Key Takeaways from the Kogi Dialogue Marking Governor Ododo’s First Year in Office
It was a historic day for Kogi State as Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo marked his first year in office with an unprecedented town hall meeting named, “The Kogi Dialogue.”
This event did not only celebrate the governor’s achievements in his first 12 months in office as the 5th executive governor of Kogi state but also represented a rare moment in Nigeria’s political history where critical stakeholders from across political, religious and ethnic divides came together to discuss ways to make Kogi state better than what currently exists.
For the first time, opposition figures, including those who had contested against the governor, gathered to acknowledge the progress made in one year of impactful governance. Such a scenario would have been unimaginable until it was conceived and delivered by the administration.
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Governor had maintained at different times that the first anniversary of the administration will be a period of reflection and seeking feedback from the people on the pathway to progress and development in the state.
The Governor and his team stayed true to that by reaching to critical stakeholders from far and near to come to a round table where the development agenda of the present administration was laid before them and their contributions was sought in many ways to propel the state forward as an emerging commercial and industrial hub in Nigeria.
The Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja was packed full of illustrious Kogites who came to celebrate the anniversary of Governor Ododo’s first year in office and to chart the course for the progress and prosperity of the state.
The Kogi Dialogue provided a platform for meaningful engagement, underscoring the desire for unity, peace and inclusive governance.
The gathering attracted a distinguished array of dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former governors, traditional rulers, political leaders, business tycoons and friends of the state from within and outside Nigeria.
The event highlighted the governor’s commitment to building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, ensuring that governance in Kogi remains a collaborative and forward-thinking effort.
Governor Ododo’s leadership is defined by his drive for inclusivity and unity of the state behind his transformative vision for the state.
The presence of former political rivals alongside supporters of the present administration sent a powerful message that progress and development should be the focus, rather than division and rivalry.
Both former Governors Yahaya Bello and Captain Idris Wada emphasised the importance of peace and unity as key drivers for the state’s growth.
Vice President Shettima used the symbolic image of the confluence of rivers to highlight how collective strength and unity are essential for Kogi’s advancement.
He described the dialogue as “a spark of wisdom and a critical step toward reconciliation and progress,” recognising it as a governance model rooted in dialogue and collaboration, not conflict.
Shettima also emphasised that dialogue is more than just an opportunity to air grievances; it is the true path to justice, reconciliation, and understanding.
APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje also praised Governor Ododo for keying into the state’s 32-year development plan for being a worthy successor to former Governor Yahaya Bello who also earned commendation from both Ganduje and Vice President Shettima as a predecessor that has empowered and encouraged his successor to succeed.
Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, former Acting Governor of Kogi state, Chief Clarence Olafemi, governorship hopefuls Rear Admiral Jibrin Usman and Engr. Musa Wada, APC lawmakers from Kogi state and the lawmaker representing Ikeja federal constituency, Honourable James Faleke, former lawmakers and people from all walks of life attended the Kogi Dialogue.
A surprising highlight was the voluntary offer by Hon. Leke Abejide, a serving member of the House of Representatives from the opposition ADC and a former Governorship aspirant, to serve as the Director-General of Governor Ododo’s re-election campaign in 2027. This move symbolizes a shift in the political culture of the state, where unity and collaboration now take precedence over rivalry.
Beyond its political significance, the Kogi Dialogue also highlighted the state’s growing potential as an investment hub, as the event drew the attention of key business leaders and international stakeholders, emphasising Kogi’s emerging role as a prime destination for investment.
Ismaila Isah
Special Adviser on Media to Kogi State Governor
8th Feb, 2024
