Dignitaries on Saturday shut down the ancient town of Apata Oworo for the 10th Coronation Anniversary of HRH. Oba Frederick Durojaiye Balogun, the Olu Apata, Lagedu VI in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The epoch making event featured the launch of N500m Appeal Fund for the construction of skill acquisition and Multi-purpose Centre as well as conferment of Honourary Chieftaincy Titles on some distinguished personalities.
The Guests as well as sons and daughters of the Community both within and outside the Country gathered at the LGEA Primary School field to celebrate a revered Monarch, whose reign has been characterized by unprecedented peace, progress and development in the last 10 years.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, member representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency, Hon. Danladi Aguye, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Right. Hon. Aliyu Umar, his Lokoja one Constituency, Hon. Shehu Tijjani Ebaiya, Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Farouk Yahaya, Olu of Oworo land, Oba Mohammed Baiyerohi, the Bajana of Obajana, Oba Idowu Isenibi among others.
The Governor in a message to the colourful ceremony, extended the felicitation of the government and people of Kogi State to the Traditional Ruler, applauding his commitment to peace in his domain in the last 10 years on the throne of his ancestors.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, the Governor expressed appreciation to the people of the community for maintaining the existing peace and for the support given to Oba Balogun
Responding to a request for the completion of a Primary Health Care Project in the Community, Governor Ododo said the contractor will soon be mobilised back to the site to complete the job.
The Governor, who was conferred with a Honourary Chieftaincy title of Aare Atuluse of Apata land, said the government was aware of the importance of quality health care, hence the massive investment in the sector, pointing out that Apata community will not be left out in view of the increase in population of the Community.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Onimode Bandele lauded the selfless contributions of Oba Frederick Durojaiye Balogun to the sustainable peace, progress and development of the Community.
Dr. Bandele, who is the Director Planning, Forecasting and Research National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) noted that the skill acquisition facility it completed will provide economic opportunities for youths of the Community and beyond.
While Felicitating with the Apata paramount Ruler on his Coronation Anniversary, the NEMA Director urged sons and daughters of the Community to continue to support the Monarch in his quest to move Apata to enviable heights.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Right Hon. Aliyu Umar, who spoke on behalf of Political Office Holders from Lokoja Local Government, described Oba Frederick Durojaiye Balogun as a humble man, who has brought revolution to the Community.
The Speaker said he will soon sponsor a private member bill on Urbanizing Obajana and Apata Communities so as to attract more investors to them.
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The Olu Apata Lagedu VI, Oba Frederick Durojaiye Balogun expressed appreciation to his subjects for their unwavering support and communal efforts so far, urging them to sustain the good job.
“This togetherness has largely accounted for the level of quantum leap development our community has witnessed in the last 10 years under my reign. This singular and collective efforts of our people have enabled us to make groundbreaking achievements in infrastructure development among others, is another testament that so much can be achieved when people are United in purpose.
According to him, since ascension to the throne ten years ago, Apata has remained “one peaceful and accommodating Community” that has now become a cosmopolitan town.
He stated that the community has made remarkable achievements in 10 years with the building of Magistrate Court, building of four blocks of classrooms for LGEA primary school, office accommodation for officers and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps among others.
The Apata Paramount Ruler disclosed that the Community has earmarked over 10km by 5km land for people interested in investing in the Community.
He appealed to the State government to concentrate on Apata Community by building Housing Estates and International building material hub as it has vast land and resources yet to be tapped into.
Oba Balogun reiterated the loyalty and support of Apata Community to the State Governor, describing his leadership as exemplary.
Others conferred with Honourary Chieftaincy titles are; immediate past Secretary to Kogi State Government, Emeritus Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede, General Manager of Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency, Mallam Dauda Momoh as Mayegun of Mopa land and Barr. Funmilayo Schule as Erelu of Apata land just to mention but a few.
