Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has called for improved collaboration with the traditional institution to accelerate development and promote peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.
According to a statement on Saturday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo stated this while presenting staff of office to the Akinrin of Ekinrin-Ade His Royal Highness, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju at the Government House in Lokoja, on Friday.
The governor, who extolled the rich cultural heritage of EkirinAde community, urged the new Akinrin of Ekinrin Ade to use his position to foster peace and unity among the people.
Governor Ododo also called on the new Akinrin to support community policing initiative and attract investors to the community to usher in rapid development of the area.
He emaphised the need for cooperation between the traditional institutions and his administration for the peace and progress of the state, adding that his administration sees the traditional institution as the closest authority to the people at the grassroots and would continue to encourage traditional rulers to collaborate with the government for the development of the state.
The Governor emphasized the role of the traditional institution in protecting moral values among the people, adding that his administration was prepared to support the traditional institution in the state to achieve its goal as custodian of culture and tradition.
According to the statement, “The present administration is working to ensure that the state’s resources begins to work for the people.
“The Governor cautioned against indiscriminate sale of land to potential land grabbers posing as investors in different communities in the state”.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Salami Ozigi Deedat praised Governor Ododo’s commitment to equity and justice.
Gov Ododo seeks synergy with traditional rulers