Kogi Int. Carnival: Kogi Deputy Gov Advocates For Sustained Peace And Unity Of The State
Democracynewsline
The Kogi International carnival, which commenced on the 1st of December 2024, brought forth moments of jubilation, dance, shared joy and the spirit of coexistence as it continues across the three senatorial districts of the state.
During the Kogi East segment of the carnival, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu, emphasized the importance of continued peace and unity among the people for the overall advancement of the state.
Addressing a large crowd of sons and daughters of Igala/Bassa kingdom in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area, today, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu expressed that the residents of Kogi are a one united and indivisible people bound by love and harmony.
He attributed the evident happiness on the faces of the people to the commendable efforts of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, lauding the governor for commencing an initiative that aims to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, foster unity, and harness the diverse cultural assets for the state’s progress.
Deputy Governor Joel Salifu highlighted the government’s timely and improved disbursement of salaries and pensions to workers, and the ongoing infrastructural projects across the state as commendable feats of the governor, affirming him as a Godsend to the people.
Encouraging the sons and daughters of Igala/Bassa kingdom to set aside past experiences from the last gubernatorial election and rally behind the current administration to succeed, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu noted the significant turnout at the event as a sign of readiness among the people of Kogi East to speak with one voice once more.
He commended the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the organizing committee, political office holders from the zone, traditional rulers, student union bodies, artists, and cultural troupes for their collective efforts in making the day a resounding success.
Earlier in her address, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Asharu Okpanachi, noted that the Kogi State International carnival, which kicked off on the 1st of December, is segmented across the state’s three senatorial districts, with Kogi East hosting its own festivities following Kogi West’s event on the 3rd, leading up to Kogi Central’s celebration before the grand finale in Lokoja on the 7th of December 2024.
She extolled Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for pioneering this unprecedented event in the state’s history, acknowledging his exceptional regard for the people of Kogi East despite their low support in the last gubernatorial election.
Asharu Okpanachi urged the people, especially those from opposition parties, to support the government to deliver good governance to the populace.
The attendees were captivated by the musical performances, dances, and artistic displays by artists and troupes drawn from the nine local government areas of Kogi East, including Echoga Abocho, Ebije1 of Ofudu Ajaka, Egwu Gbom-Gbom of Ibaji, Omabe, and other masquerades. The sensational Duncan Mighty and Ibro-ZuleZoo concluded the program with enthralling songs and dances.
Deputy Governor Joel Salifu was accompanied to the event by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwudah, DG Kogi State Community Watch and Ancillary Matters, Hon Muhammed Nasiru Alfa, Kogi East Zonal Chairman of APC, Hon Mikhail Suleiman Mohammed, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Ethics and Values, Sheik Sani Musa, among other aides.
Unubi Emmanuel
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
04/12/2024
