Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has reiterated that his administration will continue to partner with individuals and groups committed to the development of Kogi State, as political leaders and supporters from opposition parties in Dekina Local Government Area declared support for the Governor following their return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor received the defectors at the Government House, Lokoja, following a well-attended defection rally held earlier in Dekina Local Government Area.
Governor Ododo commended the new entrants into the APC for placing the collective interest of their people and the state above political affiliations, describing the people of Dekina as dependable partners in the development agenda of his administration.
He stressed that the welfare of the people remains the central focus of his government, assuring that his administration is ready to collaborate with individuals, groups and organisations whose vision aligns with efforts to reposition Kogi State for sustainable growth and economic prosperity.
The governor assured the delegation that the requests presented to him would receive due attention, announcing that work on the Dekina Township Road would commence soon alongside other critical projects as requested by the community.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deepen youth and women empowerment programmes, noting that stronger collaboration with critical stakeholders would broaden the reach and impact of government policies and programmes across the state.
Governor Ododo further highlighted Dekina’s vast agricultural potential, particularly in cashew production, saying strategic investment in the sector could transform the local economy, create jobs and boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
Earlier, the State Auditor-General, Yakubu Okala, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, described the defectors as respected political leaders, successful entrepreneurs and notable philanthropists whose decision to join the APC would further strengthen the party in Dekina Local Government Area.
He said the defection ceremony, which attracted a large crowd of supporters, reflected the growing confidence of the people in Governor Ododo’s leadership and developmental vision.
Okala identified the leader of the delegation, Abubakar Abdulazeez, as a prominent Abuja-based businessman, alongside other eminent personalities from the area who have continued to contribute to the growth of their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Abubakar Abdulazeez who led the delegation attributed their decision to join the APC to what he described as the governor’s remarkable development strides across Dekina and Kogi State, saying they were convinced to align with an administration that has demonstrated commitment to inclusive governance and people-oriented development.
According to him, their decision was not only a political defection but a homecoming driven by a shared desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state.
He thanked Governor Ododo for personally receiving them and for giving deserving sons and daughters of Dekina the opportunity to serve in key positions in his administration.
Abdulazeez appealed to the governor to sustain investments in road infrastructure and healthcare by upgrading and renovating health facilities in Dekina, while commending his inclusive style of leadership.
The defectors pledged their unwavering support for Governor Ododo’s administration, assuring him of their commitment to mobilising more people across Dekina Local Government Area in support of the Governor’s vision for a more prosperous Kogi State.
