Gov Ododo Swears in New LG Chairmen
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo has sworn in the newly elected chairmen and deputy chairmen of the 21 local governments in the state to dedicate themselves to the people they represent.
Ismaila Isah, Special Advisor to the Governor for Media and Publicity, made the statement in Lokoja on Monday.
He said the swearing-in ceremony took place at the Government House in Lokoja.
The governor urged the new chairmen to initiate projects and programs that will improve the lives of residents and maintain the tempo of development at the grassroots level.
He also urged the new municipal chairmen to transform the lives of the people in their respective municipalities by ensuring the security of lives and property and by participating in the administration’s signature programs in the areas of health, agriculture, social welfare, and empowerment initiatives.
Ododo said, “You need to be transparent and accountable in running the affairs of your local governments. You must see elections as an opportunity to legitimize the autonomy of local government administration by prioritizing matters that directly affect the lives of people at the grassroots in a positive way.”
The governor also noted that local governments are the most important tier of government and the closest to residents, and encouraged the new chair to involve residents in all activities and to involve all stakeholders in the decision-making process.
He also stated that in line with the administration’s policy of bringing municipalities closer to residents, municipal administration must not only be seen but also felt by residents.
In response, Tosin Orokun, chairman of the Yagba West municipality, speaking on behalf of the 21 municipality chairmen, promised to complement the efforts of the state government by initiating projects and programs that will transform the lives of the people at the grassroots.
He also promised to unite people irrespective of their political differences in line with the state government’s agenda under Governor Ododo to unite the people of the state and focus on development.
