By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh.
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has emphasized the importance of unity as a catalyst for sustainable development across the state.
Speaking through his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, at the second Okun Nation Summit held in Kabba on Saturday, the Governor noted that progress can only be achieved when people set aside differences and work together toward shared goals.
According to a statement by Mr. Unubi Emmanuel, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor,.and a copy available to The Reporters in Lokoja on Saturday,Governor Ododo said, “Unity is the foundation upon which we can build a stronger, more prosperous Okun Nation. It is our greatest asset. When we come together with one voice, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting peace and unity in all parts of the state, describing it as essential for overcoming challenges and achieving collective greatness.
The Governor commended the Okun Development Initiative (ODI) for organizing the summit, which he described as timely and commendable.
He assured the group of his government’s support and pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to secure a brighter future for the Okun people.
In a keynote lecture, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, urged the Okun people to overcome internal rivalries among various dialect groups, noting that such divisions have hindered progress and unity in the region.
Also speaking, the State Security Adviser, Commander Duro Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), in his paper titled “Unity and Security: Land, Leadership, and Banditry,” stressed that no society can thrive without peace.
He described disunity as both a political liability and a security risk, urging Okun sons and daughters to put the interest of the land above personal or group ambitions.
A highlight of the summit was the presentation of an award of excellence to Governor Ododo by the Okun Development Initiative in recognition of his administration’s performance.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied by several top government officials, including Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwudah (Deputy Chief of Staff), Rt. Hon. Momoh Rabiu Alfa (Special Adviser on Legislative Matters), Hon. Aboh Ibrahim (Special Adviser on Environment), Hon. Treasure Eunice Achimugwu (Special Adviser on Illicit Drugs and Trafficking), and Hon. Sheikh Sani Momoh Musa (Senior Special Assistant on Ethics and Values), among others.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
