The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, swore in Ahmed Usman Ododo as the 5th Executive Governor of Kogi State on Saturday.
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.
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 the parade.
Speaking afterward, the Kogi new governor eulogised his immediate predecessor, Yahaya Bello, for giving him the opportunity to govern the state.
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.
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.
”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.”
”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 the 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”.
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.
Below are images from the ceremony:
