Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has urged people of Okun land to unite behind efforts by the state government to defeat rising insecurity in the state.
Governor Ododo stated this when he received leaders of the Okun Development Association (ODA) at the government house in Lokoja.
The Governor assured that his administration is intensifying efforts to confront insecurity and socio-economic challenges facing communities in Okun land and other parts of the state.
He stressed that the meeting with Okun leaders was strategic as it aims to address security concerns and development needs in the area.
Governor Ododo told the delegation that criminal activities in the area stem from a mix of unemployment, illegal mining, and communal divisions—factors he says government and stakeholders are now jointly addressing.
The Governor added that community sensitization and coordinated security action are already yielding results.
On their part, leaders of the Okun Development Association, led by Ambassador Akenson Rotimi, pledged full support for the administration of Governor Ododo.
Rotimi hailed the Governor for improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare—highlighting ongoing infrastructure development of Kogi State University Kabba as a pivotal achievement.
The Association used the opportunity to announce the launch of the Okun Security Trust Fund, designed to strengthen collaboration between security agencies and community security interventions.
On his part, Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, Hon. Dare Joshua commended the Governor for the developmental strides of his administration in the last two years, assuring that local government authorities would continue to support the fight against insecurity in the state.
Governor Ododo was formally decorated as Patron of the Okun Development Association, a gesture the group says reflects his ongoing commitment to the ensuring peace and security in Okunland.
