Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has emphasized the importance of working closely with retired civil servants to foster growth and development in the state.

The Governor made this call during a meeting with the Forum of Retired Permanent Secretaries and former Heads of Service at the Government House in Lokoja over the weekend.

Governor Ododo commended the invaluable wealth of experience possessed by the retired officials, acknowledging their critical role in shaping Kogi’s public administration.

While reaffirming his commitment to inclusive governance, the Governor assured the group that his administration has adopted a consultative approach, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in moving the state forward.

He expressed gratitude for the dedicated service and support the retired officials had given to the state and urged them not to turn their backs on his administration.

He also promised to facilitate better mobility for the association.

The Chairman of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries of Kogi State, Okeme Jibril Abdullahi, commended the Governor for his visionary leadership and for continuing the positive trajectory established by his predecessor, Governor Yahaya Bello.

He praised the Governor’s achievements across various sectors, including public service reform, economic development, infrastructure, and agriculture stressing that a key milestone of the administration remains the timely and regular payment of salaries and pensions, which has greatly boosted the morale of retirees in the state.

Other retirees present at the meeting also expressed their appreciation for the Governor’s warm reception and his commitment to addressing their requests.

They described the Ododo administration as a government known for its responsiveness to citizens’ needs, and prayed for the continued success of his administration.