The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, on Saturday, swore in Ahmed Usman Ododo as the 5th Executive Governor of Kogi State.
Ododo, who was sworn in at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, took the oath of office and allegiance at 2:25 p.m. after his deputy, Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo, who did earlier at 2:18 p.m.
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The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who represented President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, witnessed the ceremony.
Ododo, immediately after the allegiance oath, took the first salute and review of parade.
Speaking afterward, the Kogi new governor eulogised his immediate predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for giving him the opportunity to govern the state.
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The governor promised that the state under his administration would be made a hub for economic growth in line with President Tinubu’s renewed economic policies.
The governor urged the people of the state to stem the tide of greed and be prepared to make hard choices with unity and cooperation, assuring that it is a new dawn for the people.
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Ododo assured the people of the state that he would work to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people and stressed that the era of bitter politics is over.
”There would no longer be politics of bitterness in the state, as taught by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. I urge all the people of the state to join hands with me in building a vibrant Kogi State.
”I will build on the solid foundation of unity existing in the state. I will strive not to undermine the trust placed in him to lead the people of the state.
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”I promise to govern with the fear of God, fairness, equity, and justice,” assured that he will not fail the people, and promised to be transparent and accountable.
Ododo also urged the people to choose unity and togetherness and affirmed his will to pursue their full measure of happiness without tribal or ethnicity that binds them together.
“We will work to sustain the ideals of the founding fathers, delivering on the dreams of a prosperous Kogi State that will lead to the progress of Kogi State as envisioned by the founding fathers.”
To ensure a sense of belonging, Ododo assured that the charter of power rotation, which would ensure inclusivity, would be worked upon.
”I shall hit the ground running with programmes that would ensure the well-being of our people, with accountability and transparency as our driving force.”
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”I will open the state to become the investor hub under a robust public-private partnership. My administration will strive to make the state attractive and an investment destination.
”Under my administration, more homes will be built. More businesses will spring up. Our farmland will be flourishing. Our school will be filled. Teachers will smile. Youth will be enterprising. Women would be gainfully engaged.”
“Let it be said that once upon a time, when our will was tested, we strived for unity for the future generation of all Kogites.
”Our administration will strive to complete all ongoing projects and focus on solid minerals, steel development, marine, and digital economy.”
Gov. Ododo expressed optimism about a better Kogi State that will meet the expectations of the people, with Kogi State made better under his administration”.
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Gov. Ododo said he will build on the achievements of his predecessor, described former Gov. Bello as the father of modern Kogi State, and praised him for his life transformation achievements and for building a modern Kogi State.
He called on the people to join hands with him in building the unity of the state, acknowledged the efforts of former Gov. Idris Wada, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, and said history will remain kind to them for their roles in shaping the state on the basis of unity.
Ododo paid glowing tributes to the late Prince Abubakar Audu and lauded President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for making the state peaceful and united before and after the governorship election.
Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) has expressed worry over the poor deployment of capturing machines and manpower to Igueben Local Government Area of the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the ongoing Ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).
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The Coordinator, EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre, Leftist Enabulele Larry, and Secretary, Leftist Mark Akande expressed the CSO sentiment when the duo visited the INEC headquarters in Igueben where the CBR in the local government is taking place.
In a statement made available to INFO DAILY on Friday, the leadership of EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre condemned the “use of only two capturing devices in a local government with over 69, 396 in population.”
The duo noted in the statement that their findings at the INEC headquarters revealed two capturing machines were deployed to each local government across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The civil society members said INEC excuse of deploying two capturing machines to each local government was not germane enough because many do not have a computer or android phone to do the online registration INEC gave as an excuse.
“The question here is, what is the percentage of our people mostly the aged individuals, that have access to Android mobile and other internet gadgets in Edo state?
“How many people can afford internet data to enable them have access internet services in Edo state under the current excruciating economic pains by the people?
“How many of the Edo people can even manipulate the Android mobile phone to the extent of navigating the internet hurdles to undertake the job is INEC? If INEC is not ready for the job, they should tell Nigerians.
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“If citizens are now advised to individually undertake the statutory job of INEC, of what purpose does the commission serve to the people? etc,” they said.
As at when filing this report, INFO DAILY was yet to get a reply from the message sent to the INEC in Edo for reaction.
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has felicated with Governor Monday Okpebholo, on the occasion of his birthday.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele Okpebholo as a visionary leader whose dedication to the growth and development of the state has continued to inspire confidence and admiration across all sectors, especially sports.
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Enabulele, who highlighted the governor’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through sports development, noted that under his leadership, Edo State has witnessed significant strides in grassroots sporting initiatives and infrastructure.
“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is not just a political leader but a beacon of hope for the younger generation.
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“His passion for excellence and inclusive governance is evident in the way he has continued to support policies that uplift our youths and promote sporting excellence,”the statement read.
The Executive Chairman prayed for long life, good health, and continued wisdom for the governor as he steers the affairs of the state towards greater prosperity.
“On behalf of the entire Edo State Sports Commission, I extend our warmest birthday wishes to His Excellency at 55. May this new chapter of his life be filled with more accomplishments and divine grace,”he added.
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has suspended two of his chiefs for falling for dereliction of duties.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor and made available to journalists in Benin City.
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He said their suspension was as a result of their long absence from the palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their palace responsibilities.
The suspended persons are: Chief John Igiehon, the Izuwako of Benin and chief Aimiukpomonyako Oghogho (Ebengho), the Oyenmwensoba of Benin.
“The under-mentioned two (2) chiefs have been suspended from the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
“This is as a result of their long absence from the Palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their Palace responsibilities.
“The public is advised to be wary of unscrupulous chiefs that are no longer functioning in the Palace. His Royal Majesty has approved their _ Suspension and directed the public be duly informed.
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“The names of the chiefs are: – ; 1. CHIEF JOHN IGIEHON, THE IZUWAKO OF BENIN and, _ 2 CHIEF AIMIUKPOMONYAKO OGHOGHO (EBENGHO), THE OYENMWENSOBA OF BENIN”, the statement said.