President Tinubu calls for unity, commends Kogi’s progress under Governor Ododo

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the importance of national unity as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s progress, urging leaders to draw inspiration from the natural confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Speaking at the Kogi Dialogue on Monday, marking Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s first year in office, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, called on leaders to prioritize collaboration and dialogue for the nation’s prosperity.

“The convergence of these rivers is not just a geographical event; it is a divine lesson in strength and continuity,” Tinubu said.

“Just as water merging with water becomes stronger, so must we, as leaders and citizens, combine our efforts to build a united and prosperous Nigeria.”

The President praised Governor Ododo for initiating the Kogi Dialogue, describing it as a significant step toward reconciliation and development. He urged leaders to reject division, embrace unity, and use dialogue as a tool for resolving conflicts and fostering national cohesion.

“Now is the time to reject division and embrace unity as the only formula that works,” Tinubu said. “Chaos and discord are ladders for the self-serving, but unity is the bridge that carries us all forward.”

President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges of governance, including economic pressures and security threats, noting that true leadership is tested in turbulent times.

He encouraged Nigerians to see themselves as “threads in the intricate fabric of progress” and to prioritize collective welfare above personal ambitions.

In his remarks, Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to the President and the people of Kogi State for their support over the past year.

He highlighted his administration’s achievements, including upgrades to healthcare facilities, improvements in education infrastructure, the introduction of free basic education, and bursaries for tertiary students.

“Kogi is blessed with rich human, natural, and material resources. The time is ripe to recalibrate our socio-economic fortunes and take the state to greater heights,” Ododo said, calling on citizens to focus on the state’s growth.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended the cordial relationship between Governor Ododo and his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello, describing it as a model for other states.

“The healthy relationship between predecessors and successors is vital for state development,” Ganduje said, urging other governors to emulate Kogi’s example.

Former Governor Yahaya Bello praised the current administration for aligning with the vision of Kogi’s founding fathers and its focus on progress.

The event featured the commissioning of road projects completed by Governor Ododo’s administration.

Prominent figures at the event included Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, former Kogi State Governor Captain Idris Wada, and APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Bukar Dalori, among others.

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