Traditional Institutions Are Closest Authority To The People – Gov. Ododo

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has called for improved collaboration with the traditional institution to accelerate development and promote peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.

Governor Ododo stated this while presenting staff of office to the Akinrin of Ekinrin His Royal Highness, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju at the Government House in Lokoja on Friday.

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The Governor who extolled the rich cultural heritage of Ekinrin Adde Community, urged the new Akinrin of Ekinrin to use his position to foster peace and unity among the people.

Governor Ododo also called on the new Akinrin to support community policing initiative and attract investors to the community to usher in rapid development of the area.

He emphasized the need for cooperation between the traditional institutions and his administration for the peace and progress of the state, adding that his administration sees the traditional institution as the closest authority to the people at the grassroots and will therefore continue to encourage traditional rulers to collaborate with the government for the development of the state.

The Governor emphasized the role of the traditional institution in protecting moral values among the people, adding that his administration is prepared to support the traditional institution in the state to achieve its goal as custodian of culture and tradition.

He noted that his administration is working to ensure that the state’s resources begins to work for the people and cautioned against indiscriminate sale of land to potential land grabbers posing as investors in different communities in the state.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Salami Ozigi Deedat praised Governor Ododo’s commitment to equity and justice.

He congratulated the Akinrin of Ekinrin and urged the community to cooperate with the traditional ruler for peace and prosperity in the community.