Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, has sworn in and assigned portfolios to the new Commissioners in his cabinet.
This follows the swearing-in of the Commissioners by the State Solicitor General, Falilat Yusuf.
Apart from the commissioners, other appointees in the administration were also sworn in and charged to unite and work as a team in order to make a difference in the lives of the people who entrusted them with their votes during last year’s governorship election.
Governor Ododo gave the charge on Wednesday while addressing the political office holders shortly after the oath of office was administered to them at Government House.
According to him, the commissioners and other appointees who are technocrats were carefully selected based on their antecedents and impressive past performances in office.
He admonished them to work with humility without discrimination, and to be dedicated to ensuring they fulfill their part for the rapid growth of the state.
“Let me remind you of the high expectations of the people, not only because of the exceptional performance of the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello but because we promised to consolidate.”
While admonishing them to redouble their efforts to deliver on his electoral promises, he added, “We must prioritize the interest of the people. Work without fear or favour to justify their trust in us because the people voted us into power.”
Speaking further, the Governor, who noted that they were servants of the masses and not leaders as widely thought, added that they owed the people good governance and appealed to the masses to keep them in their prayers for success as they work within their powers to meet their collective aspirations.
“The mandate is yours, please pray for us to succeed. I promise you we are going to serve. As a united people and your governor, I will lead by example, and I will prioritize quality service delivery, and accountability, transparency in everything I do.”
Speaking, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, charged the newly sworn-in appointees to put in their best to touch more lives at the grassroots. He said, “Reach out to people in your communities. Let the people at the grassroots feel the impact of the government. Carry them along so that APC can continue to win in subsequent elections.”
The party chairman cautioned that the APC would not hesitate to discipline any appointee found wanting in adhering to instructions meant for the good of the party, noting that it was only by toeing the laid down rules that development can be recorded.
In a goodwill message, the Secretary to the state government, Folashade Arike Ayoade, expressed gratitude to the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, whom she said has taught them well and bequeathed a viable system to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“Governor Ododo is out to work for the good of the people, the mandate given to him is for the people. And he has hit the ground running because we promised not to disappoint the people but to consolidate and continue the good works,” she said.
Also speaking on behalf of the commissioners, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Salami Ozigi Deedat, who described Governor Yahaya Bello as a leader with uncommon courage, assured the people that they would work to make the state compete favorably with its counterpart states.
The commissioners are:
- Muizdeen Yunus Abdullahi, Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice
- Engr Mohammed Abdulmutalib, Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development
- Barr Salami Ozigi Deedat, Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs
- Dr. Adams Abdulazeez, Commissioner for Health
- Haj. Fatima Momoh, Commissioner for Women Affairs
- Mr. Abanika Taye, Commissioner for Urban Development and Housing
- Mohammed Muktar Shuaibu, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry
- Engr Mohammed Yusuf, Commissioner for Works
- Haj. Rabietu Okute, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation
- Hon Timothy Ojoma, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security
- Alh. Asiwaju Idris, Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning
- Engr. Bashir Abubakar Muhammed, Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources
- Hon Sunday Faleke, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter governmental Relations
- Hon. Femi Fanwo Kingley, Commissioner for Information and Communications
- Engr Farouk Yahaya Danlaladi, Commissioner for Water Resources
- Hon. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management
- Hon Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology
- Mr. Anyebe Aridaolo Monday, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development
The new political appointees are:
- Head of Service, Pastor Elijah Evinemi
- State Security Adviser, Rtd Commander Jerry Duro Omadara
- Director General of Protocol, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim
- Special Adviser on Media, Alhaji Isah Ismail
- Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Oladele John Nihi
- State Legal Adviser, Femi Adegboyega
- Local Governments Auditor General, Hon. Siyaka Yakubu Adabenege
In a historic move for Kogi Governance, Governor Ododo stressed the implementation of strict Performance Evaluation, leaving no room for laxity. This signals a commitment to accountability and excellence in the government.
