By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House, Lokoja
October 9, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on Christian and Muslim leaders to intensify the preaching of peace, unity and peaceful coexistence, urging them to protect young people from political manipulation and violence ahead of future elections.
Governor Ododo made the appeal when he received representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) at the Government House, Lokoja, where he commended the religious bodies for sustaining a cordial relationship that has strengthened peace and unity across the state.
The Governor expressed profound appreciation to the religious leaders for their prayers, wise counsel and continued support for his administration, attributing the prevailing atmosphere of harmony in Kogi State to their spiritual leadership and commitment to peaceful coexistence. He described the sight of Muslim scholars and Christian clerics sitting together as a powerful demonstration of brotherhood, stressing that religious institutions should remain instruments of unity rather than division.
Ododo maintained that religious leaders were not the problem of the state, identifying selfish political interests and the manipulation of young people for destructive purposes as greater threats to peaceful coexistence. He, therefore, urged the clergy to use their pulpits, sermons and counselling sessions in churches and mosques to discourage political thuggery, violence and other acts capable of undermining the state’s stability.
The Governor also stressed the importance of prayers and divine guidance in governance, assuring the religious leaders that his administration would continue to welcome their advice and constructive contributions to the development of Kogi State. He appealed to them to sustain their prayers for the government, security agencies and citizens, noting that peace remains fundamental to meaningful development.
Highlighting the state’s growing strategic importance, Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Kogi indigenes to important national positions, particularly in the security and administrative sectors. He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s approval for Kogi State to host the forthcoming Nigerian Army Annual Conference, describing such recognition as an opportunity to strengthen the state’s profile and contribute to national security discourse.
The Governor further pointed to major federal and state development initiatives, including the rehabilitation of the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene highway, the establishment of a special agro-processing zone and plans for an international airport, as investments expected to improve livelihoods, create economic opportunities and contribute to long-term security. He stressed that sustainable peace requires not only effective security measures but also economic empowerment, development and an environment in which citizens can pursue legitimate opportunities.
Responding, the Chairman of CAN in Kogi State, Adebayo Olaniyan, appreciated the Governor for recognising the contributions of religious leaders and maintaining an open channel of engagement with them. He assured the administration of their continued support and commitment to promoting peace, unity and religious tolerance. Similarly, the Chairman of JNI, Usman Bello, reaffirmed the organisation’s support and pledged continued prayers for the Governor, his administration and the overall peace and progress of Kogi State.
