these vehicles are intended to enhance mobility for the LGA chairmen, enabling them to reach rural communities more easily, assess projects, and facilitate more effective governance. He urged the chairmen to utilize the vehicles responsibly and strategically to drive development across their respective communities.”These official vehicles are not symbols of status, they are tools for service,” Governor Ododo stated. “I expect that they will be used judiciously and strictly for the purpose of advancing development across our communities.”The Governor also called on the chairmen to complement the state’s efforts by improving education, healthcare, and security at the local level. He commended the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) for their dedication and encouraged them to collaborate with local government chairmen and other officials to deepen grassroots development. Barrister Ozigi Deedat, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, described the occasion as a historic milestone, noting that it was the first such gesture under the current administration. He praised Governor Ododo’s strong commitment to statewide development and expressed delight that the administration’s impact is reaching the grassroots. Deedat highlighted the gesture as a reflection of transparency and accountability, urging the chairmen to support the governor’s administration in delivering democratic dividends to the populace.
Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, Tosin Olokun, Chairman of the Kogi State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Executive Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his continuous support for local administration. He affirmed that the vehicles would significantly enhance their ability to carry out responsibilities at the grassroots level and pledged the unwavering loyalty and support of the local government chairmen to the administration.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by top state government officials, politicians, traditional rulers, and members of the business community, all of whom lauded Governor Ododo for prioritizing governance at the local government level.
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