By Kingsley Femi Fanwo
In his inaugural speech as the Governor of Kogi State, the Chief Servant addressed his people with profound humility:
“You are the bosses because you hired me with your votes to serve you. The hiree cannot be bigger than the hirer. I will listen to you, I will serve you.”
Every word he spoke that day came from the depths of his heart. But beyond mere words, he has remained committed to translating them into action. It is no longer just a title—Nigerians now recognize him as the Chief Servant of his people. And he is truly serving.
Service, at its core, requires listening. You cannot effectively lead without understanding the people you serve. You cannot assume you know their needs without engaging them. And you cannot be certain you are on the right track without their validation. Leadership demands courage—the courage to step into the lives of the people, feel their pulse, share in their challenges, and reassure them that they are not alone. It is this principle that continues to define the leadership of His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of Kogi State.
A Leadership That Listens
On February 28, 2025, the Chief Servant embarked on a working visit to Yagba Federal Constituency, reinforcing his commitment to grassroots governance. His first stop was in Yagba West, where he met with the Traditional Council at the Palace of the Elegbe of Egbe. There, he charged the royal fathers with the responsibility of ensuring continued peace and security in their domains, assuring them of his administration’s unwavering support.
The Governor also visited the Forward Operating Base (FoB) of the Nigerian Army, a critical security infrastructure facilitated by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West. At the base, he engaged in a servant-to-servant dialogue with the officers and soldiers, recognizing their sacrifices in maintaining peace in Kogi West.
After attentively listening to their concerns, he assured them of his administration’s continued backing and urged them to act decisively in safeguarding lives and property.
One of the soldiers, who spoke anonymously to the Ministry of Information Media Crew, made a profound remark:
“I didn’t even know he was the Governor. He was so humble and down-to-earth. When he addressed us, you could see the passion in his eyes. He spoke from the heart, and now we know that our efforts are truly appreciated by the number one citizen of the state. We are motivated to do even more.”
This statement reflects what many have come to recognize as one of Governor Ododo’s greatest strengths—his humility. He disarms even his fiercest critics with his sincerity. His humility is not political; it is his nature. Leadership, after all, is about service, done with dignity, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Walking Among His People
From Egbe to Odo Ere, the Chief Servant freely interacted with his people, expressing gratitude for the mandate they gave him and reaffirming his commitment to serve. And the impact of his service is evident.
In Egbe, he inspected the ongoing road projects initiated by his administration, designed to transform the town into a modern urban center. As he walked through the streets, the people chanted his name, celebrating his efforts and expressing their appreciation for the developmental strides under his leadership.
At Odo Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area, he engaged directly with community leaders and civil servants. They had unrestricted access to their Chief Servant, seizing the opportunity to share their thoughts about his administration. The visit turned into a celebration, a testament to how deeply the people cherish his leadership.
In a heartwarming moment, civil servants in the area broke into song, thanking the Governor for his unwavering commitment to their welfare. The atmosphere across Yagba West was electrified with jubilation and gratitude, a reflection of the overwhelming support he enjoys.
Expanding Development to Yagba East
The Chief Servant’s journey continued to Yagba East Local Government Area, where he again engaged with traditional rulers and community stakeholders. A key highlight of this visit was the groundbreaking ceremony for a road construction project in Makutu, facilitated by Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, a legislator known for his dedication to his constituents.
At the event, Governor Ododo commended Abejide for his outstanding representation, describing him as a true advocate for the people. The warmth and admiration between the two leaders underscored the importance of collaboration in governance.
It was no surprise that as the Governor’s convoy passed through Mopamuro, residents lined the roads to cheer him on. His administration is currently rehabilitating the Mopa Township Roads, a project nearing completion and set to be commissioned soon.
A Leader Who Shares His People’s Burden
After a long day of engagement and project inspections, Governor Ododo returned to Lokoja around 11 PM. Despite the grueling schedule, his commitment to experiencing what his people go through remained unshaken.
In a remarkable display of leadership by example, he turned down an offer to use a helicopter for the trip. His explanation was profound:
“If I use a helicopter, how will I see the faces of those who hired me to work for them? How will I feel their pulse? How will I be able to read my ratings on their faces? How will I know their needs if I only fly to the places I want to visit? They use that road every day. I want to also go through what they go through daily so that I will know how to keep mounting pressure for rehabilitation and reconstruction. I want to see my people, I won’t use a helicopter.”
This is the kind of leadership that inspires trust, a leader who does not elevate himself above the realities of his people but instead walks with them, listens to them, and shares in their struggles.
Though the visit has ended, its impact lingers in the hearts of the people. More than just a tour, it was a reaffirmation of his commitment to governance that is people-centered and development-driven. His experiences from the visit have already shaped his next wave of projects for Yagba Federal Constituency.
Leadership is More Than a Word, it is an Act, an Attitude, and a Character
Congratulations to the Chief Servant.
Kingsley Femi Fanwo is the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications and he writes in from Lokoja
