Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s focus on strengthening development at the grassroots through closer cooperation between state and local governments.
The governor gave the assurance while presenting official vehicles to the 21 Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen during a ceremony at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Center, Lokoja.
Governor Ododo said the new vehicles would ease movement for the council bosses, enabling them to reach rural communities, inspect projects, and enhance service delivery.
“These official vehicles are not symbols of status, they are tools for service. I expect that they will be used judiciously and strictly for the purpose of advancing development across our communities,” he stated.
In a statement by the Government House media team, the governor urged the chairmen to align with the state’s development agenda by boosting education, healthcare, and security within their respective LGAs.
Commending the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) for its commitment, Ododo encouraged the union to work with council chairmen, councillors, and other appointees to deepen development at the grassroots.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Ozigi Deedat, described the handover as a landmark achievement, noting that it was the first of its kind under the present administration.
“Your leadership style and determination are providing enabling environment for the Chairmen to perform their duties optimally,” he said, praising the governor’s commitment to spreading development across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the council chairmen, the Chairman of ALGON in Kogi and Executive Chairman of Yagba West LGA, Tosin Olokun, thanked the governor for his continuous support to local governments. He assured that the vehicles would greatly improve their ability to deliver services at the grassroots and pledged unwavering loyalty to Ododo’s administration.
The event drew senior government officials, politicians, traditional rulers, and members of the business community, who applauded the governor’s emphasis on bringing governance closer to the people.
