Ododo Reassures Igbo Community in Okun Land, Pledges Swift Support for Fire Victims

Ododo Reassures Igbo Community in Okun Land, Pledges Swift Support for Fire Victims

By Friday Joseph 

Lokoja 

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, recently reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unity, inclusion, and the protection of lives and livelihoods as he received leaders and members of the Igbo community resident in Okun Land during a courtesy visit marking his second year anniversary in office.

Describing the visit as deeply symbolic, Governor Ododo said he deliberately set aside other engagements to receive the delegation, noting that their presence revealed the enduring bond between his administration and the Igbo community in the state.

The Governor expressed profound appreciation for the community’s steadfast support, recalling their overwhelming turnout during the last election and their continued belief in his leadership. He revealed that his personal connection with the Igbo people dates back to his early life, adding that the very first help he received as a young man came from an Igbo benefactor, a gesture he said shaped his lifelong respect for the community.

Governor Ododo commended the Igbo residents for their peaceful conduct and law-abiding nature, stressing that Kogi State has not recorded any case of banditry linked to members of the Igbo community. According to him, this speaks volumes about their commitment to peace and coexistence.

Reassuring them of their safety, the Governor said his administration remains resolute in strengthening the state’s security architecture to ensure that all residents, regardless of ethnic or religious background, can live and do business without fear.

In a show of compassion, Governor Ododo sympathized with members of the community who recently lost their shops and goods to a devastating fire outbreak. He assured the victims that the state government would roll out concrete support measures to cushion their losses, promising that assistance would reach them on or before Friday.

Addressing other concerns raised during the visit, the Governor disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area regarding the community’s request for buses to support their commercial activities. He urged the Igbo residents to remain focused on their businesses while actively participating in ongoing party e-registration and voters’ registration exercises, noting that civic engagement remains key to accessing future opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the Igbo community, the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Barrister Dare, thanked Governor Ododo for his consistent support and inclusive governance style. He reaffirmed the community’s loyalty to the administration and commended the Governor for prompt payment of salaries and the creation of a business-friendly environment across the state.

Also speaking, the President General of the Igbo Communities in Okun Land, Mr. Okafor Ndubisi, praised Governor Ododo for his deliberate attention to the welfare of Igbo residents, stressing that the community remains solidly behind his government.

In his remarks, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, lauded the Governor’s proactive approach to security, which he said has significantly enhanced safety for traders and residents across Kogi State. He also commended the Igbo community for their continued cooperation with security agencies and unwavering support for the Ododo administration.

The visit ended on a note of renewed trust and shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and inclusive development in Kogi State.