Lokoja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has underscored the significance of unity as the foundation for Nigeria’s advancement, urging leaders to learn from the natural confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue in Kogi State.
Speaking at the Kogi Dialogue in Lokoja, an event commemorating Governor Ahmed Ododo’s first year in office, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, likened the merging of the rivers to the collective strength required to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.
“Just as water merging with water becomes stronger, so must we as leaders and citizens merge our efforts to build a united and prosperous Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Tinubu commended Governor Ododo for initiating the Kogi Dialogue, describing it as “a spark of wisdom and a critical step toward fostering reconciliation and progress.”
He urged political and community leaders to foster dialogue and collaboration to create an enabling environment for growth.
Governor Ahmed Ododo, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the people of Kogi for their support. He highlighted key achievements of his administration, including improvements in healthcare and education, infrastructure development, the introduction of free basic education, and bursaries for tertiary students.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, lauded the harmonious relationship between the current and former governors of Kogi State, emphasizing that such cooperation was essential for the state’s development.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello praised the Ododo administration, noting that it was aligned with the vision of the state’s founding fathers.
The highlight of the Vice President’s visit was the commissioning of road projects executed by the Ododo administration during its first year in office.
By Enoch Odesola| January 28, 2025