From Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe, Lokoja
A former Minister of State for Employment, Prof. Stephen Ocheni, has called on all stakeholders to join hands together in building a united and prosperous Kogi State.
Prof. Ocheni made the call on Monday in Lokoja at the Nigeria Post Kogi at 33 lecture and awards 2024 with the topic, “Sustaining Kogi’s Unbroken Unity, Prospects and Possibilities, This House Must Not Fall.”
Represented by a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Ali Atabor, Kogi State Council, the former Minister noted that fanning the embers of division around the ethnic or religious lines will spell doom for Kogi State.
While congratulating Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on his recent victory affirming him as the duly elected Governor in Kogi State, Prof. Ocheni said: “As we mark this significant occasion, we reflect on the journey of our state from its inception to the present day. We remember the visionaries who fought for its creation and the sacrifices made to build a better future for us.
“Today, we celebrate the progress we have made, the challenges we have overcome, and the opportunities that lay ahead. We recognize the contributions of our past leaders, who paved the way for us, and the resilience of our people, who have made Kogi State a beacon of hope.
“As we gather here, we are reminded of the rich cultural heritage that binds us together. We celebrate our diversity, our traditions, and our values, which make us stronger and more united.
“This event with the theme,” Sustaining Kogi’s Unbroken Unity, Prospects and Possibilities, This House Must Not Fall” is not just a celebration but also a call to action. I have been told that many scholars are billed to present papers on topics that highlight the importance of building a united and prosperous Kogi State.”
He, however, commended the Editor-in-Chief of the Nigeria Post Newspaper,, Mike Ab,u, for the initiative and commitment to promoting the state’s history and development.
He enjoined participants to celebrate Kogi State’s achievements and looked forward to a brighter future.
“Let us use this opportunity to rekindle our sense of purpose, to recommit ourselves to the development of our state, and to work together towards a common goal,” he added.
Adding his voice on the need to promote unity and diversity in Kogi State, a former lawmaker representing Kogi West, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, recalled his role that led to the creation of Kogi State in 1991.
Represented by a former Commissioner in Kogi State, Alhaji Yabagi Bologi, Senator Ogbeha said,” Despite the dynamic of power play 33 years ago, I ensured that Lokoja is the State capital. I am very optimistic that Kogi State will be great. We won’t allow the house we built over the years fall”.
The immediate past Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Mathew Kolawol,e, stressed the need for Kogites to develop under the unity of purpose and not be divided by politics.
He commended the Publisher of the Nigeria Post newspaper for his efforts in promoting unity in the State, adding that the idea of sentiment and nepotism should be shunned by the People.
The guest Speaker at the event, Prof. John Alabi, stressed unity and Justice for development in Kogi State.
“There cannot be development when there is no unity. Unity will be a mirage, except there is justice. When we are looking at development, we must be united because we are one. Everyone has a part to play in promoting unity and development in Kogi State,” he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Editor-in-Chief of Nigerian Post newspaper, Mike Abu, acknowledged the current economic quagmire in the Country, noting that Nigerians should support the present administration to succeed.
“Never in the history of Kogi State has the people been so divided following what played out during the last Governorship election. We thank God that the Supreme Court has given its verdict to put to rest this ethnic pol.
“Ethnic politics that has divided us for months.Unity in diversity is our strength, so Kogi State must be united, as we must not allow the house fail,” he added.
He explained that, the awardees were carefully selected based on their positive impacts in the State stressing that, they deserves to be appreciated for their good work to humanity.
Abu commended the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for putting measures in place to address some challenges confronting the people.
“In 2022, greater water work was badly damaged. Alhaji Usman Ododo is making frantic efforts to resuscitate it. I must commend Senator Tunde Ogbeha for providing a facility so that water can return back to the State capital. In few days from now, water will be reticulating around the nooks and crannies of Lokoja metropolis”
The awardees are Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Senator Sunday Karimi, Rt. Hon. Mathew Kolawole, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu, Amb. Usman Bello, Alhaji. Isah Adeboye, Hon. Paul Haruna, Barr. Zaccheaus Michael Dare, Prof. Avidemi and Barr. Cosmos Atabor.
Other awardees of the Nigerian Post newspaper for 2024 are Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina, Hon. Paul Yahaya, Hon. Haruna Ibrahim, Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, Comrade Hamza Aliyu, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, Hon. Haruna Gowon, Her Excellency, Olutokunbo Awoniyi, DCG Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, Mr. Nathaniel Akowe, Hajia Hamidat Adams Onota, Ms Halima Sadiq, High Chief Iweha Empire, Hajia Gimba Momoh and High Chief Meka Sylvanus Adeshina.
