By Rotimi Odofin
The Kogi State Government has assured the Forum of Progressive Secretaries to State Governments of its commitment to upholding human development policies and programs aimed at improving the quality of life for its citizens.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo reiterated his administration’s readiness to implement the resolutions of the Forum during the quarterly meeting of Secretaries to State Governments under the All Progressive Congress (APC) held in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.
Representing Governor Ododo at the event, the State Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo emphasized the importance of collaboration between Governors and their Secretaries to the Government, highlighting the crucial role that SSGs play in the success of any state government.
Governor Ododo, through his Deputy, urged the SSGs to demonstrate loyalty, commitment, innovation, confidentiality, and diligence in carrying out their official duties.
He emphasized the significance of maintaining trust and integrity in their roles.
In her welcome speech, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, extended a warm welcome to the Secretaries to the Government of the States governed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Confluence of opportunities.
She described the conference as a gathering to celebrate the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and progressive governance.
“Today, we are not only convening to discuss the vital issues that affect our states and our nation, but we are also here to celebrate the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and progressive governance that defines our party and our collective missions. This conference serves as a pivotal platform for us to share insights, strategies, and best practices that will further the development and prosperity of our respective states”, she said.
Dr. Folashade highlighted the achievements of the previous administrations as a testament to collaborative leadership and innovative governance.
She noted that significant progress had been made in various sectors such as security, healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Furthermore, she emphasized that the success of governance in the state had garnered recognition from credible local and international agencies.
She praised His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for laying a solid foundation upon which the incumbent Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is building.
Dr. Folashade expressed confidence that Governor Ododo would surpass the benchmarks set by his predecessor by upholding the principles of integrity, inclusiveness, and innovation.
The Acting Director-General of the Forum, Mr. Folorunsho Aluko, explained that the Progressive Governors Forum was established in 2013 to mobilize APC state governments in promoting human development, poverty eradication, job creation, and overall improvement of citizens’ lives.
He further stated that the Forum aims to identify and leverage each state’s unique advantages within the APC-controlled states, while also reviewing and influencing Federal Government policies on independent power generation and student loan programs.
