By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called for enhanced collaboration with traditional institutions to accelerate development and promote peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.
Governor Ododo made this appeal while presenting the staff of office to the Akinrin of Ekinrin-Ade, His Royal Highness, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, at the Government House in Lokoja on Friday.
The Governor praised the rich cultural heritage of the Ekinrin-Ade community and urged the new Akinrin to use his position to foster peace and unity among the people. He also encouraged the new Akinrin to support community policing initiatives and attract investors to the community to spur rapid development.
Governor Ododo emphasized the need for cooperation between traditional institutions and his administration for the peace and progress of the state. He noted that his administration views traditional institutions as the closest authority to the grassroots and will ensure synergy with traditional rulers for the state’s development.
The Governor highlighted the role of traditional institutions in upholding moral values and pledged his administration’s support to help them fulfill their role as custodians of culture and tradition. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to ensure that the state’s resources benefit its people and cautioned against the indiscriminate sale of land to potential land grabbers posing as investors.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Salami Ozigi Deedat, praised Governor Ododo’s commitment to equity and justice. He congratulated the Akinrin of Ekinrin-Ade and urged the community to cooperate with their traditional ruler to achieve peace and prosperity.
