By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi on Saturday commended the people of Takete-Ide in Mopamuro Local Government Area for their unity, resilience, and commitment to community development, describing the town as one rich in culture, heritage, and human capital.

Gov. Ododo who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Oyibo Salihu gave the commendation during the 2025 Takete-Ide Day Celebration, where he assured the community of his administration’s commitment to improving, education, healthcare, and security in the area.

The Governor, who spoke glowingly of the people’s self-help spirit, noted that government alone cannot achieve everything by itself, adding that his administration values communities with such spirit that enhances state progress through collaboration and proactive efforts.

“Government cannot do it alone. We appreciate communities like yours that complement the state’s developmental strides through unity and self-driven initiatives.”

The Governor revealed that the state government had concluded technical assessments of the Takete-Ide-Amuro-Ayede-Amuro road and assured the people that construction works would soon begin, and thereafter directed the State Road Maintenance Agency (KOGROMA) to immediately grade and fill critical portions with laterite to make it motorable.

Listing the achievements of his administration in the area, Governor Ododo disclosed that the Government Day Secondary School, Takete-Ide, had been remodeled and made conducive for learning, with approval granted for the provision of new furniture.

He also disclosed that the GYB Health Centre in Takete-Ide was one of the over 200 primary healthcare centres being upgraded across the state.

The Governor expressed gratitude to the people of the community for their continued support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that the party has maintained constant victory in the ward since 2019.

“The projects we are doing here today are the fruits of your faith and your votes. I assure you, we will not disappoint you,” he said.

Governor Ododo further commended the community’s contribution to human capital development through educational and agricultural empowerment, citing the participation of their girls in the AGILE Programme and the training of youths in modern farming techniques and agribusiness.

On security, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to sustaining peace across Kogi West, stating that local hunters and vigilantes have been recruited, trained, and integrated into the security architecture of the state.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We have strengthened grassroots security and provided pensionable appointments to our Vigilante Service men and women, many of whom are from this community,” he added.

Governor Ododo also used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his bold economic reforms, noting that the improved fiscal resources to sub-nationals have enabled states like Kogi to deliver more impactful projects.

“His reforms have supported the survival of the poor and placed our nation on the path of prosperity. Only the enemies of the poor are not comfortable with his reforms,” the Governor stated.

While congratulating the people of Takete-Ide on the successful celebration, the Governor concluded by urging the people to remain united and committed to preserving their cultural heritage, describing culture as “our identity, our pride, and a unifying force.”

“Takete-Ide will not be forgotten, More development projects are on the way”, Governor Ododo assured.

The festival was witnessed by top government functionaries, including
the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma; Special Advisers to the Governor on Environment, Civil Service Matters; Aboh Ibrahim and Alilu Yakubu Erosion respectively.

Others at the event were traditional rulers, community leaders and eminent sons and daughters of Takete-Ide community both at home and in the diaspora.

The Kogi State Government has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent appointment of Major General Waidi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff.

The latest appointment highlights the recognition, trust and confidence the president has in the abilities and capacities of distinguished sons and daughters of Kogi State in pivotal national roles.

In a press release signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the appointment as a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to fairness, equity, and recognition of merit in national service.

Governor Ododo remarked, “The elevation of Major General Shaibu is not only a source of pride for the people of Kogi State but also serves as an inspiration. His exemplary record of professionalism, discipline, and unwavering dedication to duty distinguishes him as a fine officer and a true patriot.”

The Governor expressed confidence in Major General Shaibu’s capabilities, asserting that he is well-equipped to fulfill the mandate of strengthening the Nigerian Army and enhancing national security efforts.

While congratulating Major General Shaibu on his well-deserved appointment, Governor Ododo assured President Tinubu of the unflinching support and loyalty of the Government and people of Kogi State to his administration.

He also extended prayers for divine wisdom and protection for the new Army Chief as he embarks on his critical responsibilities in service to the nation.

Many observers view the latest appointment as a milestone and great landmark for Kogi State, which will further strengthen the state’s presence within the top ranks of the Nigerian armed forces.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally ushered in a new era of leadership today with the historic handover to its newly appointed substantive Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, in a ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters.

The event, which was marked by a sense of solemn duty and renewed commitment to democracy, served as an official introduction between the new Chairman and the core management staff of the Commission.

In her heartfelt welcome address, the Acting Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, formally presented the handover notes to Professor Amupitan. She described the day as “a significant moment in the life of our commission and indeed our nation’s democratic journey.”

She highlighted the critical timing of his appointment, coming on the heels of the Commission’s final preparations for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for 8th November 2025.

“You are assuming office at a most crucial time,” she stated, noting the absence of four National Commissioners who were currently in Anambra State on a readiness assessment exercise. “The task ahead, no doubt, is enormous. Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher.”

She assured the new Chairman that he was stepping onto “firm and fertile ground” laid by his predecessors and expressed unwavering confidence in the staff of INEC, whom she described as “some of the finest, most experienced, and most patriotic public servants in Nigeria.”

The ceremony featured the formal introduction of the Commission’s directors, referred to as the “generals on the field of electioneering,” who head INEC’s 23 departments. The directors present represented the full spectrum of the Commission’s operations.

The event was also graced by a high-powered delegation from the University of Jos, the alma mater of the new Chairman, underscoring the institution’s significant contribution to the nation’s electoral body. The delegation included the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), the Bursar, and the Librarian.

Also present in a show of support were Professor Amupitan’s wife, Professor Yemisi Amupitan, and their children.

In his inaugural address, Professor Amupitan expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and acknowledged the weight of the responsibility bestowed upon him.

He assured the staff of his commitment to “upholding the highest standard of integrity, transparency, and discipline,” and immediately zeroed in on the upcoming Anambra election, declaring it “a pivotal opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.”

“The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion,” he stated, emphasizing the need to restore voter confidence and address voter apathy.

Professor Amupitan called for unity and synergy among the Commission’s various departments.

“Let us break down silos. Foster open communications and create an environment where every voice is heard and valued,” he urged.

Significantly, he announced that staff welfare would be a top priority of his administration. “It’s a priority because we are going to expect so much from you. So, we need also to be so honest to meet your expectations,” he said, promising to be just and fair.

He concluded on a hopeful note, expressing his belief in the collective ability of the Commission to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly to create legitimacy of our elections.”