Kogi Governor Swears In Newly Elected LG Chairmen

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has sworn in the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen of the 21 local government areas in the state, urging them to commit themselves to serving their constituents.

Ismaila Isah, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, made this announcement in a statement on Monday in Lokoja.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the government house in Lokoja. The governor encouraged the new chairmen to maintain the momentum of development at the grassroots level by initiating projects and programs that will enhance the lives of the people.

He urged the new local government chairmen to prioritize the security of lives and property while embracing the administration’s key programs in health, agriculture, social welfare, and empowerment initiatives. These efforts are aimed at transforming the lives of people in their respective local government areas.

Ododo said, “There is a need for you to be transparent and accountable in running the affairs of the local government. You must see your election as an opportunity to justify the autonomy of the local government administration by according priorities to matters that have a direct positive impact on the lives of the people at the grassroots.”

The governor emphasized that local government is the most crucial tier of government, being the closest to the people.

He encouraged the new council chairmen to ensure community involvement in all their activities and to promote the inclusion of all stakeholders in the decision-making process.

He stressed that local government administration should not only be visible but also impactful, aligning with his administration’s policy to bring governance closer to the people.

In response, Tosin Olokun, the chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, spoke on behalf of the 21 local government chairmen, assuring their commitment to supporting the state government’s efforts through projects and programs that will enhance the lives of people at the grassroots level.

He also pledged to unite the community, regardless of political differences, in line with Governor Ododo’s agenda to foster unity and focus on development in the state.