On assumption of Office on the 27th January, 2023 as the 5th Executive Governor of Kogi State, ALHAJI AHMED USMAN ODODO, FCA, FCIA, left no one in doubt of his ability, capacity and dynamic leadership style, as he leveraged on his deep understanding and workings of the system that made him within the eight (8) years of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello’s tenure, while he not only served as the Auditor-General for the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State, but, also one of the privileged kitchen cabinet member of the government while it lasted.
Realizing the enormous task associated with state building, human capital development with a functional work force and good governance, he swung into action on the very day that he was Sworn-in by reappointing those whose work experience and expertise in the dynamics of the system is vital to the success story we are witnessing today. His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo believes in the bottom to top approach to governance, hence, his spectacular and unprecedented move to engage the grassroots and community-based politicians and political juggernauts to the positions of Ward Assistants, Local Government Assistants and many others.
The following is a breakdown of figures on Political Appointments made so far by the Ododo-led Administration both at the State and LGAs:
* Special Advisers (SAs) – 50
* Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) – 296
* Special Assistant (SAs) – 36
* Local Government Special Assistants (LGSAs) – 290
* Ward Special Assistant (WSAs) * 1,291
There are other Political Appointees like the Domestic Aides, Chef, Government Drivers, Protocols and Personal Assistants (PAs). Their collective responsibilities at that level is to bring Government close to the People thereby helping in reviving and repositioning the Third Tier Government. This is to also support the ideal, philosophy and vision of Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of Local Government’s full administrative and financial autonomy.
With the multitudes of community-based appointments of Youths, Women and Young at Heart as Local Government Special Assistants, Ward Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, and others, the Governor is poised and determined to harnessing these kinetic resources for the benefits of all Kogites and residents. Indeed, this is awesome and a great model of empowerment largesse. Glad for the Governor’s people-oriented policies, programmes and projects which are in itself, transforming Kogi State into very remarkable hubs.
Gov. Ododo’s penchant for inclusive approach to governance is second to none, just as his dedication to mentoring and empowering the youth and women groups of present generation is highly commendable. In terms of endearment of palliatives and empowerment largesse, His Excellency, worked the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme, which he facilitated in various forms, and which had positive impact on many Women, Girls and Youths beneficiaries in Kogi State, who received a one-off payment of N50,000 each, spread across the 21 Local Government Areas and 3 Senatorial Districts, in addition to consistent distributions of palliatives such as Beans, Rice, Semovita, Sorghum, Groundnut Oil, Salt, Fertilizers and High Yeild Seedlings and Chemicals, as well as Financial Support to Communities across the State.
In a strong show of encouragement and thoughtful support to the security architecture in the State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, FCIA, harmonized the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS) with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and the Local Hunters Group of Nigeria through the instruments of Legislature at the Kogi State House of Assembly, in order to combat the menace of the herdsmen and bandits’ attacks, including the kidnappers and other social vices machinations. These steps and proactiveness of the servant leadership of Governor Ododo with collaboration, partnership and synergy with Federal Government Security Apparatuses ended the violence and restore peace to the Communities within the State.
Governor Ododo-led Administration not ignorant of the current challenges of the Country in the face of the Transformative and Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, His Excellency, is committed to leveraging on his position as the Mandate Holder and representative of Kogi People at the State level, he is collaborating with the National Assembly Members from the State, Leadership of the ruling Political Party, APC, and Presidency, to bring the necessary succour and interventions to ameliorate the challenges facing the People, while driving sustainable development projects to Kogi State. Under Gov. Ododo, Kogi State is marching to limelight. He is doing so much so early, as he also prioritize the welfare of Kogi State Civil Servants (Workers). With His Excellency; there is no misplaced priority; because, he is a personality and servant leader who knows and understands the state of the economy, and ever ready to provide maximum comfort to the Citizenry. Of great note is the fact that, since he came on board, state workers’ salaries are consistently paid 100% promptly and on time. Even the LGA workers’ salaries have improved significantly to about 95%, hoping to hit the 100 percent bar in a jiffy lube.
Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo is an APC in campaign; during electioneering and gubernatorial election; but, a Kogite with Kogi Agenda during governance and development of the State. His Excellency, has been meticulously handling and judiciously utilizing both financial and material resources at his disposal for the good of Kogites and residents alike, transparently with utmost respect and humility. Considering the little resources that comes into the State from the Federation Account, as compared to other States like Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, Kano, Imo, Ondo, Lagos, Rivers etcetera, Gov. Ododo needs our collective prayers and support services to render good governance.
Even with the hydra-headed litigations that lasted; and took much unnecessary toll on the direction of governance; it never distracted the workaholic and resilient People’s Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo from doing well in governance within the shortest wavelength range. We as Kogites; have collectively corrected the Leadership deficit by not choosing any tribal Agenda; but, the right Leader in the person of Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo to do the job; because; he is able; capable, and competent. We do not care whether he is from our community; ethnic nationality; religion, or whatsoever. Our own collective choice is the best for us all, and he is for Kogi Agenda with One Voice, and One Destiny.
I use this auspicious time; medium, and opportunity to congratulates all the new Political Appointees from across the Wards and Communities within the State. I heartily rejoice with you all on your new assignments and responsibilities. May God Almighty continue to guide, protect and lead you right always in the discharge of your duties for the benefit and betterment of Kogi State. May Allah SWT grant you all the wisdom, zeal, strength, sound health, wellness and longevity to shoulder the onerous tasks to the Glory of GOD and Humanity. It is my fervent prayers that, GOD Almighty bestow on His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, FCIA, the enablement, wisdom, courageous heart, political will and grace to keep on giving his best to the good, patient, hardworking and sincere People of Kogi State. May he succeed in piloting the affairs of the system, and steering the wheel of fortune and progress of Kogi State to enviable heights.
In conclusion, I admire these legacy attributes of any good leader, which I believe, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, FCIA, the Executive Governor of Kogi State fits:
> Legacy is the utmost expectations from a good and complete Leader.
> A good leader is he, who stand for his People no matter what the situation.
> Not the one who knows nothing but his family.
> Remember, a leader is a Servant to his People not a ruler nor dictator.
> When you make a promise to someone, fulfill it.
> When you make a pledge to everyone, honour it.
> When you are entrusted by People, uphold it.
> When you have undertaken to do something, do it well.
> Your word should be as good as gold, and your bond.
Congratulations to His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, FCIA, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, for the landslide victory at the Supreme Court today (23rd Aug. 2024). This confirms his mandate holding status and people’s trust bestowed on him by Kogites for the KOGI AGENDA WITH ONE VOICE.
GOD bless His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State.
GOD bless Kogi State and her Citizens.
GOD bless His Excellency, Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
GOD bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Dr. Abdulsalam Bawa Dangana, writes from Lokoja, the Capital of Confluence of Opportunities – Kogi State.
©23/08/2024