The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to delivering more infrastructural and human capital development projects across all parts of the State irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations. He urged citizens to continue supporting government efforts by providing credible security intelligence, noting that security remains a collective responsibility.
Governor Ododo gave this reassurance today, Saturday, 25th October 2025, during the celebration of Takete-Ide Day in Mopamuro Local Government Area of the State.
In his address, the Governor assured the people of Takete-Ide that the Effo–Takete-Ide–Aghara Road, on the Kabba/Bunu axis, would soon be constructed, providing a lasting solution to their long-standing transportation challenges. He explained that the necessary assessments had already been completed by the State Ministry of Works.
“I am aware of the challenges confronting this community, particularly the deplorable state of your road, which links several communities and at least three local government areas. Our administration is already working to address this. The engineers from the Kogi State Ministry of Works have completed all the necessary assessments, and I can assure you that work is in progress to provide a lasting solution,”
The Governor stated.
For immediate intervention, Governor Ododo directed the Kogi State Road Maintenance Agency (KOGROMA) to make the Takete-Ide–Amuro–Ayede–Amuro Road motorable through grading and filling of critical portions with laterite.
He also promised to engage the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and relevant development partners to support the completion of the Traditional Ruler’s Palace Project in the community.
Governor Ododo, who was ably represented by his Deputy, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, described Takete-Ide as a land rich in culture, human resources, and heritage. He congratulated all sons and daughters of the community on the celebration and commended them for their unity and resilience.
He further extolled the community for producing great personalities who have distinguished themselves in various fields, singling out the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, as one of its illustrious sons who has remained loyal, dedicated, and productive in service to the State.
“Under our leader, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, we worked closely with your son, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, for eight years. Today, we are still working together under the administration of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. Let me say this with all sense of appreciation, Kogi State is grateful to Takete-Ide for giving us such a committed, visionary, and loyal son in Fanwo. He has remained steadfast in promoting the progress of our dear State, and we are proud of him,”
The Deputy Governor emphasized.
His Excellency commended the community for their remarkable self-help efforts in providing basic infrastructure, emphasizing that government cannot do it alone. He encouraged more communal initiatives to complement the administration’s developmental strides.
In his remarks, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his love and concern for the people, describing him as a true Chief Servant committed to transparent and people-oriented governance.
He also described Takete-Ide Day as a celebration of tradition, culture, love, and unity among the people of the kingdom.
During the event, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Chief Eric Fiki, and Chief Samuel O. Ipinlaiye were decorated as Cultural Ambassadors of Takete-Ide for their immense contributions to the development of the community. The honor was bestowed on them by the Olu Ide of Takete-Ide, HRH Oba Philip Ebilakun.
The President of Takete-Ide Progressive Union (TIPU), Chief (Builder) Dare Fiki, applauded the Governor for his numerous developmental strides across the State and appealed for urgent attention to the Effo–Takete-Ide–Aghara Road. He also thanked all dignitaries, royal fathers, and guests for gracing the colorful event.
In his closing remarks, the Elulu of Mopa and Chairman, Traditional Council of Mopamuro Local Government Area, HRM Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, commended Governor Ododo for his transformative initiatives across Kogi State, while appealing for prompt intervention on the Effo–Takete-Ide–Aghara/Otafun Road.
As part of activities marking the celebration, a novelty football match was held on Friday, 24th October, between the Takete-Ide Progressive Union (TIPU) and the Takete-Ide Students Union (TISU), which ended 2–1 in favor of TIPU, with both goals scored by Hon. Fanwo following an impressive performance.
Highlights of the grand event included colorful cultural displays by various groups and the showcase of traditional delicacies from the community’s rich heritage.
Adegboyega Segun
Information Officer
Ministry of Information and Communications
