By correspondent in Lokoja.
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,has described Kogi State as a veritable hub for investment opportunities.
He gave the description while flagging off quarterly conference of Secretaries to the Government of All Progressives Governors’ Forum in Government House, Lokoja.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo,Ododo who added that kogi “is flowing with milk and honey”, called on local and foreign investors to come in to invest,assuring them that the state is also blessed with abundant natural resources and very safe to invest.
The governor called on the secretaries to the Government of APC States to work judiciously with their Governors, adding that no Governor can succeed and triumph without maximum support and credible innovation from their SGSs
Ododo,who described the SGS as the life wire of every state, urged them to allow their Governors feel happy working with them.
He, however, admonished the SGSs to avoid being betrayals, but “remain loyal, committed, innovative, confidential and diligent” in discharging their official duties in accordance with their oath of office and abide by the oath of secrecy they took.
In her welcome speech,the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr Folashade Arike Ayoade, described the conference as a gathering to celebrate the spirit of collaboration, excellence and progressive governance.
“Today, we are not only convening to discuss the vital issues that affect our states and our nation, but we are also here to celebrate the spirit of collaboration, excellence and progressive governance that defines our party and our collective missions.
“This conference represents a pivotal platform for us to share insights, strategies and best practices that will further the development and prosperity of our respective states,” the SSG said.
Dr.Ayoade described the previous administrations’ achievements in as a testament to the collaborative leadership and innovative governance, noting that they made giant strides in different sectors such as security, health-care, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
She stressed that the success of governance in the state had not gone unnoticed, adding that this has earned the state series of recognitions from credible local and international agencies
According to her, these achievements represent an affirmation that the immediate former Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, laid a solid foundation “in which the incumbent Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is treading”.
Dr. Ayoade expressed optimism that Ododo would surpass the benchmarks, driven by the same principles of integrity, inclusiveness and innovation.
The Acting Director General of the Forum, Mr Folorunsho Aluko, commended Governor Ododo for his unwavering commitment ,a development he noted, had brought giant stride achievements recorded so far in the state.
Aluko,who also commended governor for giving approval to host the SGSs in Lokoja,praised former Governor Yahaya Bello for outstanding performance in the state, describing him as an Emeritus Governor.
Aluko recalled that the Forum was established in 2013 to mobilize all APC State Governments, facilitate and accelerate human development, undertake policies and programmes to improve the quality of lives of citizens, eradicate poverty and create jobs in their respective states.
Adegboyega Segun,
Information Officer,
Ministry of Information and Communications, in a statement he signed and made a copy available to The Reporters, qouted Aluko as enumerating the achievements of SASs in different online and documentation media products.
The enumerated media products include the Legacy Documentation and Preservation Programme, the fourth media product launched in Kogi State under the leadership of the former Governor Yahaya Bello.
The programme ensures that when the progressive Governors,such as Yahaya Bello, leaves office, nobody delays or covers the legacies they put in place in the state, Aluko said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
