,,,,Ododo hits ground running, sends 16 commissioner-nominees to State Assembly,appoints aides.
By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Individuals and organisations in Kogi state have commenced a galore of congratulatory messages and felicitated for the new governor of the state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,who was sworn on Saturday ( January 27,2034/ in Lokoja with his deputy, ComradeJoel Salifu Oyibo.
Prof. Solomon Avidime, CMD/CEO, the Reference Hospital, Okene felicitated with Ododo anf Oyibo in a statement signed by him in Okene and made a copy available to The Reporters on Saturday.
The boss of the hospital described the swearing in of the governor and his Deputy as epoch-making event.
He said:” God has ordained that you will be at the helm of affairs in Kogi State at this point in time to pilot it to a higher pedestal of greatness.
“We are optimistic that as you take on the mantle of leadership, the state will witness much more in all sectors for the overall benefit of its citizens and to place Kogi State high among the comity of states.
“Our earnest prayer for you on this auspicious occasion is that, God will grant you uncommon wisdom, knowledge and strength in good health to excel in this exalted office.”
Prof.Mustapha Momoh of the University of Maiduguri, who is an indigene of Ebiraland, described the swearing in of the governor and his Deputy as the dawn of a new beginning for the state. ‘Congratulations,His Excellency, and to all Kogites.
“May Allah glorify the regime for a better and prosperous Kogi State,” he prayed.
The Senator representing Kogi East senatorial district in the National Assembly, Isah Jibrin Echocho, has also congratulated the new Governor,his deputy and the people of State on his successful inauguration.
Engr. Bashiru Gegu, former Kogi State Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources,expressed confidence in the capacity of the new Governor to perform well,given his experience in governance.
The ex-commissioner said he had no doubt that the Governor would surpass the achievements of his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, saying that “doing so will delight the mind of his predecessor and also the entire people of Kogi state.
Engr. Bashiru,who urged the people of the state to support the new administration,to enable it discharge it’s duties efficiently and effectively,assured of his support and loyalty to Gov. Ododo at all times.
“We must all give our support to our new Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, especially by praying fervently for him to succeed. Let us join hands to ensure this administration succeed”,he further advised.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, in a statement issued to journalists in Lokoja and signed by the State Chairman, Comr. Ben Jerry, urged the new Governor to work hard to surpass the achievements of his predecessor.
Members of Ebira Avaibe Association in Lokoja have also joined numerous friends and well-wishers of Ododo and his deputy on their inauguration and prayed for a fulfilled tenure for the realistic development and transformation of the state and its citizens.
Meanwhile, the governor has hit ground running by submitting the names of 16 commissioner-nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening and approval.
Ododo,who did that at the venue of his inauguration at Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre,Lokoja on Saturday, named yhe nominees as:Farouk Danlami,Salami Ozigi-Deedat,Basiru Abubakar Gegu,Adams Abdulaziz,Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen (JOS),Muzi Yinusa Abdullahi,Wemi Jones,Rabiatu Okute,Kingsley Femi Fanwo,Fatima Momoh,Mohammed Yusuf,Timothy Ojoma,Sunday Faleke
Abanika Taye,Asiwaju Idris Asiru, and Mohammed Adbulmutalib.
The Governor also announced the appointment of other aides.
They are:Ali Bello – Chief of Staff to the Governor
Hilary Ojoma – Deputy Chief of Staff,Elijah Evinemi – Head of Service,Jerry Omodara – State Security Adviser,Isah Ismail – Special Adviser on Media
Sulaiman Ibrahim – Director General Protocol,Oladele John Nihi – Chief Press Secretary
Shaibu Oricha – Director General, Government House Administration and Femi Adegboyega – State Legal Adviser.
Our correspondent reports that the congratulatory messages continued to stream the media space in the state as at the time of this report on Sunday.
