BY OPEYEMI OLOGUN
Dignitaries have thronged the ancient city of Lokoja as Kogi State gets new Executive Governor. The State Chief Judge sworn in Alhaji Usman Ododo and his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu at the Muhammadu Buhari Square at about 3pm with many dignitaries present at the auspicious event including the vice president of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, GCON, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kwara State Governor and Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Alhaji Usman Ododo is sworn in as the 5th Executive Governor of the State in the state’s 32 years of existence. His predecessor, Yahaya Bello who at the beginning of his administration was the youngest governor in Nigeria bows out after an eight-year tenure of constitutionally allowed two terms.
Speaking with residents of the state on the expectations and aspirations from the new government, many say they want the new administration to prioritise welfare services of the people. On how optimistic they are about the new administration, and what new things the government can bring in the immediate, some wish the new government should pay more attention to business sector of the state.
On what should be the thematic areas of the new administration, residents say they hope the Usman Ododo administration will pay more attention to the development at local government level while improving on the citizen’s engagement.
When asked what they believe the new administration can contribute to achieving the aspirations and yearnings of the people, some told our correspondent that they would love to see a revival in the tourism sector.
The new governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo in his address promised to live up to the expectations of the people of the state. He further affirmed his administration’s willingness to hit the ground running with people-oriented project well focused on the well-being of the people of the state. Gov Usman Ododo also said Kogi State will be under his administration a patriotic investment destination for local and foreign investors. He proceeded to announce members of his executive council while he reappointed Dr Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade as the Secretary to the Kogi State Government for the consecutive third term.
