By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Late Prince Abubakar Audu.
(C) Wikipedia.
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has immortalised the late former Governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu, by naming a major road in Lokoja after him. The road, which runs from Ganaja Junction runs through Ganaja Roundabout to the riverbank, will now be known as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard.
Speaking at an event held in honour of the late leader, at the Government House,Lokoja,Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described Audu as “a colossus and an unforgettable phenomenon” who governed Kogi State with uncommon confidence and conviction,noting that Audu’s legacies remain indelible and continue to shape the state’s development trajectory.
As part of efforts to further preserve the late governor’s memory, Ododo announced plans to establish the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, which will focus on leadership training, grassroots development, and the promotion of good governance. He also unveiled a new book titled “Prince Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership”, a compilation of Audu’s selected speeches.
Governor Ododo directed the Kogi State Town Planning Board and the Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency to install signages along the newly renamed road within one week. He further instructed the Ministry of Works to repair potholes and install streetlights, while mandating the Ministry of Environment to beautify the entire route.
Kogi State Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, who played a key role in organising the 10th anniversary memorial, welcomed dignitaries including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event.
In his remarks, Salifu praised Prince Audu’s visionary leadership, noting that his contributions remain a guiding force for the state.
He commended Governor Ododo for his commitment to preserving the legacy of the “Prince of Niger.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his message, delivered by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation,reaffirmed that peace, national security, and economic expansion remain central priorities of the administration.
He described Prince Audu as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic consolidation, whose foresight helped lay the foundation for governance in Kogi State and contributed to Nigeria’s return to stable civilian rule.
President Tinubu emphasized that Audu’s legacy stands as a living model of bold leadership and transformative governance,one his administration intends to honour through concrete actions.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at modernising the livestock industry, creating jobs, ensuring food security, and expanding national infrastructure,including roads, rail, and power networks.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
