By Rotimi Odofin
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, was greeted with a warm reception upon his arrival in Lokoja, the state capital, on Thursday.
A large crowd of supporters from all corners of the state gathered to welcome him back following the recent ruling of the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which confirmed his victory in the state’s gubernatorial election.
The enthusiastic supporters, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from all 21 local government areas, traders, artisans, members of transport unions, students, youth, and women’s groups, came together in a jubilant display of unity.
The streets of Kogi State were transformed into a festive atmosphere as the supporters celebrated Governor Ododo’s return.
The procession from Gegu in Kogi Local Government Area to the Government House in Lokoja was marked by cheers and celebrations. Governor Ododo graciously acknowledged the outpouring of support from the crowd, bringing the convoy to several stops along the way.
In his address at the Government House, Governor Ododo expressed his gratitude to God for the victory at the tribunal and extended his thanks to the people of Kogi State for their unwavering support.
He recognized the mandate given to him by the people in the November 11, 2023, Governorship election and pledged to continue serving the state with dedication and integrity.
Addressing supporters at the Government House, an elated Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to God for the victory at the tribunal and thanked the people of the state for standing by the mandate that made him the Governor of the state in the November 11, 2023 Governorship election.
Governor Ododo noted that the affirmation of his victory by the governorship election tribunal is a further motivation for his administration to continue to improve on social welfare, security of lives and property, access to free education and quality healthcare, promoting industrialization and agricultural development and ensuring peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.
According to Governor Ododo:
“I stand before you today, humbled and grateful, to express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support. To the vibrant youth and women groups, I thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication to our great state.
“To my commissioners and government appointees, I commend you for your unrelenting commitment to our shared vision.
“Today, we celebrate a significant milestone – our court victory. This triumph is not just mine, but belongs to every Kogite. I assure you that the mandate entrusted upon me will not be taken for granted. As a servant leader, I pledge to serve you to the best of my ability, ensuring that every Kogite has access to quality education, sustainable infrastructure, and security of lives and property.”
The Kogi State Governor also expressed gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he noted has been instrumental in driving progress and development in Nigeria and Kogi state in particular.
He commended security agencies in the state for their commitment and gallantry in protecting lives and property in all parts of the state, stressing that Kogi state shall remain unsafe for criminal elements wherever they may come from.
The Governor restated his call on opposition parties to join him in advancing the development of the state.
