It is nearly ten years since the passing of former Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu. In commemoration of his legacy, the Kogi State Government has set up a steering committee to organize the 10th anniversary ceremony of the late leader. The committee will be chaired by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu, with the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Ozigi Mamodu Deedat, serving as Secretary.
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‎Other members of the committee include Alhaji Yakubu Yusuf Okala, Hon. Suleman Baba Alih, Hajia Maymunah Eke Audu, Maryam Mauzu, Hon. Bashir Audu, Hon. Dan Okolo, Barrister Abdullahi Haruna (SAN), Dr. Joseph Erico Ameh, Hon. Musa Usman, Hajia Mariam Abedo, Hon. Tosin Lagba Olokun, and Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo.
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‎The committee has been tasked with planning, coordinating, and ensuring the success of the anniversary ceremony. Its inauguration took place on Saturday in Lokoja, led by the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, on behalf of the Governor.
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‎In his address, the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, said:
‎”You all recall that this leader dedicated his life to the service of Kogi and beyond. Although he passed away nearly ten years ago, we, his political disciples, have decided to honor him through this anniversary. To achieve a befitting ceremony, a committee has been established under the leadership of His Excellency, the Deputy Governor. We are gathered here to inaugurate this committee and contribute ideas to ensure a successful event. This is not about any individual, but about our state and showing the world that we value and cherish the legacy of our leader even in his passing.”
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‎In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Committee, Comrade Joel Salifu, praised the Governor for initiating a dignified steering committee to spearhead the state government’s arrangements for the 10-year remembrance of the late icon. He commended the administration for demonstrating empathy and commitment to honoring the state’s leaders.
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‎Comrade Joel recalled beginning his political journey in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, under the mentorship of the late Governor Abubakar Audu, and affirmed that the late Governor truly deserves this recognition and celebration.
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‎On behalf of the committee, Joel Salifu pledged that they would work diligently with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth and successful anniversary ceremony, promising not to disappoint the state and vowing to make the event a fitting tribute to the late Governor.
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