Afenifere Hails Kogi at 35, Commends Ododo’s Security Efforts

By Our Correspondent 

The Kogi State chapter of Afenifere has felicitated with the people and government of Kogi State on the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state, while commending Governor Usman Ododo for what it described as remarkable achievements in the area of security.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, Pastor Ben Ayo Abereoran, and Secretary, Barr. Anthony Olusegun Ola-Odana, the group congratulated Governor Ododo on the anniversary and praised his administration for prioritising the protection of lives and property.

Afenifere noted that the fundamental responsibility of any responsible government is to provide adequate security for its citizens, stressing that the Ododo administration had demonstrated commitment and capacity in tackling terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities in the state.

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According to the group, the government has taken the fight against criminal elements directly rather than negotiating with or begging criminals, a development it said had yielded positive results.

Afenifere specifically cited the recent rescue of victims of kidnapping in Ofu Local Government Area as evidence of the effectiveness of the state’s security architecture.

The organisation stated that Kogi’s security strategy had become one of the strongest in the North-Central region, particularly in the areas of intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies, paramilitary organisations and local communities.

“Within the North Central states, your security architecture is second to none,” the group said, attributing the development to effective intelligence gathering and coordination among the various security agencies and local stakeholders.

The group consequently advised governors of neighbouring states to understudy Kogi State’s security strategies and adopt measures that could help strengthen the fight against kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality.

Afenifere also recalled the period when kidnapping was reportedly a frequent occurrence along major highways in the state, particularly the Lokoja-Abuja and Kabba-Ilorin corridors.

It observed that the two major routes are strategically important, linking the Federal Capital Territory with different parts of the country, and expressed satisfaction that travellers can now move with greater confidence.

The organisation attributed the improved security situation to the efforts of Governor Ododo and the security agencies operating in the state.

Afenifere urged the governor to sustain the momentum and continue his administration’s efforts towards making Kogi safer, while assuring him of its continued support.

“As you continue your good work as servant leader of our dear state, we remain solidly behind you as we wish you a very pleasant tenure,” the statement added.

The group also used the 35th anniversary to celebrate the resilience and development of Kogi State since its creation, expressing optimism that the state would continue to make progress under effective leadership.

DemocracyNewslineNewspaper, September 12 2026