By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The inaugural Executive Council of the Kogi State chapter of the African Peace Initiative for Good Governance was officially sworn in on Thursday in Lokoja, the state capital.
Mrs. Hanatu Z. Umoru, the State Coordinator of the NGO, led the inauguration and emphasized that the event symbolized a moment of unity for the organization’s members, transcending religious and political differences.
She noted that the occasion was not just about strengthening the organization, but also about fostering unity within Kogi State and Nigeria at large, while appointing local government liaison officers to further solidify this unity.
Umoru outlined the key objectives of the organization, which include promoting human rights, fostering national and regional unity, ensuring security, and supporting democratic governance.
She also said the organization is charged with the responsibility of focusing on providing humanitarian aid, building community capacity, conducting research, and advocating for the security of citizens’ lives and property.
She explained that although the organization is non-political, it is dedicated to advancing human development and protecting the rights of all people.
She said that the headquarter of the organization is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and founded by Edward NPower on March 3, 2024, adding that the initiative is designed to address various aspects of human progress and well-being.
In his remarks, Alhaji Abdullahi Ubeida, the Programme Manager, hailed the establishment of the organization as a significant achievement for both the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and for Nigeria as a whole, commending the governor for good governance.
He expressed his commitment to leveraging his national and international consulting experience to help realize the organization’s goals.
Ubeida encouraged the newly inaugurated exco members to work together with the State Coordinator, stressing that unity and dedication would be crucial to achieving the organization’s objectives.
The event featured a traditional breaking of kola nut by Alhaji Mohammed Otue, President of the Kogi State Cooperative Federation, who prayed for the success of the organization, the state administration, peace and meaningful development of kogi state and the nation at large.
The occasion , attended by people from the 21 local government areas of the state also featured issuance of appointment letters to the newly appointed local government assistants.
