Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has been sworn in today as the 5th Executive Governor of Kogi State.
Ododo who was sworn in by the Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Mejabi, at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre. assured people of the state that the bad days of politics are over.
The Governor was administered the oath of office at exactly 2:25 p.m. after his deputy, Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo, who had earlier taken his turn at 2:18 p.m., amidst cheers from a mammoth crowd of personalities and well-wishers
The Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, who represented President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, witnessed the ceremony.
Highlights of the inauguration were the taking of his first salute and the review of the parade by Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo as Governor of the State
The former governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, also handed over officially to the new governor
In his speech, he thanked the former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for giving him the opportunity to govern the state.
The governor promised that the state, under his administration, would be made one of the subnational governments for overall economic growth as envisioned by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
The governor urged the people of the state to stem the tide of greed and be prepared to make hard choices with unity and cooperation, assuring that it is a new dawn for the people.
Gov. Ododo assured the people of the state that he would work to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people and stressed that the era of bitter politics is over.
” There would no longer be politics of bitterness in the state as thought by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu,” urged all the people of the state to join hands with him in building a virile Kogi state.
” I will build on the solid foundation of unity existing in the state. I will strive not to undermine the trust placed in him to lead the people of the state.”.
” I promise to govern with the fear of God, fairness, equity, and justice,” assured that he will not fail the people and promised to be transparent and accountable.
Governor Ododo urged the people to choose unity and togetherness and affirmed his will to pursue their full measure of happiness without tribal or ethnicity that binds them together
Governor Ododo promised to work to sustain the ideals of the founding fathers, assured of delivering on the dreams of a prosperous Kogi state that will lead to progress and Kogi state as envisioned by the founding fathers.
To ensure a sense of belonging, Ododo assured that the charter of the power of rotation, which would ensure inclusivity, would be worked upon.
“I shall hit the ground running with programmes that would ensure the well-being of our people, with accountability and transparency as our driving force.”
“I will open the state to become the investor hub under a robust public-private partnership. My administration will strive to make the state attractive and an investment destination.”.
“Under my administration, more homes will be built. More businesses will spring up. Our farmland will be flourishing. Our school will be filled. Teachers will smile. Youth will be enterprising. Women would be gainfully engaged.”.
“Let it be said that once upon a time, when our will was tested, we strived for unity for the future generation of all Kogites,” urged the people to join hands with him in delivering the gains of democracy.
“Our administration will strive to complete all ongoing projects and focus on solid minerals, steel development, marine, and the digital economy.”.
Governor Ododo expressed optimism about a better Kogi State that will meet the expectations of the people, with Kogi State made better under his administration”.
Governor Ododo said he will build on the achievements of his predecessor, described former Gov. Bello as the father of modern Kogi State, and praised him for his life transformation achievements and for building a modern Kogi State.
Governor Ododo said he would not take the euphoria of the election for granted and said he would work to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people with fairness and justice.
He called on the people to join hands with him in building the unity of the state, acknowledged the efforts of former Governor Idris Wada and Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, and said history will remain kind to them for their roles in shaping the state on the basis of unity.
Ododo paid glowing tributes to the late Prince Abubakar Audu and lauded President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for making the state peaceful and united before and after the governorship election.