LOKOJA, KOGI STATE – Hon. Barr. Moses Okezie-Okafor, the Director-General of Research and Development of Kogi State, has issued warm congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on his first 100 days in Office.
In a statement released earlier today the Director-General highlighted the remarkable achievements of Governor Ododo's administration in the short period under review and noted that progress made has been satisfactory, especially as a pointer to what the people should expect going forward.
In particular, he commended Governor Ododo for his work towards fostering unity among the people of Kogi State, particularly in the aftermath of the recent gubernatorial elections which had initially caused some divisions within the polity. He emphasized the governor's commendable humility in taking the first steps to initiate reconciliation and emphasize collective progress.
Barr. Moses Okezie-Okafor thereafter commended the governor's commitment to the welfare of his citizens via distribution of sundry forms of palliatives to ameliorate the challenges posed by food inflation following the removal of fuel subsidy and the harmonization of the naira exchange rates by the federal government. According to him, 'the exercise has been remarkably transparent and inclusive across the state'.
Still on welfare, he celebrated Governor Ododo for not only sustaining the payment of 100% of salaries and pensions to civil servants at the State level of service set by the previous administration of his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello in the State, but going further in April to increase salaries to 85% and pensions to 100% at the local government level from previous lower thresholds, proving that well-laid foundations are truly the basis for strong superstructures.
Furthermore, he praised Governor Ododo's proactiveness towards enhancement of roads and civil engineering infrastructure across the state, noting that expanding access to critical utilities remains the surest route to accelerated improvement of the quality of life for the people of Kogi State.
The Director-General also lauded the governor's efforts in prioritizing the security of lives and property in the state, citing the distribution of numerous security vehicles and gadgets to security agencies in all local governments of the state as proof of his administration's determination to ensure peace and security reigns all over the state. He opined that security and prosperity are inextricably intertwined, noting that 'security is prosperity and prosperity is security in the existential dynamics of today's Nigeria'.
As Kogi State marks this significant milestone for Governor Ododo's Administration, Barr. Okezie-Okafor expressed optimism for the continued success and prosperity of the state under his leader's visionary leadership. He urged all stakeholders to continue supporting the governor's agenda for the growth and development of Kogi State.
The Director-General, who was reappointed to the Office and simultaneously readmitted into the Kogi State Executive Council for the third time by Governor Ododo appreciated God for giving life and health to the Governor, members of the administration and all Kogites. He concluded by reaffirming his unwavering support and that of the Igbo Community in Kogi State for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his administration and prayed The Almighty God to grant His Excellency wisdom to pursue excellent service delivery for Kogites of all extractions.
- Correspondent, Kogi State
