People of the South-South Geopolitical Zone resident in Kogi State have endorsed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term in office.

The group cited his inclusive leadership and development strides across the state as reasons for backing the Governor’s reelection bid in 2027.

The group announced its support during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government in Lokoja.

The President of South-South Indigenes in Kogi State, Mike Abu, described the visit as historic, saying it was the first time, to his knowledge, that a sitting Governor had formally engaged the South-South community in the state.

He highlighted the administration’s interventions in healthcare, education, security, infrastructure, the Kogi International Airport, Kogi International Market and the regular payment of workers’ salaries as some of the developments that informed the group’s endorsement of the Governor for re-election in 2027.

Abu commended Governor Ododo for policies which, he said, had benefitted residents irrespective of their places of origin, describing the South-South people as industrious contributors to the state’s economic growth.

Responding, Governor Ododo thanked the South-South community for their support and contributions to the development of Kogi State.

He also expressed appreciation to them for backing the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Governor assured the group that its requests, including the proposed allocation of land for a South-South Town Hall, mobility support and consideration for appointments, would receive appropriate attention.

He also urged the group to shun violence and resist attempts by politicians to use them as agents of destruction during the forthcoming election season, assuring that his administration would continue to invest in their future and create opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.