“You Are the Leaders in Your Respective Local Government Areas, Take Charge” – Governor Ododo Charges His Commissioners

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on members of the State Executive Council to take full charge as leaders in their respective Local Government Areas, urging them to demonstrate true grassroots leadership and ensure that governance delivers real impact at the community level.

Governor Ododo gave the charge during the State Executive Council meeting held at the EXCO Hall, Government House, Lokoja.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the Governor reminded Commissioners that the Council is the highest decision-making body in the state and its members must be fully accountable to the people they serve.

“You are the leaders in your respective Local Government Areas. Take charge,” the Governor was quoted as saying. “Do not come here to tell me we are doing well; tell me what we need to do better.”

He emphasized that government officials must remain accessible to the grassroots and work closely with all stakeholders irrespective of political or religious sentiments to sustain peace and drive purposeful development. He directed the Commissioners to carry everyone along and learn from his style of leadership.

“Do not ignore any leader because of his political or religious beliefs. We are here to serve everyone, including those who did not vote for us”, the Governor was quoted to have said.

Governor Ododo also reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity and poverty head-on, stating that leadership requires proactive solutions rather than complaints.

“I was not elected to lament. I was elected to act. We will continue to work hard to address insecurity and poverty in our state,” he declared.

Addressing the issue of illegal mining and its implications for security, the Governor warned that no mining activity would be allowed to compromise the peace and safety of the state.

“We will not allow miners to create security challenges in the state. Anyone coming to explore minerals in Kogi must also contribute to the peace and security of our communities,” the Governor stated.

The remarks, according to Fanwo, reflect the Governor’s practical and performance-driven approach to leadership, and his administration’s commitment to grassroots inclusion and sustainable development.